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 free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other device and the overflow level rim of the receptacle.
AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY. Any water source or system, other than the public water supply, that may be available in the building or premises.
BACKFLOW. The flow other than the intended direction of flow or any foreign liquids, gases or substances into the distribution system of a public water supply.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. Any device, method or type of construction intended to prevent backflow into a potable water system provided backflow preventers have been tested and approved by a reputable testing laboratory.
CONSUMER. The owner or person in control of any premises supplied by or in any manner connected to a public water system.
CONTAINMENT. Protection of the public water supply by installing a cross-connection control device or air gap separation on the main service line to a facility or as an installation within equipment handling potentially hazardous materials.
CONTAMINATION. An impairment of the quality of the water by sewage, process fluids or other wastes to a degree which could create an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through spread of disease by exposure.
CROSS-CONNECTION. Any physical link between a potable water supply and any other substance, fluid or source which makes possible contamination of the potable water supply due to the reversal of flow of the water in the piping or distribution system.
HAZARD, DEGREE OF. An evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon the potable water system.
(1) HAZARD, HEALTH. Any condition, device or practice in the water supply system and its operation which could create or may create a danger to the health and well-being of the water consumer.
(2) HAZARD, PLUMBING. A plumbing type cross-connection in a consumer’s potable water system that has not been properly protected by a vacuum breaker, air-gap separation or backflow prevention device.
(3) HAZARD, POLLUTIONAL. An actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the water system or to the potability of the public or the consumer’s potable water system, but which would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances, but would not be dangerous to health.
(4) HAZARD, SYSTEM. An actual or potential threat of severe damage to the physical properties of the public potable water system or the consumer’s potable water system or of a pollution or contamination which would have a protracted effect on the quality of the potable water in the system.
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS SYSTEM. Any system containing a fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically or otherwise contaminated or polluted in a form or concentration such as would constitute a health, system, pollution or plumbing hazard if introduced into a potable water supply.
ISOLATION. Protection of a facility service line by installing a cross-connection control device or air gap separation on an individual fixture, appurtenance or system.
POLLUTION. The presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic or biological) in water which tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness of the water to a degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health, but which does adversely and unreasonably affect such waters for domestic use.
PUBLIC POTABLE WATER SYSTEM. Any publicly- or privately-owned water system supplying water to the general public which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes and meets the requirements of the state’s Department of Health.
SERVICE CONNECTION. The terminal end of a service line from the public water system. If a meter is installed at the end of the service, then the SERVICE CONNECTION means the downstream end of the meter.
WATER DEPARTMENT. The owner, operator or individual in responsible charge of a public water system.
(1995 Code, § 3-126)