(A) The city shall be responsible for the protection of the public potable water distribution system from contamination or pollution due to the backflow of contaminants or pollutants through the water service connection. If, in the judgment of the city, an approved backflow prevention assembly is required (at the consumer’s water service connection, or within the consumer’s private water system) for the safety of the water system, the city or a designated agent shall give notice in writing to the consumer to install such an approved backflow prevention assembly(s) at a specific location(s) on his or her premises. The consumer shall immediately install the approved backflow prevention assembly(s) at the consumer’s own expense; and failure, refusal or inability on the part of the consumer to install, have tested and maintained the assembly(s) shall constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises until these requirements have been satisfactorily met.
(B) (1) Policy of use. Hydrants are part of the distribution system. No one will operate hydrants or valves (other than in the event of a fire) without written permission from the Public Works Director or the Superintendent of Distribution & Collections Department. All flushing will be coordinated with Public Works and Water Plant. Flushing schedule must be presented to Public Works and Water Plant at least five working days in advance and done only at off-peak hours or at night.
(2) Fill station policy. All fill stations must be approved by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources for construction and use. All stations must be approved by Public Works and Distribution & Collections Department. An approved backflow or air gap will be installed. Meter records will be kept and bills will be mailed monthly. Filling pools, tanks and takers from hydrants is prohibited.
(C) The policy of use, backflow and cross-connections, and fill station policy are two important steps to insure quality of water and the safety of the city’s system. Unauthorized persons operating city valves and hydrants are a direct threat to city equipment and water system. Only certified operators are allowed by law to maintain the city’s distribution system.
(Ord. passed - -) Penalty, see § 51.99