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For the purpose of this division, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires another meaning.
BACKFLOW. Any reverse flow of water, gas or any other substance back into the public water system of the city from any source other than the approved water supply.
(1) BACK PRESSURE BACKFLOW. Any elevation of pressure in the downstream piping system caused by pumps, elevation of piping, heat or steam and/or air pressure above the supply pressure at the point of consideration, which would cause a reversal of the normal direction of flow of water.
(2) BACKSIPHONAGE BACKFLOW. A reversal of the normal direction of flow of water in the pipes due to a negative pressure (vacuum) being created in the supply line with the backflow source subject to atmospheric pressure. This can occur because of water main breaks or during fire suppression events.
BACKFLOW/CROSS-CONNECTION ORC. An employee of the city, trained and certified by the state as a cross-connection control operator in responsible charge, designated to administer and enforce this chapter.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY (APPROVED). An assembly that has been investigated and approved by the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC and has been approved to meet the design and performance standards of the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the North Carolina State Plumbing Code, and has been tested and approved for specific applications by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC FCCCHR). FM (Factory Mutual) and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approvals shall be required for backflow prevention assemblies installed on fire suppression lines. Installation on a potable water system must use lead free devices.
(1) AIR GAP (FIXED). A permanently fixed, unobstructed vertical distance through the atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water from any source to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of the device. 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 two inches. An approved air gap may be considered as a backflow prevention assembly.
(2) DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY. An assembly composed of two single, independently operating, approved check valves, plumbed in series. The assembly must include four resilient-seated test cocks that are properly located for testing the assembly and two tightly closing shut- off valves located at each end of the assembly.
(3) DOUBLE CHECK DETECTOR 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. The check valves shall allow for water to flow through the water meter prior to flowing through the larger assembly. This shall be for the purpose of detecting leaks or usage on fire suppression water systems.
(4) DUAL CHECK VALVE DEVICE. A backflow prevention device comprised of two independently operating, approved check valves, plumbed in series. The device is not testable and is generally installed downstream from a water meter and is used for the containment of single family water services as part of a residential backflow prevention program.
(5) PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER ASSEMBLY. A device containing an independently operating spring loaded check valves and an independently operated spring loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the checkvalve. The device includes tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the assembly and two properly located test cocks for the testing of the assembly.
(6) REDUCED PRESSURE ZONE ASSEMBLY. An approved, properly functioning assembly containing two, independently operating approved check valves plumbed in series, with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves that discharges to atmosphere. The ASSEMBLY must include four resilient-seated test cocks that are properly located for testing the assembly and two tightly closing shut- off valves located at each end of the assembly.
(7) REDUCED PRESSURE DETECTOR ASSEMBLY. An assembly composed of an approved reduced pressure zone backflow prevention assembly with a bypass water meter and meter-sized approved reduced pressure zone device. The meter shall register accurately for very low flow. The water flowing through the meter shall be protected to same level as the water through the main assembly. The check valves shall allow for water to flow through the water meter prior to flowing through the larger assembly. This shall be for the purpose of detecting leaks or usage on fire suppression water systems.
CERTIFIED BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTER. Any individual person who holds a certificate of completion from a certified training program in the testing and repair of backflow prevention assemblies and cross-connection control. The certification school must be approved by the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC for the city and based on the quality of training provided as compared to NC AWWA and NCRWA standards.
CONSTRUCTION METER. A water meter assembly that includes a Reduced Pressure Zone backflow preventer for the protection of the potable water system, usually three-fourth’s-inch by five- eighth’s-inch designated for the purpose of providing temporary waster service for a construction site. It may be set up to take advantage of an existing water connection or be connected to a fire hydrant and shall have a three-fourth’s-inch hose bib connection.
CONTAINMENT. The prevention of backflow from a non-potable system utilizing an approved, properly functioning backflow prevention assembly which is installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this division.
CONTAMINATION. An impairment of the quality of the water to a degree that it creates an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease.
CROSS-CONNECTION. Any actual or potential connection or piping arrangement between a potable water supply and any other non-potable source or system whereby water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances may flow into or enter the potable water supply system.
HAZARD (HEALTH/HIGH). A potential threat of contamination to the public water system or to a water service customer’s potable water system that could cause serious illness or death.
HAZARD (IMMINENT). An immediate threat of contamination to the public water system that could cause serious illness or death.
HAZARD (NON-HEALTH/LOW). An actual or potential threat of damage to the physical components comprising the public water system or to a water service customer’s potable water system, or of pollution to the public water system or to a water service customer’s potable water system.
HOMEOWNER. An individual who resides on the property that he or she owns by proper title and/or deed. The owner-occupant of a home.
HYDRANT METER. A water meter designed to be connected to a fire hydrant for the purpose of obtaining water on a temporary basis where no regular water connection is available that will perform the purpose needed. This device should include a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow preventer to protect the potable water system from contamination. This assembly shall be fitted with a two and one-half-inch fire hose connection.
ISOLATION. The prevention of backflow in which a backflow preventer, such as a hose bib or an atmospheric vacuum breaker, is located to correct a cross-connection at a specific location on a private potable water system rather than at a water service connection. This protects the drinking water in the building and is covered by the State Plumbing Code.
OWNER. Any person who has legal title to, or license to operate or habitat in, a property upon which a cross-connection inspection is to be made or upon which a cross-connection is present.
POLLUTION. An impairment of the quality of the potable water to a degree that does not create a hazard to public health but that does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of such potable water for domestic use.
POTABLE WATER. Water from any source which has been approved for human consumption by the State of North Carolina, Department of Environmental Quality, Water Resources Division, and the Public Water Supply Section.
PERSON. Any individual, partnership, company, public or private corporation, political subdivision or government agency or any other legal entity.
PRIVATE WATER SYSTEM. Any water system located on the water service customer’s premise, whether supplied by public potable water or an auxiliary water supply. The SYSTEM or SYSTEMS may be either a potable water system or an industrial piping system.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM. The potable water system owned and operated by the city. This includes all storage tanks, distribution mains, lines, pipes, connections, fixtures and other facilities,
conveying potable water from the water treatment plants to the service connections of each water service customer.
SERVICE CONNECTION. The terminal end of a service connection from the public potable water system, immediately after the water meter, (e.g., where the water purveyor loses jurisdiction and sanitary control over the water at its point of delivery to the water service customer’s private water system).
USED WATER. Any water supplied by a water purveyor from a public potable water system to a water service customer’s private water system after it has passed through the point of delivery and is no longer under the control of the water purveyor.
WATER SERVICE CUSTOMER. Any person, firm, or corporation receiving water from the City by way of a water service connected to the city’s public water system.
WATER PURVEYOR. Owner or operator of a public potable water system providing approved potable water supply to the public.
WATER SUPPLY (AUXILIARY). Any water supply on or available to the water customer’s premises other than the water purveyor’s public potable water system. The auxiliary water may include water from another purveyor’s public potable water system or any natural source such as a well, spring, river, stream, etc., and used or objectionable.
WATER SUPPLY (UNAPPROVED). Any water supply, which has not been approved for human consumption by the State of North Carolina, Department of Environmental Quality, Water Resources Division, or the Public Water Supply Section.
(Ord. passed 6-19-18; Am. Ord. passed 1-21-20; Am. Ord. passed 11-19-24)
(A) Responsibility of the city.
(1) The city’s designated ORC will be primarily responsible for preventing any contamination or pollution of the public water system. This responsibility begins at the point of origin of the public water system supply and includes all of the public water distribution system, and ends at the service connection, under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC shall exercise vigilance to ensure that the water customer has taken the proper steps to protect the public potable water system.
(2) When it has been determined by an inspection of the water service customer’s private water system that a backflow protection system is required for the protection of the public water system, the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC shall notify the owner, in writing, of any such building or premises, to correct within a time set by this division, any plumbing installed or existing that is in violation of this division.
(3) The Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC Administrator will select an approved backflow prevention assembly type to be installed at the service connection. The owner shall be notified that the installation of a backflow prevention assembly may create a closed system, and as a result thermal expansion may occur. In these circumstances the owner must understand and assume all liability and responsibilities for that phenomenon.
(B) Responsibility of the water service customer.
(1) The water service customer has the responsibility of preventing contaminants and pollutants from entering the water service customer’s private water system or the public water system operated by the City. The water service customer, at his or her own expense, shall install, operate, test, repair and maintain all backflow prevention assemblies specified within this division.
(2) If a water service customer is a tenant and does not maintain the private water system, and has no authority to bring the system into compliance with the provisions of this division, the city may assert any available action against the tenant water service customer to assure the private water system is brought into compliance with this division.
(Ord. passed 6-19-18; Am. Ord. passed 11-19-24)
(A) Any authorized representative from the city shall have the right to enter any building, structure or premises during normal business hours to perform any duty imposed upon him/her by this division and in accordance with the North Carolina Administrative Code. Those duties may include sampling and testing of water, or inspection and observation of all piping systems connected to the public water supply. Refusal to allow these representatives to enter for these purposes shall result in disconnection of water service.
(B) On request, the water service customer shall furnish to the water purveyor any pertinent information regarding the water supply system on such property where cross-connection and backflow are deemed possible.
(Ord. passed 6-19-18; Am. Ord. passed 1-21-20; Am. Ord. passed 11-19-24)
(A) No water service connection to any private water system shall be installed or maintained by the city unless the water supply is protected as required by this division and in accordance with the North Carolina Administrative Code. Service of water to any premises shall be discontinued by the city if a backflow prevention assembly required by this division, is not installed, tested and maintained, or if a backflow prevention assembly has been removed, bypassed or if an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises. Service will be restored after all such conditions or defects are corrected.
(B) No water service customer shall allow an unprotected cross-connection to be made or to remain that involves the water service customer’s private water system.
(C) No connection shall be made to an unapproved auxiliary water supply unless the public water supply is protected against backflow by an approved backflow prevention assembly, appropriate to the degree of hazard.
(D) No interconnection to any other water purveyor’s water system shall be made unless it is protected against backflow by an approved backflow prevention assembly.
(E) No water service customer shall fail to maintain in good operating condition any backflow prevention assembly, which is part of the water service customer’s private water system and is required by this division.
(F) No water service customer shall fail to submit to the city any records, which are required by this division.
(Ord. passed 6-19-18; Am. Ord. passed 1-21-20; Am. Ord. passed 11-19-24)
(A) Installation and testing requirements.
(1) The purpose of this section is to require that when a hazardous cross-connection to the city public water system has been identified, all water flowing from the public water system into that private water system, must flow through an approved backflow prevention assembly. Furthermore, each backflow prevention assembly must be properly located, installed, tested, and maintained per the city requirements so that the backflow prevention assembly is effective in protecting the public water system from any possible contamination or pollution.
(2) The installation or replacement of a backflow prevention assembly for domestic water, irrigation, commercial and industrial use shall only be performed by a licensed plumber, utility contractor or homeowner. The installation or replacement of a backflow prevention assembly on a dedicated fire sprinkler service shall only be performed by a licensed fire sprinkler contractor. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested and repaired by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester authorized by the city.
(3) For premises existing prior to the start of this program, the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC and Building Official will perform evaluations and inspections of plans and/or premises and inform the owner by letter of any corrective action deemed necessary.
(4) All new and change of use construction plans and specifications which will receive service from the city public water system shall be made available to the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC for review, approval, and to determine the degree of hazard, and any required backflow prevention assembly to be installed.
(5) All facilities zoned commercial or industrial that have existing water services with the city and requesting certificate of occupancy from the City or County Planning and Zoning offices, whether for new construction or change of use, shall be inspected for compliance of backflow prevention and cross-connection control. Any facility not having backflow protection or changing the degree of hazard shall be brought into compliance before the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC may release the certificate of occupancy.
(6) The Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC will determine if a water service customer must install a backflow prevention assembly, and provide the water service customer with a letter of notification and list of approved licensed plumbers. Any unapproved backflow prevention assembly must be replaced, with an approved backflow prevention assembly, within a time period set by the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC.
(a) The following time periods shall be set forth for the installation of the specified backflow prevention assemblies:
1. For new construction, no water meter will be installed by the City until the proper backflow prevention assembly is installed, tested, and approved; and
2. For a change of use/change of ownership, no water service will be activated by the city until the proper backflow prevention assembly is installed, tested and approved.
(b) The existing facility evaluation compliance schedule is as follows:
Health hazard | 60 days |
(c) The testing and repair compliance schedule is as follows:
Failure to repair or replace failed a backflow prevention assembly | 14 days |
Failure to test backflow prevention assembly by anniversary date | 30 days |
(d) If an imminent hazard or an unreasonable threat of contamination or pollution to the city’s public water system is detected, the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC may require the installation of the required backflow prevention assembly immediately, or within a shorter time period than specified above. If installation is not completed within the specified time period, or if contamination is presently occurring, water service may be immediately disconnected in order to protect the potable water system and public health.
(7) All backflow prevention assemblies must be installed and maintained on the water service customer’s premises as part of the water service customer’s private water system at or near the service connection and before the service line is connected to any other pipes except as authorized by the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC.
(8) If it has been determined that a backflow prevention assembly cannot be installed at the meter service, due to Zoning or DOT Right-of-Way, an approved backflow prevention assembly must be installed before any branch of plumbing that is installed between the service meter and the service backflow prevention assembly.
(9) Any branch of plumbing installed on the private water system that may be subject to a greater hazard than the supply line, (example: irrigation systems or pump systems, and the like) shall be protected with the appropriate backflow prevention device, as determined by the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC.
(10) Approved backflow prevention assemblies: Meets American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) standard and carries ASSE seal or is on the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC FCCHR) approval list. Must also meet the NC State Plumbing Code. Also see the current revision of the city’s Backflow Assemblies Specification sheets.
(11) Any water service customer installing any backflow prevention assembly must provide the following information to the Backflow Administrator:
(a) Owner’s name and address;
(b) Service address where assembly is installed;
(c) Description of assembly’s location;
(d) Date of installation;
(e) Size of assembly;
(f) Type of assembly;
(g) Manufacturer;
(h) Model number;
(i) Serial number; and
(j) Test results/reports.
(12) [Reserved].
(13) Each backflow prevention assembly that is required must function properly at time of installation. Each water service customer will be required to maintain, and repair each assembly required as part of their private water system. Testing shall be done immediately following installation of any backflow prevention assembly prior to receiving a CO (certificate of occupancy) and triennial thereafter. The owner, at their own expense, shall have a certified backflow prevention assembly tester conduct the tests and forward the results to the city within ten business days.
(14) If an assembly needs to be repaired it must be re-tested immediately following any repairs. The owner at their own expense shall have a certified backflow prevention assembly tester conduct tests and forward the results to the city. A complete duplicate copy of any testing and/or repair shall be sent to the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC within ten business days of completion of test or repair. Each water service customer must maintain a complete copy of test or repair for no less than six years. All test and repair records must be maintained on forms approved by the Backflow/Cross- Connection ORC.
(15) All rubber components must be replaced every six years in every backflow prevention assembly or as often as needed, according to manufacturer’s directions and components condition.
(B) Installation location requirements.
(1) Backflow prevention assemblies must be located in a place where it is readily accessible for regular testing, maintenance, repair and inspection. Any customer’s water service that is critical and cannot be shut down for testing or maintenance shall install parallel backflow prevention assemblies in order to maintain the continuity of water flow for testing and repair; or in the case of the assembly failing. Bypass lines parallel to a backflow prevention assembly shall have an approved backflow prevention assembly that is equal to that on the main line.
(2) (a) No backflow preventer shall be installed in a manner by which it is subject to freezing. All above-ground backflow preventers shall be installed in an ASSE standard 1060 “freeze retardant” enclosure with a minimum R value of 8.0. All above-ground backflow preventers shall be installed with permanent piped electrical service to a thermostatically controlled heater or heat tape. Backflow for lawn irrigation systems may be installed with unions and an upstream shut off valve not subject to freezing. All underground piping must be installed a minimum of 12 inches below grade and must meet the requirements of underground water service piping.
(b) For reduced pressure zone assembly (RPZ), the following shall apply:
1. Above-ground outdoor installation is preferred and encouraged;
2. Below-ground and indoor installations are strongly discouraged and shall only be allowed in special cases as approved by the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC. The vault shall have positive drainage with adequate gravity drainage to atmosphere to accommodate for the maximum discharge of the relief valve(s) on the assembly(s) and must be in a location where no portion of assembly can become submerged at any time or under any circumstances or conditions;
3. Twelve inches minimum and a maximum of 36 inches clearance from vault floor and a minimum of 24 inches clearance from a wall or another fixture for the purpose of testing and repair;
4. No vertical installation unless USC FCCHR approvals allow otherwise;
5. Installation in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations;
6. Located where it is readily accessible for regular testing, maintenance, and inspection; and
7. Must be in a location where no portion of assembly can become submerged at any time under any circumstances or conditions.
(3) For double check valve assembly (DCVA), the following shall apply:
(a) Above-ground outdoor installation is preferred and encouraged;
(b) Below-ground installation is strongly discouraged, and shall only be allowed in special cases as approved by the Backflow/Cross-Connection ORC. The vault shall have positive drainage with adequate gravity drainage to atmosphere and must be in a location where no portion of assembly can become submerged at any time or under any circumstances or conditions;
(c) Twelve inches minimum and a maximum of 36 inches clearance from vault floor and a minimum of 24 inches clearance from a wall or another fixture for the purpose of testing and repair;
(d) Vertical or horizontal installation acceptable with USC FCCHR approvals;
(e) Installation in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations; and
(f) Located where it is readily accessible for regular testing, maintenance, and inspection.
(4) For air gaps (AG), the following shall apply:
(a) Above-ground installation only; and
(b) Must be in a location where no portion of assembly can become submerged at any time under any circumstances or conditions
(Ord. passed 6-19-18; Am. Ord. passed 11-19-24)
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