(A) Definition of a cross connection is any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate systems, one of which contains potable water from the utilities water system, and the other, water from a private source, water of unknown or questionable safety, or steam, gases, or chemicals, whereby there may be a flow from one system to the other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the two systems.
(B) No installation of potable water supply piping shall be made in such a manner that it will be possible for used, unclean, polluted, or contaminated water, mixtures, or substances or enter any portion of such piping from any tank, receptacle, equipment, or plumbing when any such tank, receptacle, equipment, or plumbing fixture is flooded, or subject to pressure in excess of the pressure in the hot or cold water piping.
(C) No person shall make a connection or allow one to exist between pipes or conduits carrying domestic water supplied by any public or private water service system, and any pipes, conduits or fixtures containing or carrying water from any other source or containing or carrying water which has been used for any purpose whatsoever, unless a backflow preventer is provided. The approval of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management must be obtained before any connection is made between the domestic supply and any contaminated, polluted, or auxiliary water system.
(D) To ensure that the proper precautions are taken, the Utility shall determine the degree of hazard to the public water system, following guidelines developed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, must be obtained before any connection is made between the domestic supply and any contaminated, polluted, or auxiliary water system.
(E) The consumer shall have the responsibility of preventing any pollutants and/or contaminants from entering his or her potable water system, or the public potable water system. The consumer shall be liable for all damage caused to meters, service lines, mains or any other portion of the water distribution system by back pressure. The consumer's responsibility starts at the point of delivery from the public water supply and includes all water conditioning equipment and piping. The consumer shall be required to maintain each backflow preventer in good working condition and shall provide the necessary inspection to assure that the device is operating properly.
(F) The Utility shall terminate water service to any property where any connection in violation of this section exists and to take such other precautionary measures deemed to eliminate any danger of contamination of the public water system. Water service shall be terminated only after reasonable notice is served on the owner, lessee, or occupants of the property or premises where a violation is found suspected to exist. Water service to such property shall not be restored until the cross connection(s) has been eliminated in compliance with provisions of this section.
(G) That all consumers using toxic or hazardous liquids, all hospitals, mortuaries, wastewater treatment plants, laboratories, and all other hazardous users install and maintain a reduced- pressure-principle backflow preventer and they must be installed in an easily accessible location not subject to flooding or freezing.
(Ord. 2007-07-23, passed 11-15-07) Penalty, see § 51.99