(a) Installation and testing requirements.
(1) The purpose of this section is to require that, when a cross connection or health hazard has been identified, all water flowing from the public water system into that private water system must flow through an approved backflow prevention assembly. Further, each backflow prevention assembly must be properly located, installed, maintained, and tested so that the backflow prevention assembly is effective in protecting the public water system from any possible contamination or pollution.
(2) The installation or replacement of a backflow prevention assembly for domestic water use shall only be performed by a licensed plumber or the utilities department. The installation, replacement or repair of a backflow prevention assembly on a dedicated fire sprinkler service shall only be performed by a licensed fire sprinkler contractor. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a certified backflow technician.
(3) All construction plans and specifications for premises which will receive service from the Village of Bald Head Island public water system shall be made available to the backflow administrator for review and approval; to determine the degree of hazard; and to determine any backflow prevention assembly required to be installed.
(4) All facilities zoned commercial that have existing water services with the Village of Bald Head Island and which request certificate of occupancy, whether for new construction or change of use, shall be inspected for compliance of backflow prevention and cross connection prevention. Any facility not having backflow protection or changing the degree of hazard shall be brought into compliance before the backflow administrator may approve issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
(5) The backflow administrator will determine whether a customer must install a backflow prevention assembly. Any unapproved backflow prevention assembly must be replaced with an approved backflow prevention assembly, within the following time period after notification by the backflow administrator.
Severe health hazard 7 days
Moderate health hazard 30 days
Low health hazard 60 days
If a severe health hazard or any threat of contamination or pollution to the Village of Bald Head Island public water system is detected, the backflow administrator may require the installation of the required backflow prevention assembly immediately, or within a shorter time period than specified above. If installation is not completed within the specified time period, water service may be discontinued or other action taken as authorized by ordinance or law.
(6) All backflow prevention assemblies must be installed and maintained on the customer's premises as part of the customer's private water system at or near the service connection and before the service line is connected to any other pipes, except as authorized by the backflow administrator.
(7) Any branch of plumbing installed on the private water system that may be of a greater hazard than the supply line, (examples: irrigation systems or fire pump systems, etc.) shall be protected with the appropriate backflow prevention device, as determined by the backflow administrator.
(8) Any customer installing a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) or double check valve assembly (DCVA) must provide the following information to the backflow administrator within ten days after installation:
a. Owner;
b. Service address where assembly is installed;
c. Date of installation;
d. Type of assembly;
e. Manufacturer;
f. Model number;
g. Serial number;
h. Test results/reports.
(9) Each backflow prevention assembly that is required must function properly at time of installation. Each customer will be required to maintain, and repair each assembly required as part of their private water system. For any assembly, installation, test or repair, the customer, at its expense, will have a certified tester test the assembly and forward the Results to the backflow administrator within ten days of completion of the test or repair.
(10) Each customer must maintain a complete copy of test or repair for no less than five years. All test and repair records must he maintained on forms approved by the backflow administrator.
(b) Installation location requirements.
(1) Backflow prevention assemblies must be located in a place where it is readily accessible for regular testing, maintenance, repair, and inspection. Bypass lines parallel to a backflow prevention assembly shall have an approved backflow prevention assembly that is equal to that on the main line.
(2) Reduced pressure zone assembly (RPZ).
a. Above ground or indoor installation is preferred and encouraged.
b. Below ground installation is strongly discouraged, and shall only be allowed in special cases as approved by the backflow administrator. The vault shall have positive drainage with adequate gravity drainage to atmosphere and must be in a location where no portion of assembly can become submerged at any time or under any circumstances or conditions.
c. Fifteen inches minimum clearance from vault floor and walls.
d. Horizontal installation unless manufacturer states otherwise.
e. Installation in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
f. Located where it is readily accessible for regular testing, maintenance, and inspection.
(3) Double check valve assembly (DCVA).
a. Above ground or indoor installation is preferred and encouraged.
b. Below ground installation is strongly discouraged, and shall only be allowed in special cases as approved by the backflow administrator. The vault shall have positive drainage with adequate gravity drainage to atmosphere and must be in a location where no portion of assembly can become submerged at any time or under any circumstances or conditions.
c. Fifteen inches minimum clearance from vault floor and walls.
d. Vertical or horizontal installation acceptable.
e. Installation in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
f. Located where it is readily accessible for regular testing, maintenance, and inspection.
(4) Air gap (AG).
a. Above ground installation only.
b. Must be in a location where no portion of assembly can become submerged at any time under any circumstances or conditions.
(Ord. of 10-26-2007)