For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AIR GAP SEPARATION. The unobstructed vertical distance through the atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other device and the flood level rim of the receptacle. An APPROVED AIR-GAP SEPARATION shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe. In no case shall the air gap separation be less than one inch.
APPROVED. In reference to backflow prevention assemblies or methods: assemblies or methods which have been accepted by the Director or his or her designee as an effective means or method to prevent backflow.
BACKFLOW. Any flow of water, liquid, gas or other substances, or any combination thereof, into the distribution piping of a potable water supply from any source or sources.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY. An approved assembly or method used to prevent backflow from occurring in the potable water supply.
BACK-PRESSURE BACKFLOW. Backflow caused by a pump, elevated tank, boiler or other means that could create pressure with the system greater than the supply pressure.
BACK-SIPHONAGE BACKFLOW. A reversal of the normal direction flow in the pipeline due to a negative pressure (vacuum) being created in the supply line with the backflow source subject atmospheric pressure.
CERTIFIED TESTER. A person who has proven his or her competency to test, repair, overhaul and prepare reports on backflow prevention assemblies as evidenced by certification of successful completion of a training program approved by the state. Each person who is certified to make competent tests, or to repair, overhaul and make reports on backflow prevention assemblies shall be knowledgeable of applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Town Public Utilities Department must approve all CERTIFIED TESTERS prior to use of their services.
CONSUMER/CUSTOMER. Any person, firm or corporation using or receiving water from Town Public Utilities Department.
CONTAINMENT. Prevention of possible contamination from a private water system by installing an approved backflow prevention assembly.
CONTAMINATION. The degradation of the quality of water so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness of water.
CROSS-CONNECTION. Any physical connection between the town's water supply system and any other source. This includes piping systems, sewer fixtures, containers or devices whereby water or other liquids, mixtures or substances may flow into or enter the county's water supply system.
CROSS-CONNECTION INSPECTOR/ORC. An employee of the Town Public Utilities Department designated by the Director to administer and enforce the provisions of this article.
DEGREE OF HAZARD. Derived from an evaluation of the health, hazard, system, plumbing or pollution hazards.
DIRECTOR. The Director of the Town Public Utilities Department.
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY. An assembly composed of two single, independently acting approved check valves, including tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly and suitable connections for testing the water-tightness of each check valve.
DOUBLE CHECK-DETECTOR CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY. An assembly composed of an approved double check valve assembly with a bypass water meter and a meter-sized approved double check valve device. The meter shall register accurately for very low flow rates and shall register all flow rates.
HIGH HAZARD. An actual or potential threat of contamination to the public water system or to a private water system to a degree or intensity that there could be a danger to health.
IMM1NENT HAZARD. An actual threat of contamination that presents a danger to the public health with consequences of serious illness or death.
LOW HAZARD. One that presents foreseeable and significant potential for pollution, nuisance aesthetically objectionable or other undesirable alterations of the drinking water supply.
POINT OF DELIVERY. The terminal end of a service connection from the public potable water system (i.e. where the Public Utilities Department loses sole jurisdiction over the water); the point where water leaves the public water system and enters a private water system.
POTABLE WATER. Water from any source which has been approved for human consumption by the appropriate agency of the state.
PRIVATE WATER SYSTEM. A system of pipes or other associated facilities that is not part of the town's public water system and is used to move or receive water, regardless of the source of water in the system.
REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE ASSEMBLY. Also referred to as RP or RPZ. A mechanical assembly consisting of four test cocks, two shut-off valves, two independently operating, spring loaded check valves with a reduced pressure zone between the checks. The zone contains a relief port that will open to atmosphere if the pressure in the zone falls within two psi of the supply pressure. The assembly provides protection against both back-pressure and back-siphonage.
REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE-DETECTOR ASSEMBLY. An assembly composed of an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly with a bypass water meter and a meter-sized approved reduced pressure principle device. The meter shall register accurately for very low flow rates and shall register all flow rates.
TOWN OF MOCKSVILLE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT. The authority having the jurisdiction of the town water and sewer system.
WATER SUPPLY (APPROVED). Any public potable water supply which has been investigated and approved by the appropriate agency of the state. The system must be operating under a valid health permit.
(Ord. passed 10-5-2010)