For the purpose of this chapter, 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; however, in no event shall the air-gap separation be less than one inch.
APPROVED. In reference to backflow prevention assemblies or methods, all devices must be approved by the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR) and the Director/Utility.
BACKFLOW. The reversal of normal flow of water, which could be contaminated with foreign liquids, gases or substances into the distribution pipelines of a potable water supply. BACKFLOW can occur under two conditions: back-pressure and back- siphonage.
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 within the system greater than the supply pressure.
BACK-SIPHONAGE 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 to 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 the city/utility.
CONSUMER/CUSTOMER. Any person, firm or corporation using or receiving water from the city water system.
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.
CROSS-CONNECTION. Any physical connection between the city’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 city’s water supply system.
CROSS-CONNECTION INSPECTOR. An employee of the city designated by the Director/Utility to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
DEGREE OF HAZARD. Derived from an evaluation of the health, system, plumbing or pollution hazards.
DIRECTOR. The Superintendent of the City Water Distribution 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 water-tightness 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. A cross-connection that has 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. A cross-connection that has an actual threat of contamination that presents a danger to the public health with consequences of serious illness or death.
LOW HAZARD. A cross-connection, which has a low probability of becoming a moderate, high or imminent hazard (as those terms are defined), that could cause an impairment in the quality of potable water to a degree that does not create a hazard to the public health, but does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of such potable water for domestic use.
MODERATE HAZARD. A cross-connection that presents an actual or potential threat of foreseeable and significant potential for pollution, nuisance aesthetically objectionable or other undesirable alterations of the drinking water supply.
POINT OF DELIVERY. The terminal end of a service connection from the public potable water system, i.e. where the Director/Utility 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 the state and/or the city.
PRIVATE WATER SYSTEM. A system of pipes or other associated facilities that is not part of the city’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 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 prevent ion assembly with a bypass water meter and meter-sized approved reduced pressure principle devices. The meter shall register accurately for very low flow rates and shall register all flow rates.
UTILITY. The City of Franklin’s Water and/or Water Distribution Departments.
WATER SUPPLY (APPROVED). Any public potable water supply which has been investigated and approved by the appropriate agency of the state. The system must be operating under a valid health permit.
(Ord. 615.0-2001, passed 11-19-2001; Ord. 615.0-2003, passed 3-24-2003)