Chapter 10.24
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM
Sections:
10.24.030 Cross-connections regulated.
10.24.040 Backflow prevention assembly requirements.
10.24.060 Right-of-way encroachment.
10.24.080 Installation requirements.
10.24.100 Annual testing and repairs.
10.24.140 Costs of compliance.
10.24.150 Termination of service.
10.24.160 Violations – Penalties.
10.24.170 Provisions as to availability of materials.
10.24.010 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
“Approved backflow prevention assembly” or “backflow assembly” or “assembly” means an assembly to counteract back pressures or prevent back siphonage. This assembly must appear on the list of approved assemblies issued by the Washington State Department of Health.
“Auxiliary supply” means any water source or system other than the public water system, that may be available in the building or on the premises.
“Backflow” means the flow in the direction opposite to the normal flow or the introduction of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances into the water system of the city’s water.
“Boresight” or “boresight to daylight” means providing adequate drainage for backflow prevention assemblies installed in vaults through the use of an unobstructed drain pipe.
“City” or “the city” shall mean the city of Ritzville, Washington.
“Contamination” means the entry into or presence in a public water supply system of any substance which may be deleterious to health and/or quality of the water.
“Cross-connection” means any physical arrangement where a public water system is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other nondrinkable water system or auxiliary system, sewer, drain conduit, swimming pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, swamp cooler, or any other device which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage, or other liquid of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water system as a result of backflow. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because of which, backflow may occur are considered to be cross-connections.
“Degree of hazard” means the low or high hazard classification that shall be attached to all actual or potential cross-connections.
“Director” means the director of public works of the city of Ritzville, or authorized agent.
“Double check valve backflow prevention assembly” or “double check assembly” or “double check” means an assembly which consists of two independently operating check valves which are spring-loaded or weighted. The assembly comes complete with a shut-off valve on each side of the checks, as well as test cocks to test the checks for tightness.
“Health hazard” means an actual or potential threat of contamination of a physical or toxic nature to the public potable water system or the consumer’s potable water system that would be a danger to health.
“High hazard” means the classification assigned to an actual or potential cross-connection that potentially could allow a substance that may cause illness or death to backflow into the potable water supply.
“Low hazard” means the classification assigned to an actual or potential cross-connection that potentially could allow a substance that may be objectionable, but not hazardous to one’s health, to backflow into the potable water supply.
“Plumbing hazard” means an internal or plumbing-type cross-connection in a consumer’s potable water system than may be either a pollutional or a contamination-type hazard. This includes, but is not limited to, cross-connections to toilets, sinks, lavatories, wash trays, domestic washing machines and lawn sprinkling systems. Plumbing-type cross-connections can be located in many types of structures including homes, apartment houses, hotels and commercial or industrial establishments.
“Point-of-use isolation” means the appropriate backflow prevention within the consumer’s water system at the point at which the actual or potential cross-connection exists.
“Pollutional hazard” means an actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the water system or the potability of the public or the consumer’s potable water system but which would not constitute a health or system hazard, as defined. The maximum degree of intensity of pollution to which the potable water system could be degraded under this definition would cause a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or could cause minor damage to the system or its appurtenances.
“Potable water supply” means any system of water supply intended or used for human consumption or other domestic use.
“Premises” means any piece of property to which water is provided including all improvements, mobile structures and structures located on it.
“Premises isolation” means the appropriate backflow prevention at the service connection between the public water system and the water user.
“Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly” or “reduced pressure principle assembly” or “RP assembly” means an assembly containing two independently acting approved check valves together with a hydraulically operated, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves and at the same time below the first check valve. The assembly shall include properly located test cocks and tightly closing shut-off valves at the end of the assembly.
“System hazard” means an actual or potential threat of severe danger to the physical properties of the public or consumer’s potable water system or of a pollution or contamination which would have a detrimental effect on the quality of the potable water in the system.
“Thermal expansion” means heated water that does not have the space to expand.
“Used water” means any water supplied by the city to a customer’s property after it has passed through the service connection and is no longer under the control of the city. (Ord. 932 § 1:01, 1996).
10.24.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the water supply of the city from contamination or pollution due to any existing or potential cross-connections. (Ord. 932 § 1:02, 1996).
10.24.030 Cross-connections regulated.
No cross-connections shall be created, installed, used or maintained within the territory served by the city, except in accordance with this chapter. (Ord. 932 § 1:03, 1996).
10.24.040 Backflow prevention assembly requirements.
A representative of the water system of the city shall determine the type and location of backflow assembly to be installed within the area served by the city. An assembly will be required in each of the following circumstances, but the representative is in no way limited to the following circumstances:
A. The nature and extent of any activity of the premises, or the materials used in connection with any activity on the premises, or materials stored on the premises, could contaminate or pollute the potable water supply.
B. Premises having any one or more cross-connections or potential cross connections as that term is defined in RCC 10.24.010 are identified or are present.
C. Internal cross-connections are present that are not correctable.
D. Intricate plumbing arrangements are present that make it impractical to ascertain whether cross-connections exist.
E. There is a repeated history of cross-connections being established or reestablished.
F. There is unduly restricted entry so that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency to assure that cross-connections do not exist.
G. Materials are being used such that, if backflow should occur, a health hazard could result.
H. Installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly is deemed to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of these regulations in the judgment of the city.
I. A fire sprinkler system using nonpotable piping material is connected to the city’s water system.
J. All new construction, if deemed necessary. The type of assembly will be commensurate with the degree of hazard as determined by the representative of the city.
K. When a building is constructed on commercial premises, and the end use of such building is not determined or could change, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly will be installed at the service connection that supplies water for public domestic use.
L. All facilities that require continuous, uninterrupted water service and are required to have a backflow assembly must make provisions for the parallel installation of assemblies of the same type so that testing, repair and maintenance can be performed.
M. Any used water return system.
N. In the event a point-of-use assembly has not had the testing or repair done as required by this chapter, premises isolation assembly will be required.
O. If it is determined that additions or rearrangements have been made to the plumbing system without obtaining proper permits as required by the city code enforcement division, or notifying the city, premises isolation will be required. (Ord. 932 § 1:04, 1996).
10.24.050 Mobile units.
A. Any mobile unit or apparatus that uses city water or water from any premises within the public works department of the city must obtain a permit from the city before using any water. These mobile units will include, but are not limited to, carpet-cleaning vehicles, water-hauling vehicles, street-cleaning vehicles that use water, portable toilet-hauling and water service vehicles, septic tank-cleaning vehicles that use water. A fixed air gap or backflow assembly mounted either on the mobile unit or piping system may be required.
B. The city reserves the right to revoke the business license of the owner of the apparatus or mobile unit if the owner fails to comply with above procedures. (Ord. 932 § 1:05, 1996).
10.24.060 Right-of-way encroachment.
A. No person shall install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly upon or within any city right-of-way except as provided in this section.
B. The city reserves the right to have an assembly installed in the right-of-way.
C. A backflow prevention assembly required by the city may be installed upon or within any city right-of-way only if the owner proves to the city that there is no other feasible location for installing the assembly, and installing it in the right-of-way will not interfere with traffic or utilities. The city retains the right to approve the location, height, depth, enclosure, and other requisites of the assembly prior to its installation.
D. All permits required by the city code to perform work in the right-of-way shall be obtained.
E. The assembly shall be installed below or flush with the surrounding grade except when it is not practicable to install it in this manner. Any assembly or portion of an assembly which extends above ground shall be located no closer than 18 inches to the face of the curb.
F. A property owner shall, at the request of the city and at the owner’s expense, relocate a backflow prevention assembly which encroaches upon any city right-of-way when such relocation is necessary for street or utility construction or repairs or for purposes of public safety.
G. A person commits an offense if he/she fails to relocate a backflow prevention assembly located in or upon any city right-of-way after receiving a written order from the city to do so. (Ord. 932 § 1:06, 1996).
10.24.070 Plumbing code.
As a condition of water service, customers shall install, maintain, and operate their piping and plumbing systems in accordance with the Washington State Plumbing Laws and Administrative Rules and, if applicable, in accordance with city of Ritzville plumbing code. (Ord. 932 § 1:07, 1996).
10.24.080 Installation requirements.
To ensure proper operation and accessibility of all backflow prevention assemblies, the following requirements shall apply to the installation of these assemblies:
A. All backflow prevention assemblies or devices installed within the area served by the city of Ritzville public water system will be installed in accordance with the most recent applicable plumbing codes and the applicable publication of the Pacific Northwest Section Manual, Accepted Procedure and Practice, that has been adopted by the city of Ritzville from time to time by resolution or otherwise.
B. No part of the backflow prevention assembly shall be submerged in water or installed in a location subject to flooding. If installed in a vault or basement, adequate drainage shall be provided.
C. Premises isolation assemblies must be installed immediately downstream of the water meter, before any branch in the line. Alternate locations must be approved in writing by the city prior to installation.
D. The assembly must be protected by the property owner from freezing and other severe weather conditions.
E. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be of a type and model approved by the state of Washington Administrative Code and the city.
F. Only assemblies specifically approved by the Washington Administrative Code for vertical installation may be installed vertically.
G. The assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for maintenance and testing. Assemblies two inches and smaller shall have at least six inches clearance on all sides of the assembly. All assemblies larger than two inches shall have a minimum clearance of 12 inches on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock side, 12 inches below the assembly and 36 inches above the assembly.
H. If written permission is granted to install the backflow assembly inside of the building, the assembly must be readily accessible during regular working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
I. An assembly installed inside of the premises and installed three feet above the floor must be equipped with a rigidly and permanently installed scaffolding acceptable to the city. This installation must also meet the requirements set out by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state of Washington Occupational Safety and Health Codes.
J. RP assemblies may be installed in a vault only if relief valve discharge can be drained to daylight through a bore sight-type drain. The drain shall be of adequate capacity to carry the full rated flow of the assembly and shall be screened on both ends.
K. An approved air gap shall be located at the relief valve orifice of all RP assemblies. This air gap shall be at least twice the inside diameter of the incoming supply line as measured vertically above the top rim of the drain and in no case less than one inch.
L. Upon completion of installation of any additional assemblies within the premises, the city must be notified and all assemblies must be inspected and tested, as required in this section. All backflow assemblies must be registered with the city. Registration shall consist of date of installation, make, model, size, serial number of the backflow assembly, location, and initial test report. (Ord. 1092 § 177, 2005; Ord. 932 § 1:08, 1996).
10.24.090 Access to premises.
Authorized employees of the city, with proper identification, shall have access during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to all parts of a premises and within the building to which water is supplied. However, if any water user refuses access to a premises or to the interior of a structure during these hours for inspection by a cross-connection specialist appointed by the city, a reduced pressure principle assembly will be installed at the service connection to that premises. (Ord. 932 § 1:09, 1996).
10.24.100 Annual testing and repairs.
All backflow assemblies installed within the territory served by the city shall be tested immediately upon installation and at least annually thereafter by a state-certified tester. All such assemblies found not functioning properly shall be promptly repaired or replaced at the expense of the property owner. If any such assembly is not promptly repaired or replaced, the city may deny or discontinue water to the premises. (Ord. 932 § 1:10, 1996).
10.24.110 Thermal expansion.
It is the responsibility of the property owner to eliminate the possibility of thermal expansion, if a closed system has been created by the installation of a backflow assembly. (Ord. 932 § 1:11, 1996).
10.24.120 Pressure loss.
Any reduction in water pressure caused by the installation of a backflow assembly is not the responsibility of the city. The city will give reasonable assistance to the owner regarding information on adequate sizing of assemblies and proper plumbing practices to provide for required pressure and flows for fire protection. (Ord. 932 § 1:12, 1996).
10.24.130 Rental properties.
The property owner is responsible for the installation, testing and repair of all backflow assemblies on their property. When the tenants change, or if the plumbing is altered in any way, it is the responsibility of the owner to notify the city. (Ord. 932 § 1:13, 1996).
10.24.140 Costs of compliance.
All costs associated with purchase, installation, inspections, testing, replacement, maintenance, parts, and repairs of the backflow assembly are the financial responsibility of the property owner. (Ord. 932 § 1:14, 1996).
10.24.150 Termination of service.
Actual or potential cross-connections declared in this chapter to be unlawful, whether presently existing or hereinafter installed, and/or service requiring backflow prevention assemblies pursuant to this chapter are public nuisances, and, in addition to any other provisions of this code or the ordinances of the city of Ritzville on abatement of public nuisances, shall be subject to abatement in accordance with the following procedure:
A. In the event that the public works director or his designee determines that a nuisance as herein provided does exist, written notice shall be sent to the person in whose name the water service is established under the records of the city of Ritzville water division, or alternatively, a copy of such written notice shall be posted by the city of Ritzville water division.
B. The notice shall provide that the nuisance described herein shall be corrected within 30 days of the date the notice is mailed or posted on the premises or water service will be discontinued.
C. In the event the nuisance is not abated within the prescribed time, water service to the city of Ritzville premises shall be discontinued.
D. In the event that the public works director or his designee determines that the nuisance presents a high hazard to the public water system, the nuisance shall be corrected within a prescribed time to be determined by the city of Ritzville.
E. In the event that the nuisance, in the opinion of the public works director, or his designated representative, presents an immediate danger of contamination to the public water supply, service from the city water supply system to the premises may be terminated without prior notice; provided, however, notice will be posted on the premises in the manner heretofore provided at the time the service is terminated. (Ord. 932 § 1:15, 1996).
10.24.160 Violations – Penalties.
In addition to the remedies set forth in this chapter, any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be punishable in accordance with RCC 1.02.010, General penalty. (Ord. 1092 § 178, 2005; Ord. 932 § 1:16, 1996).
10.24.170 Provisions as to availability of materials.
The city clerk/treasurer is directed to maintain at all times one copy of WAC 246-292-050, and one copy of the most recently adopted (by the city of Ritzville) edition of the Pacific Northwest Section American Water Works Association Cross Connection Control Manual, accepted procedure and practice, for public use and inspection during regular city business hours. (Ord. 1092 § 179, 2005; Ord. 932 § 1:17, 1996).