Chapter 13.14
CROSS-CONNECTION REGULATIONS
Sections:
13.14.030 Cross-connections regulated.
13.14.040 Backflow prevention device requirement.
13.14.050 Installation requirements.
13.14.070 Annual testing and repairs.
13.14.080 Costs of compliance.
13.14.090 Termination of service.
13.14.010 Definitions.
The words and phrases set out in this section are defined as follows:
A. “Approved backflow prevention assembly” means a device to counteract back pressures or prevent back siphonage. This device must appear on the list of approved devices issued by the Washington State Board of Health.
B. “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.
C. “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 of Sultan.
D. “Back pressure” means backflow caused by other means that could create pressure within the system greater than the potable water supply system.
E. “Cross-connection” means any physical arrangement where a public water system is connected, directly or indirectly, with another nondrinkable water system or auxiliary system, sewer, drain conduit, swimming pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, swamp coolers, 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 change-over devices, or other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because of which, backflow may occur are considered to be cross-connections.
F. “Premises” means any piece of land to which water is provided including all structures, improvements, mobile home(s) and other facilities located on it.
G. “Public water system” means any system excluding a system serving one single-family residence, providing piped water for human consumption.
H. “Purveyor” means any agency or subdivision of the state or any municipal corporation, firm, company, mutual or cooperative association, institution, partnership or person or any other entity that owns or operates a public water system. It also means the authorized agents of any such entities.
I. “Reduced pressure principle assembly” shall mean 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. A check valve is approved if it appears on the list of approved devices issued by the Washington State Board of Health.
J. “City” means the city of Sultan. (Ord. 566, 1991)
13.14.020 Purpose.
The purpose of these regulations is to protect the water supply of the city of Sultan from contamination or pollution due to any existing or potential cross-connections. (Ord. 566, 1991)
13.14.030 Cross-connections regulated.
A. No cross-connections shall be created, installed, used or maintained within the territory served by the city of Sultan, except in accordance with these regulations.
B. The control or elimination of cross-connections shall be governed by Chapter 246-290 WAC as it now exists or as it may hereafter be amended, and these regulations. The policies, procedures and other criteria for determining appropriate levels of protections shall be in accordance with the “Accepted Procedure and Practice in Cross-Connection Control Manual,” Pacific Northwest Section, American Water Works Association Fifth Edition or any superseding edition.
C. The city of Sultan requires that all plumbing and sprinkler plans be submitted to the utility department for review and approval prior to installation on all new construction or any plumbing or sprinkler system changes. (Ord. 566, 1991)
13.14.040 Backflow prevention device requirement.
Approved backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed at the expense of the owner, either at the service connection or within the premises as determined by a certified cross-connection inspector employed by the city in each of the following circumstances:
A. If the nature and extent of any activity of the premises, or the materials used in connection with any activity of the premises, or materials stored on the premises, could contaminate or pollute the drinking water supply;
B. On premises having any one or more cross-connections as that term is defined in SMC 13.14.010(E);
C. Internal cross-connections that are not correctable, or intricate plumbing arrangements which make it impractical to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist;
D. A repeated history of cross-connections being established or reestablished;
E. Unduly restricted entry so that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or with sufficient notice to assure that cross-connections do not exist. A reduced pressure backflow assembly will be required to be installed at the service connection;
F. Materials of a toxic or hazardous nature being used such that, if back siphonage should occur, a health hazard could result;
G. Any mobile apparatus which uses the city’s system or water from any premises within the city’s system;
H. On any premises where installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly is deemed to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of these regulations in the judgment of a certified cross-connection specialist employed by the city;
I. On any premises where an appropriate cross-connection report form has not been filed with the office of the city utility department;
J. All unified plumbing codes must be maintained;
K. All rental properties shall have a RP assembly at the service connection. (Ord. 566, 1991)
13.14.050 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. 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;
B. Assemblies must be installed at the location specified in the inspection report by the city. Alternate locations must be approved in writing by the city prior to installations;
C. The device must be protected from freezing and other severe weather conditions;
D. All backflow device prevention assemblies to be installed shall be of a type and model preapproved by the Washington State Board of Health and the city of Sultan;
E. Only assemblies specifically approved by the Washington State Board of Health for vertical installation may be installed vertically;
F. The device shall be readily accessible with adequate room for maintenance and testing. Devices two inches and smaller shall have at least six inches clearance on all sides of the device. All devices 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 device and 36 inches above the device;
G. If written permission is granted to install the backflow assembly inside of the building, the assembly shall be readily accessible during working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday;
H. Upon completion of inspection by the city or an authorized specialist employed by the city and where a backflow assembly is deemed necessary, the type of device and installation plans shall be submitted to the city for approval prior to installation;
I. Upon completion of inspection, the city shall be notified and all assemblies must be inspected and tested by a state certified tester. All backflow assemblies must be registered with the city. Registration shall consist of date of installation, make, mode, serial number of the backflow assembly, and initial test report. (Ord. 566, 1991)
13.14.060 Access to premises.
Authorized employees of the city of Sultan, with proper identification, shall have access during reasonable hours 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 at reasonable times and on reasonable notice for inspection by a cross-connection specialist appointed by the city, a reduced pressure principle assembly will be required to be installed at the service connection to that premises. (Ord. 566, 1991)
13.14.070 Annual testing and repairs.
All backflow devices installed within the territory served by the city shall be tested immediately upon installation and annually thereafter by a state certified tester. All such assemblies found not functioning properly shall be promptly repaired or replaced by the water user. If any such assembly is not promptly repaired or replaced, the city may deny or discontinue water to the premises. All testing and repairs are the financial responsibility of the water user. (Ord. 566, 1991)
13.14.080 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 to which water is supplied. (Ord. 566, 1991)
13.14.090 Termination of service.
Failure on the part of any customer to discontinue the use of all cross-connections and to physically separate cross-connections is sufficient cause for the immediate discontinuance of public water service to the premises (WAC 246-290-490). The city of Sultan reserves the right to deny service or discontinue the supply of water to any consumer not in compliance with this and all other applicable regulations pertaining to public water systems. (Ord. 566, 1991)