Assemblies shall be tested at least once in a 12-month period (on or before 365 days from last test) by the water system by a qualified person possessing a valid certification from the State Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Supply, for the testing of the devices. A record of this test will be on file with the water system and a copy of the report will be supplied to the customer. Water service shall not be disrupted to test a device without the knowledge of the occupant of the premises. There will be no charge for annual testing.
(A) If any test does not meet the minimum requirements set forth in the approved testing procedure, the assembly is deemed failed and does not suffice as an approved backflow prevention device. If conditions around the assembly do not allow the assembly to be tested, the assembly fails the assembly performance evaluation and is marked failed on the test report. (Examples would include assembly is submerged, test cocks missing or plugged, relief valve continually discharging.)
(B) Each location requiring an assembly will have a documented backflow prevention assembly, if the assembly at the address cannot be identified or is not the same, the water provider will be notified and a determination of which assembly is used for protection of the water system. (All areas that need protection will be listed by address and location along with the serial number of the device.)
(C) Assemblies must be tested when installed and after every repair. Backflow prevention assemblies on lawn irrigation systems must be tested when assemblies are placed in service after winterization (to prevent testing just prior to winterization). If lawn irrigation backflow assemblies are taken removed to winterize the system, upon startup of the system, the assemblies must be retested.
(D) Failure to maintain a backflow prevention assembly that is deemed passed shall be grounds for discontinuance of water service. The removal, bypassing or altering of a protective device or installation, without the approval of the Cross Connection Control Coordinator or designee, thereof so as to render a device ineffective shall constitute grounds for discontinuance of water service. Water service to the premises shall not be restored until the customer has corrected or eliminated the conditions or defects to the satisfaction this chapter and the Cross Connection Control Coordinator or designee.
(E) The water system shall require the occupant of the premises to keep the backflow prevention assembly working properly and a status of passed. Repairs shall be made by qualified personnel acceptable to the water system within the time limits set forth by this chapter. Expense of the repairs shall be borne by the owner or occupant of the premises. The failure to maintain a backflow prevention assembly in proper working order and a status of passed shall be grounds for discontinuance of water service.
(F) The backflow prevention assembly must be tested after every repair and have a status of passed to be in compliance with this chapter.
(G) The Cross Connection Control Coordinator or designee shall have the right to inspect and test any assemblies whenever it is deemed necessary. Water service shall not be disrupted to the assembly without the knowledge of the occupant of the premises.
(H) All performance evaluations must be performed with an annually certified test kit.
(Ord. 1297, passed 4-12-2011)