For the purpose of this division, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates, or requires, a different meaning.
BACKFLOW. Any flow of water, other liquids, gaseous or vaporous substances, other substances, or any combination thereof, into the water system from any source due to a cross-connection, back pressure, back siphonage, any combination thereof, or any other cause; provided, that the following activities by the town shall not be construed as BACKFLOW:
(1) The introduction, or treatment, of raw water into the City of Hickory’s water treatment plant; or
(2) The introduction of such treated water by the city into the water system.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY or ASSEMBLY. An effective device, or method, used to prevent backflow.
CONTAMINATION. The impairment of the quality of potable water that creates an actual hazard to a degree that human consumption could result in poisoning, the spread of disease, serious illness, or death.
CROSS-CONNECTION. Any actual, or potential, physical connection or piping arrangement between the town’s water system, and any other source, or private water system, sewer fixture, container, or device, through which it is possible to introduce into any part of the town’s water system any used water, industrial fluids, gaseous or vaporous substances, or other substance which could be harmful, or hazardous, to the town’s water system, whereby there exists the possibility for flow from one system to the other, with the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the systems.
CUSTOMER. The person, firm, corporation, or other entity who is an applicant of, or a recipient of, any service rendered by the town in connection with the operation of its water system.
DEGREE OF HAZARD. The evaluation of a risk within a private water system as existing high, imminent, or moderate.
EXISTING HAZARD. An actual contamination of the town’s water system, or a customer’s private water system, that could cause illness or death, or damage to the physical components comprising the town’s water system.
HIGH HAZARD (SEVERE HAZARD). A potential threat of contamination to the town’s water system, or to a customer’s private water system, that could cause serious illness or death.
IMMINENT HAZARD. An actual threat of contamination to the town’s water system, or to a customer’s private water system.
MODERATE HAZARD. A potential threat of damage, contamination, or pollution to the town’s water system, or a customer’s private water system.
POLICY. The town’s “Policy for Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control”, as approved, and administered, by the town’s Public Works and Utilities Department.
POLLUTION. The impairment of the quality of the potable water to a degree that adversely, and detrimentally, affects the aesthetic qualities of such potable waters for domestic use.
PRIVATE WATER SYSTEM. A water distribution system privately-owned, and not directly controlled, by the town. For purpose of this policy, a PRIVATE WATER SYSTEM shall include a well situated on, and serving, an individual lot.
WATER SYSTEM. The water utility system owned, and operated, by the town, including all devices and facilities for the treatment, storage, and distribution of water.
(Ord. 13-2004, passed 6-7-2004)