(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions contained in Minn. Rules part 4715.0100 shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1) BACKFLOW PREVENTER. A device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water system.
(2) BACKFLOW PREVENTER (REDUCED PRESSURE ZONE TYPE). An assembly of differential valves and check valves including an automatically opened spillage port to the atmosphere.
(3) CROSS CONNECTION. Any connection or arrangement, physical or otherwise, between a potable water supply system and any plumbing fixture, or tank, receptacle, equipment, or device through which it may be possible for nonpotable, used, unclean, polluted, or contaminated water or other substance to enter any part of such potable water system under any condition.
(B) All piping, connections and appurtenances shall be installed and performed strictly in accordance with the Minnesota Plumbing Code and only plumbers or authorized employees of the city shall be permitted to do any work on service pipes or fixtures connected with the water system. Plumbers requesting connection shall give notice at least 16 business hours prior to attempting connection. A consumer’s failure to install or maintain the connection facilities in accordance herewith, or failure to schedule or allow required inspections shall warrant termination of water service to that consumer.
(C) (1) A property owner is required to connect to the municipal water system within 6 months after the city has sent written notice via certified mail to the owner that municipal water lines have been installed and are ready for that property’s connection and use. See Minn. Rules 4715.0310. The city shall determine if municipal water lines are available by considering various factors including the lines’ distance from the property, type of soil, land use, water demand and environmental concerns.
(2) If the owner fails to connect to the municipal water system within the above 6-month time frame, the city may order the connection and shall assess the cost thereof against the benefitted property. This assessment shall be a lien against the property and bear interest at the rate identified by the City Council for improvements. The lien shall be certified to the Scott County Auditor and shall be remitted to the city in the same manner as assessments for local improvements.
(3) The rights of the city under this section shall be in addition to any other remedial or enforcement actions available to the city including obtaining an injunction ordering the connection.
(D) Whenever any premises are connected to the city water system, there shall be maintained a complete physical separation between the city water supply system and the private water supply system so that it is impossible to intentionally or unintentionally allow any water produced by a private system to be introduced in the supply line from the city system.
(E) (1) The purpose of a cross-connection control program is to protect the health of water customers and the potability of the municipal water supply. See Minn. Rules part 4720.0025.
(2) Cross-connections between the Jordan municipal water system and other water systems or any equipment which contains water or other substances of unknown or questionable safety are prohibited, except when and where, as approved by the city, suitable backflow prevention devices are installed, tested, and maintained to ensure proper operation on a continuing basis. See Minn. Rules part 4715.1920.
(3) The owner of real property within or upon which a private well is located shall permit annual inspection of the public and private systems to guarantee there is no cross-connection. The city’s inspector may require reasonable plumbing changes to ensure there will be no cross-connection. The City Inspector shall provide 48 hours’ notice of the inspection, which shall occur between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
(4) If a backflow prevention device and cross-connection is permitted by the city, it is to be owned, tested, and maintained by the customer/owner of the premises being served.
(5) Installation, maintenance and testing of backflow preventers shall be according to the State of Minnesota Plumbing Code. It is required that reduced pressure zone backflow preventers be tested annually and overhauled at intervals not to exceed five years. Testing must be performed by a qualified backflow tester. A licensed plumber qualified in backflow testing shall perform all internal maintenance to the device. Test results shall be furnished to the city.
(F) Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall be cause to discontinue water service in accordance with §50.04 above.
(Prior Code, §3.20) (Am. Ord. 10, Second Series, passed 11-16-1998; Am. Ord. 2008-004, passed 11-3-2008)