(a) Purpose. Chapters NR 810 and SPS 382, Wis. Adm. Code, require protection for the public water system from contamination due to backflow of contaminants through the water service connection. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WisDNR) requires the development and implementation of a comprehensive cross connection control program to effectively prevent the contamination of potable water systems.
(b) Definition of Cross Connection. A "cross connection" is defined as any physical connection or arrangement between two (2) otherwise separate systems, one (I) of which contains potable water from the Village of Edgar's public water system, and the other of which contains water from a private source, water of unknown or questionable safety, or steam, gases, or chemicals, whereby there may be a flow from one (1) system to the other, with the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the two (2) systems.
(c) Unprotected Cross Connections Prohibited. No person, firm, or corporation may establish or maintain, or permit to be established or maintained, any unprotected cross connection. Cross connections shall be protected as required in SPS 382, Wis. Adm. Code.
(d) Inspection. The Water Utility may inspect, or arrange for an inspection of, property served by the public water system for cross connections. As an alternative, the Water Utility may require a person, firm, or corporation who owns, leases, or occupies property to have their plumbing inspected, at their own expense, by a State of Wisconsin Certified Cross Connection Inspector/Surveyor. The frequency of inspections shall be established by the Water Utility in accordance with NR 810.15, Wis. Adm. Code. Any unprotected cross connections identified by the inspection shall be promptly corrected at the user's expense. Failure to promptly correct an unprotected cross connection shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under Subsection (g) below.
(e) Right of Entry. Upon presentation of credentials, a representative of the Water Utility shall have the right to request entry, at any reasonable time, to a property served by a connection to the public water system for the purpose of inspecting the property for cross connections. Refusing entry to such Water Utility representative shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility to discontinue water service to the property , as provided under Subsection (g) below. If entry is refused, a special inspection warrant under Section 66.0il9, Wis. Stats., may be obtained.
(f) Provision of Requested Information. The Water Utility may request an owner, lessee, or occupant of property served by a connection to the public water system to furnish the Water Utility with pertinent information regarding the piping systems on the property. Refusing to provide requested information shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under Subsection (g) below.
(g) Discontinuation of Water for Violation. The Water Utility may discontinue water service to any property wherein any unprotected connection in violation of this Section exists, and take other precautionary measures deemed necessary to eliminate any danger of contamination of the public water system. Water service may be discontinued, however, only after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing under Chapter 68, Wis. Stats., (Title 4 of this Code of Ordinances), except as provided in Subsection (h) below. Water service to such property shall not be restored until the unprotected cross connection has been eliminated.
(h) Emergency Discontinuance. If it is determined by the Water Utility that an unprotected cross connection or emergency endangers public health, safety, or welfare, and requires immediate action, and if a written finding to that effect is filed with the Village Administrator and delivered to the customer's premises, water service may be immediately discontinued. The customer shall have an opportunity for hearing under Chapter 68, Wis. Stats., (Title 4 of this Code of Ordinances), within ten (10) days of such emergency discontinuance. Water service to such property shall not be restored until the unprotected cross connection has been eliminated.