Installation and testing of backflow prevention assembly:
(A) The purpose of this section is to require that all water flowing from the public water system, must flow through an approved backflow prevention assembly and that each backflow prevention assembly be properly located, installed, maintained and tested so that the backflow prevention assembly is effective in protecting the public water system from any possible contamination or pollution.
(B) The installation or replacement of a backflow prevention assembly for domestic water use shall only be performed by a licensed plumber or utility contractor. The installation or repair of a backflow prevention assembly on a dedicated fire sprinkler service shall be performed by a licensed fire sprinkler contractor or utility contractor. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a certified backflow technician authorized by the Public Works Department. Repairs to a backflow prevention assembly on a dedicated fire sprinkler system may only be performed by a fire sprinkler contractor.
(C) All new construction plans and specifications which will directly affect the town water system, and/or required by the North Carolina Building Code, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), and Town or County Planning and Zoning Offices, shall be made available to the Public Works Department for review, approval and to determine the degree of hazard.
(D) All existing facilities zoned commercial or industrial and have existing water services with the public water system and requesting certificate of occupancy from the Town or County Planning and Zoning offices, shall be inspected for compliance of back flow and cross-connection control prevention. Any facility not having backflow protection or changing the degree of hazard shall be brought into compliance before the town may release certificate of occupancy. No grandfather clause exists.
(E) All customer's that are required to have a backflow prevention assembly must install and maintain this device on their own premises as part of the customer's private water system. The installation will be located between the water service connection and the structure and before any other service line connection except as authorized by the Public Works Department.
(F) If it has been determined that a backflow prevention assembly cannot be installed at the meter service or other outside location, the Public Works Department, may allow the assembly to be installed just inside the building.
(G) Any branch of plumbing installed on a private water system that may be of a greater hazard than the supply line, (example: chemical induced irrigation or fire systems, pump systems, and the like) shall be protected with a reduced pressure zone assembly.
(H) All backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with the backflow and cross-connection specifications furnished by the town and/or the manufacturer's instructions, whichever is most restrictive.
(I) All double check valve assemblies, two inch or larger shall be installed in a watertight drainable pit wherever below ground installation is necessary in accordance with the backflow and cross-connection specifications furnished by the town. If a drain cannot be provided, the assembly must be installed above ground.
(J) Double check valve assemblies may be installed in a vertical position with prior approval from the Public Works Department provided the flow of water is in an upward direction.
(K) Reduce pressure principle assemblies are preferred to be installed in a horizontal position above
ground, and in a location where the RPZ will not be submerged. If the assembly has to be below ground it will be installed horizontal in a vault with positive drainage with adequate gravity drainage to the atmosphere. The access door will be made of aluminum and be water tight.
(L) Any customer installing a reduced pressure zone (RPZ), pressure vacuum breaker (PVB), double check-detector assembly (DCDA) or double check valve assembly (DCVA) shall provide the following information on forms provided by the town to the Public Works Department within ten days of installation: service address, owner, date of installation, type of assembly, manufacturer, model, and serial number.
(M) No service shall be completed until the Public Works Department has been provided information or has surveyed the private water system to determine the degree of hazard and make a determination of a backflow prevention assembly to be installed to protect the public water supply.
(N) The Public Works Department must approve each backflow assembly required by this subchapter. The town and approved assemblies manuals state the specifications for backflow assemblies used in the town. Any unapproved backflow assemblies must be replaced within a time frame set by the Public Works Department with an approved backflow assembly.
(O) If it has been determined that a customer must install a backflow prevention assembly; the Public Works Department will provide the customer with a letter of notification. The following time periods shall be set forth for the installation of the specified assemblies after the receipt of the notification:
(1) Severe hazard: 90 days.
(2) Moderate hazard: 180 days.
(P) If an imminent hazard or unreasonable threat of contamination or pollution to the public water system is detected, the Public Works Department may require the installation of the required backflow assembly immediately or within a shorter time period than specified in § 52.138.
(Res. passed 9-11-2012)