For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definition 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 potable water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of the receptacle. The differential distance shall be at least double the diameter (2 x D) of the supply pipe measured vertically above the top of the rim of the vessel. In no case, shall the air gap be less than one inch.
APPROVED. A backflow prevention device or method that has been accepted by the public water supplier as suitable for the proposed use.
AUXILIARY WATER SYSTEM. Any water source or system on the premises of, or available to, the customer except connections to other approved community water supply systems.
BACKFLOW. A flow condition, induced by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or mixtures of water and other substances into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply system from a source other than its intended source. BACKFLOW can result from either backsiphonage or backpressure.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER. A device or other means which will prevent the backflow of water or any other substance into the public water supply system.
BACKPRESSURE. The backflow of water or a mixture of water and other substances from a plumbing fixture or other customer source, into a public water supply system due to an increase of pressure in the fixture or customer source to a value that exceeds the system pressure.
BACKSIPHONAGE. The backflow of water or a mixture of water and other substances from a plumbing fixture or other customer source, into a public water supply system due to a temporary negative or sub-atmospheric pressure within the public water supply system.
CONSUMER. The owner or person in control of any premises supplied by or in any manner connected to a public water supply system.
CONSUMER'S WATER SYSTEM. Any water system, located on the consumer's premises, supplied by or in any manner connected to a public water supply system. A household plumbing system is considered to be a consumer's water system.
CONTAMINATION. The degradation of the quality of the drinking water by wastewaters, processed fluids, or any water of a quality less than accepted drinking water quality to a degree which would create an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease.
CROSS-CONNECTION An arrangement allowing either a direct or indirect connection through which backflow, including backsiphonage, can occur between the drinking water in a public water system and a system containing a source or potential source of contamination, or allowing treated water to be removed from any public water system, used for any purpose or routed through any device or pipes outside the public water system, and returned to the public water system. The term does not include connections to devices totally within the control of one or more public water systems and connections between water mains.
DEGREE OF HAZARD. An evaluation of the potential risk to health and the adverse effect upon the public water supply system.
HEALTH HAZARD. Any condition, device, or practice in a water system or its operation that creates, or may create, a danger to the health and well-being of its users. The word SEVERE, as used to qualify HEALTH HAZARD, means a hazard to the health of the user that could reasonably be expected to result in significant morbidity or death.
INTERNAL PROTECTION. Cross-connection control which isolates all non-outlet, water-use appliances within a facility (e.g., kitchen appliances, air conditioners, boilers, process tanks, photo developing equipment) from the water distribution system within the facility. Internal protection prevents backflow contamination of both the facility water system and the public water supply. Reduced pressure zone devices and double check valve assemblies are used for internal protection.
NON-HEALTH HAZARD. Any condition, device or practice in a water system or its operation that creates, or may create, an impairment of the quality of the water to a degree which does not create a hazard to the public health, but which does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of such water for domestic use.
NON-POTABLE WATER. Water not safe for drinking, personal, culinary, or any other type of domestic use.
PERSON. Any individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, municipality, municipal authority, political subdivision or any agency of federal or state government. The term includes the officers, employees and agents of any partnership, association, company, corporation, municipality, municipal authority, political subdivision or any agency of federal or state government.
POLLUTION. The presence in water of any foreign substance that tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard, or to impair the usefulness or quality 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.
POTABLE WATER. Water which is satisfactory for drinking, personal, culinary, and domestic purposes and meets the requirements of DEP.
PROCESS FLUIDS. Any fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically or otherwise contaminated or polluted in a form or concentration such as would constitute a health, pollutional, or system hazard if introduced into the public or a consumer's water system. This includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Polluted or contaminated waters;
(2) Process waters; sanitary quality;
(3) Cooling waters;
(4) Contaminated natural waters taken from wells, lakes, streams, or irrigation systems;
(5) Chemicals in solution or suspension;
(6) Oils, gases, acids, alkalis, and other liquid or gaseous fluids used in industrial or
(7) Other processes, or for firefighting purposes;
(8) Heating system waters from boilers or heat pumps.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIER. A person who owns or operates a public water system.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM. A system which provides water to the public for human consumption which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. The term includes any collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities under control of the operator of the system and used in connection with the system. The term includes collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control which are used in connection with the system. The term also includes a system which provides water for human consumption via bottling, vending machines, retail sale, or bulk hauling methods.
SERVICE CONNECTION. The terminal-end of a service line from the public water supply system. Typically located at the curb stop between the street and sidewalk.
SYSTEM HAZARD. A condition posing an actual or potential threat of damage to the physical properties of the public water system or to the consumer's potable water system.
(Ord. 1447, passed 10-16-2017)