Chapter 13.35
CROSS-CONNECTIONS
Sections:
13.35.050 Inspection/right of entry.
13.35.010 Definitions.
This section will interpret and define certain words and terms set forth in this chapter.
“Backflow” means the flow other than the intended direction of flow of any foreign liquids, gases or substances into the distribution system of the public drinking water system of South Bend.
“Backflow prevention device” means a device manufactured and intended to counteract backpressure or prevent backsiphonage into the public drinking water supply system as approved by the Washington State Department of Health for that purpose.
“Contamination” means the entry into, or the presence in, the public drinking water system of any substance or matter when present in drinking water above an acceptable level which may adversely affect the health of the consumer and/or the aesthetic qualities of the water consumed.
“Cross-connection” means any physical arrangement whereby public drinking water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device or vessel which contains or may contain contaminated water, sewage or other waste or liquids of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water supply system of South Bend as a result of backflow.
“DCDA” means double check detector backflow prevention assembly.
“DCVA” means double check valve backflow prevention assembly.
“Director” means the city of South Bend director of public works or his designated agent.
“PVBA” means pressure vacuum breaker assembly.
“RPBA” means reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
“RPDA” means reduced pressure principle detector backflow prevention assembly.
All definitions contained in Chapter 246-290 WAC, as amended as of or after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, shall by this reference be considered definitions within this section. (Ord. 1312 § 1, 2004).
13.35.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health of the water consumer and the potability of the water in the distribution system. Inspection and regulation of all actual or potential cross-connections between potable and nonpotable systems is required in order to minimize the danger of contamination or pollution of the public potable water supply. No water service connection to any premises shall be installed or continued in use and no water service shall be provided by South Bend unless South Bend’s water supply is protected by backflow prevention devices as may be required by this chapter or Chapter 246-290 WAC or any superseding code section. The installation or maintenance of a cross-connection which will endanger the water quality of the potable water supply of the city shall be unlawful and is prohibited. Any such cross-connection now existing or hereafter installed is declared to be a public nuisance and the same shall be abated. Controlling and preventing cross-connections is accomplished by either removing the cross-connection or installing an approved backflow prevention assembly to protect the public potable water supply.
The city is required to eliminate or control all cross-connections throughout its service area. Therefore, anyone wanting or using water from the city is required to comply with these regulations. The owner of the property in which a cross-connection occurs is fully responsible for all damages incurred. (Ord. 1312 § 2, 2004).
13.35.030 Enforcement.
The director of public works will enforce the provisions of this chapter. The public works director may delegate responsibilities to a certified cross-connection control specialist/inspector. The provisions of this chapter may supersede state regulations but in no case shall they be less stringent. All approved standards, policies and methods of operation shall be approved by the director of public works, and may be revised or modified as the need arises. All backflow prevention assemblies required by this chapter shall be a model approved by the state of Washington.
Approved backflow prevention assemblies required by this chapter shall be installed under the direction of the director of public works and/or under the supervision of the cross-connection specialist/inspector per the city standards. The device shall be located so as to be readily accessible for maintenance and testing. (Ord. 1312 § 3, 2004).
13.35.040 Testing.
All RPBAs, RPDAs, DCVAs, DCDAs and PVBAs are required to be tested at least annually and all air gaps installed in lieu of an approved backflow prevention assembly shall be inspected at least annually. Completed test reports shall be returned to the city within 30 days after receipt of the yearly test notification. Tests and inspections may be required on a more frequent basis at the discretion of the director of public works. All costs for testing and inspection of backflow prevention devices shall be borne by the customer. (Ord. 1312 § 4, 2004).
13.35.050 Inspection/right of entry.
Authorized employees of the city with proper identification shall have free access at reasonable hours of the day to all parts of the premises or within buildings to which water is supplied. Water service shall be refused or terminated to any premises for failure to allow necessary inspections. (Ord. 1312 § 5, 2004).
13.35.060 Compliance.
Failure of the customer to cooperate in the installation, maintenance, repair, inspection or testing of backflow prevention assemblies required by this chapter shall be grounds for termination of water service to the premises or the requirement for an air gap separation. (Ord. 1312 § 6, 2004).
13.35.070 No duty of care.
The provisions of this chapter are adopted in the furtherance of the general health, safety and welfare of the city and are not meant to create a duty of care with respect to any individual, utility service user or customer. (Ord. 1312 § 7, 2004).