For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AIR GAP SEPARATION. The unobstructed vertical distance through the atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of the receptacle. An approved AIR GAP SEPARATION shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe. In no case shall the AIR GAP SEPARATION be less than one inch.
APPROVED. In reference to backflow prevention assemblies or methods, those assemblies or methods which have been accepted by the Director or his or her designee as an effective means or method to prevent backflow.
BACKFLOW. Any flow of water, liquid, gas, or other substances, or any combination thereof, into the distribution piping of a potable water supply from any source or sources.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY. An approved assembly or method used to prevent backflow from occurring in the potable water supply.
BACK-PRESSURE BACKFLOW. Backflow caused by a pump, elevated tank, boiler, or other means that could create pressure with the system greater than the supply pressure.
BACKSIPHONAGE BACKFLOW. A reversal of the normal direction flow in the pipeline due to a negative pressure (vacuum) being created in the supply line with the backflow source subject atmospheric pressure.
CERTIFIED TESTER. A person who has proven his or her competency to test, repair, overhaul, and prepare reports on backflow prevention assemblies as evidenced by certification of successful completion of a training program approved by this state. Each person who is certified to make competent tests, or to repair, overhaul, and make reports on backflow prevention assemblies shall be knowledgeable of applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The County Public Utilities Department must approve all CERTIFIED TESTERS prior to use of their services.
CONSUMER/CUSTOMER. Any person, firm, or corporation using or receiving water from County Public Utilities Department.
CONTAINMENT. Prevention of possible contamination from a private water system by installing an approved backflow prevention assembly.
CONTAMINATION. The degradation of the quality of water so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness of water.
COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT. The authority having the jurisdiction of the county water and sewer system for this county and related appurtenances.
CROSS-CONNECTION. Any physical connection between the county’s water supply system and any other source. This includes piping systems, sewer fixtures, containers, or devices whereby water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances may flow into or enter the county’s water supply system.
CROSS-CONNECTION INSPECTOR/ORC. An employee of the County Public Utilities Department designated by the Director to administer and enforce the provisions of this subchapter.
DEGREE OF HAZARD. Derived from an evaluation of the health, hazard, system, plumbing, or pollution hazards.
DIRECTOR. The Director of the County Public Utilities Department.
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY. An assembly composed of two single, independently acting approved check valves, including tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly, and suitable connections for testing the watertightness of each check valve.
DOUBLE CHECK DETECTOR CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY. An assembly composed of an approved double check valve assembly with a bypass water meter and a meter-sized, approved double check valve device. The meter shall register accurately for very low flow rates and shall register all flow rates.
HIGH HAZARD. An actual or potential threat of contamination to the public water system or to a private water system to such a degree or intensity that there could be a danger to health.
IMMINENT HAZARD. An actual threat of contamination that presents a danger to the public health with consequences of serious illness or death.
MODERATE HAZARD. One that presents foreseeable and significant potential for pollution, nuisance, aesthetically objectionable, or other undesirable alterations of the drinking water supply.
PLUMBING INSPECTOR. The duly authorized Plumbing Inspector for the county as certified by the State Code Qualifications Board.
POINT OF DELIVERY. The terminal end of a service connection from the public potable water system, i.e., where the County Public Utilities Department loses sole jurisdiction over the water; the point where water leaves the public water system and enters a private water system.
POTABLE WATER. Water from any source which has been approved for human consumption by the appropriate agency of this state.
PRIVATE WATER SYSTEM. A system of pipes or other associated facilities that is not part of the county’s public water system and is used to move or receive water, regardless of the source of water in such system.
REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE ASSEMBLY. An assembly containing within its structure a minimum of two independently acting, approved check valves, together with an automatically operating pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves. The first check valve reduces the supply pressure by a predetermined amount so that, during normal flow and at cessation of normal flow, the pressure between the checks shall be less than the supply pressures. In case of leakage of either check valve, the differential relief valve, by discharge to the atmosphere, shall operate to maintain the pressure between the checks less than the supply pressure. The assembly must include properly located test cocks and tightly closing shut-off valves at each end of the assembly.
REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE DETECTOR ASSEMBLY. An assembly composed of an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly with a bypass water meter and a meter-sized, approved reduced pressure principle device. The meter shall register accurately for very low flow rates and shall register all flow rates.
WATER SUPPLY (APPROVED). Any public potable water supply which has been investigated and approved by the appropriate agency of this state. The system must be operating under a valid health permit.
(1996 Code, § 52.71) (Ord. passed 8-4-2008)