(A) The purpose of this subchapter is to protect the public water supply system of the city from the possibility of contamination by isolating real or potential sources of contamination or pollution which may backflow into the public water supply system. This subchapter provides for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection control which will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of the potable water supply systems.
(B) The Director of Public Works shall be responsible for the implementation of the cross-connection control program as outlined within this subchapter. If, in the judgment of the Director of Public Works, an approved backflow prevention assembly is required for the safety of the public water supply system, then the Director of Public Works shall give notice in writing to the customer to install the device at each recommended location. The Director of Public Works shall inspect and approve all installations of the required backflow prevention assembly. The costs for purchasing, installing and maintaining a backflow prevention assembly shall be the responsibility and sole expense of the customer. The installation of backflow prevention assembly, except for outlet fixture vacuum breakers, shall be by a licensed plumber. Annual testing of all approved backflow prevention assemblies with test ports, except on underground lawn sprinkling systems, shall be tested upon initial installation and annually thereafter by a grade VI water supply operator, certified by the Nebraska of Health and Human Services as a backflow preventer test and repair technician. Test results shall be forwarded to the city on a standard reporting form and signed by the water supply operator. If deemed by the Director of Public Works that maintenance or repairs are necessary, the owner shall be contacted and issued an order to make all necessary maintenance or repairs. The owner shall complete all maintenance or repairs within 30 days. If not, the owner shall be considered in violation of this subchapter and will be subject to disconnection of the service.
(C) No person shall install or maintain a water service connection containing cross-connections to a public water supply system or a customer’s potable water supply system unless the cross-connections are abated or controlled in accordance with this rule and as required by the laws and regulations of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
(D) Public water supply customers are required to assess and report potential backflow hazards on their premises and take the necessary steps for the protection of the public health and safety as often as required but not less than every five years. Once backflow and backsiphonage protection requirements have been determined, customers will have three months to complete the installation. Failure to comply will result in water shutoff or implementation of penal provisions.
(E) For the purposes of this subchapter, whenever the Director of Public Works is to make any decision or interpretation or whenever reference is made to the fact that the Director of Public Works is to exercise judgment, the decision, interpretation or judgment shall be in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and any other applicable provisions of this code, and state and federal law.
(F) Backflow prevention assemblies shall be required on underground lawn sprinkling systems, but annual testing of these assemblies is not required.
(Prior Code, § 52.076) (Ord. 95-38, passed 12-18-1995) Penalty, see § 52.999