(a) Due to the possibility of dangerous backflow, no person, firm, corporation, or governmental entity shall attach to or withdraw water from a fire hydrant connected to the Galion Water System, or authorize anyone to withdraw water from a fire hydrant connected to the Galion Water System, except as permitted in this section.
(b) Provided proper training in their use and understanding the hazards associated with incorrect operation have been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Mayor or his designated representative, there are five (5) User Types permitted to operate a fire hydrant connected to the Galion Water System and to withdraw water therefrom, subject to the following conditions:
(1) User Type 1. This User Type consists of the Galion Fire Department and other fire departments that are called for mutual aid and that typically draw water from a public water supply into tanks that do not contain anti- corrosive chemicals and/or agents. This User Type does not require the use of a backflow prevention device. Except for the Galion Fire Department, all connections to a Galion fire hydrant must be reported to the Galion Police/Fire Dispatcher, or Fire Chief on the scene, either on radio frequency or by telephone (419-468-9111) prior to attachment to a fire hydrant and the withdrawal of water.
(2) User Type 2. This User Type consists of fire departments that typically fill tanks from streams, creeks or ponds rather than from a public water supply and/or fire departments that have tanks containing anti-corrosive chemicals or agents and/or fire departments that do not have tanks meeting the NFP 1901 standard. This User Type must use a backflow device previously approved by the Mayor or his designated representative between the hydrant and the tank. All connections by this User Type to a Galion fire hydrant must be reported to the Galion Police/Fire Dispatcher, either on radio frequency or by telephone (419-468-9111) prior to attachment to a hydrant is made.
(3) User Type 3. This User Type consist of Galion Public Works Department employees and equipment. Routine, periodic or quality driven flushing of fire hydrants does not require the use of backflow device so long as an air gap is maintained between the end of the hose and the point of use. Provided a City employee remains on site to ensure that an air gap is maintained, the filling of swimming pools by City employees does not require the use of a backflow device. Any filling of equipment (i.e. trucks, including those owned by the City) does require the use of a backflow device or an air-gap device that has been preapproved by the Mayor or his designated representative. Before any attachment by User Type 3 is made to a fire hydrant connected to the Galion Water System, the Galion Water Division Superintendent must be notified.
(4) User Type 4. This User Type includes attachment to a fire hydrant by a licensed food vendor. This type of use if for a limited amount of time and is controlled by the Galion Health Department as to the type of hose used and the backflow devices required. Before attachment is made to a fire hydrant connected to the Galion Water System, a User Type 4 must first notify the Galion Health Department.
(5) User Type 5. This User Type is for all other water use including bulk sale of water. All such other use shall occur at the fill station at the Water Treatment Plant and must be overseen by employees of the Water Treatment Plant.
In addition to the foregoing permitted uses, further exceptions may be considered by the Mayor or his designated representative, and if approved, any such exception must be authorized in writing as to the time, location and manner of attaching to a fire hydrant connected to the Galion Water System, including the type of backflow prevention device, if any.
(c) Any person, firm, corporation or governmental entity that attaches to a fire hydrant connected to the Galion Water System in violation of the terms and requirements of this section shall be guilty of a first degree misdemeanor.
(Ord. 2003-26. Passed 3-11-03.)