(a) Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to protect the public water supply of the City of Bedford from contamination or pollution by establishing requirements for the installation, maintenance, and testing of backflow prevention devices. The Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative shall be responsible for enforcing and administering this section.
(b) Backflow Prevention Devices.
(1) If in the judgment of the Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative, an approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each service line connection, where in the judgment of the Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative, an actual or potential hazard to the public water supply exists.
(2) The City of Bedford shall maintain a list of approved backflow prevention devices and shall provide such information to property owners upon request.
(c) Testing and Repairs.
(1) All installed backflow prevention devices must be tested at least once every twelve months by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester approved by the Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative, or designee. All tests shall be submitted to the City of Bedford or its designee.
(2) Property owners are responsible for record-keeping, scheduling, and covering the costs associated with the testing, repairs, and maintenance of their backflow prevention devices.
(3) The City of Bedford or its designee shall provide written notification to property owners at least fifteen days prior to the due date for the annual backflow prevention device testing. The notification shall include information on the testing requirements, the deadline for compliance, and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
(4) In the event of a failed backflow test, property owners must promptly hire a licensed plumber or contractor to make necessary repairs or replacements to bring the backflow prevention device into compliance.
(5) The repaired or replaced backflow prevention device must be repaired and tested within 30 days of the initial failure, and the certification of compliance must be submitted to the City of Bedford or its designee.
(6) Failure to address and rectify failed backflow tests within the specified timeframe may result in penalties, including fines or water service disconnection.
(d) Surveys.
(1) The Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative may conduct periodic surveys of properties to ensure compliance with backflow prevention device installation, maintenance requirements, and proper protection of the public water supply.
(2) The Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative shall have the right to enter any property at any reasonable time for the purpose of conducting surveys and inspections. Failure to grant access may result in penalties, including fines or water service disconnection until access is provided for necessary surveys or inspections.
(e) Notice of Violation. Property owners found in violation of this section shall receive written notice specifying the nature of the violation and the required corrective actions.
(f) Water Service Disconnection.
(1) In the event that a property is found to be in violation of this section the Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative, after reasonable notice, may disconnect the water service to the property until the necessary corrections are made.
(2) A one hundred dollar ($100.00) turn-on fee will be assessed for the restoration of water service after disconnection.
(g) Additional Backflow Prevention Measures.
(1) Residential property owners may be required to install backflow prevention devices even if not explicitly required by this ordinance, as an additional measure to protect the public water supply.
(2) Property owners shall keep records of all backflow prevention device installations, tests, and maintenance activities for inspection by the Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative.
(h) Enforcement.
(1) The Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this section. Enforcement actions may include fines, water service disconnection, or other remedies deemed appropriate by the Water Purveyor, or its duly authorized representative. Water service to such property shall not be restored until such conditions shall have been eliminated or corrected in compliance with these provisions of this section.
(2) Violations of this section may also be subject to legal action as allowed by applicable laws.