Unless otherwise specifically designated by the Public Works Director:
(A) An approved backflow prevention shall be 1 of the following types:
(1) Air gap. An unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the opening of any pipe or faucet supplying potable water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other device and the flood level rim of the tank, plumbing fixture or other device. An approved air gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe or faucet and in no case less than 1 inch.
(2) Reduced pressure principle assembly (“RP”). An assembly containing 2 independently acting approved check valves together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves and below the first check valve. The assembly shall include properly located test cocks equipped with brass plugs and tightly closing resilient seat shut-off valves at each end of the assembly.
(3) Pressure vacuum breaker assembly (“PVB”). An assembly containing an independently operating, loaded check valve and an independently operating, loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check valve. The assembly shall be equipped with properly located test cocks equipped with brass plugs and tightly closing resilient seat shut-off valves at each end of the assembly.
(4) Double check valve assembly (“DC”). An assembly containing 2 independently acting approved check valves including properly located test cocks equipped with brass plugs and tightly closing resilient seat shut-off valves at each end of the assembly.
(B) An approved backflow prevention method is required in accordance with the edition of the International Plumbing Code as adopted and amended by the town.
(C) Where there is a question or a facility or activity is not specifically listed in the International Plumbing Code as adopted and amended by the town, The Building Official, in conjunction with the Public Works Director, shall determine on a case-by-case basis backflow prevention requirements for any facility or activity.
(D) All assemblies shall be accessible for testing, inspection and maintenance. A reduced pressure principle assembly or double check valve assembly shall not be installed in a basement, meter box, pit or vault unless adequate clearance and drainage is provided. A pressure vacuum breaker assembly shall be installed above ground.
(E) Unless a cross connection problem is specifically identified, or as otherwise provided in this chapter, the requirements of this section do not apply to single-family residences used solely for residential purposes. Home occupation or home businesses shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
(F) An air gap separation shall be located as close as practical to the customer’s point of service delivery. All piping between the customer’s connection and receiving tank shall be entirely visible unless otherwise approved by the Building Official and the Public Works Director. CLOSE AS PRACTICAL means the point nearest the service delivery where the assembly can be installed. Where the assembly location may interfere with obstacles such as driveways and sidewalks, then CLOSE AS PRACTICAL is the nearest point after the obstacle but in no event beyond the first tap.
(Ord. 04-578, passed 7-22-2004; Am. Ord. 2022-913, passed 2-22-2022)