For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AIR GAP. A physical separation sufficient to prevent backflow between the free flowing discharge end of the potable water system and any other system. Physically defined as a distance equal to twice the diameter of the supply side pipe diameter but never less than one inch.
APPROVED. Accepted by the city as meeting an applicable specification stated or cited in this regulation, or as suitable for the proposed use.
ATOMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER. A device that prevents back siphonage by creating an atmospheric vent when there is either a negative pressure or sub-atmospheric pressure on a water system.
AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLIES. Any water supply, on or available, to the premises other than the supplier’s approved public potable water supply.
BACK PRESSURE. A condition in which the owner’s system pressure is greater than the supplier’s system pressure.
BACKFLOW. The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances, under positive or reduced pressure in the distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any source other than its intended source.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER. A device or means designed to prevent backflow or back siphonage. Most commonly categorized as air gap, reduced pressure principle device, double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker, atmospheric vacuum breaker, hose bib vacuum breaker, or double check with intermediate atmospheric vent. Any device must be classified as an approved backflow device by the state’s Health Division.
BACK SIPHONAGE. The flow of water or other liquids, potable water supply system from any source other than its intended source, caused by the sudden reduction of the pressure in the potable water supply system.
CONTAINMENT. A method of backflow prevention that requires a backflow prevention device at the water service entrance.
CONTAMINANT. Any substance that will impair the quality of the water to a degree that it creates a serious health hazard to the public leading to poisoning or the spread of disease.
CROSS-CONNECTION. Any actual or potential connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution.
DEGREE OF HAZARD. The danger posed by a particular substance or set of circumstances is:
(1) LOW HAZARD. Generally, a low degree of hazard is one that does not affect health, but may be esthetically objectionable; or
(2) HIGH HAZARD. One that could cause serious illness or death.
DIVISION. The State of Oregon Public Health Division.
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE WITH INTERMEDIATE ATMOSPHERIC VENT. A device having two spring loaded check valves separated by an atmospheric vent chamber.
FIXTURE ISOLATION. A method of backflow prevention in which a backflow prevention device is located to correct a cross-connection at an in-plant location rather than at a water service entrance.
HOSE BIBB VACUUM BREAKER. A device which is permanently attached to a hose bib and which acts as an atmospheric vacuum breaker.
OWNER. Any person who has legal title to, or license to operate or habitat in, a property upon which a cross-connection inspection is to be made or upon which a cross-connection is present.
PERMIT. A document issued by the utility which keeps track of the devices and allows the person to use a backflow prevention device.
PERSON. Any individual, partnership, company, public or private corporation, political subdivision or agency of the state division, agency or instrumentality or the United States, or any other legal entity.
POLLUTANT. A foreign substance that, if permitted to get into the public water system, will degrade its quality so as 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 water for domestic use.
PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER. A device containing one or two independently operated spring-loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check or checks. The device includes tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valves and properly located test cocks for the testing of the check valve(s).
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT. The superintendent, or his or her delegated representative, in charge of the city’s Water Department. This person is invested with the authority and responsibility for the implementation of a cross-connection control program and for the enforcement of the provisions of the subchapter.
REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE BACKFLOW PREVENTER. An assembly consisting of two independently operating approved check valves with an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two check valves, tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valves, plus properly located test cocks for the testing of the check valves and the relief valves.
UTILITY. The City Water Department.
WATER SERVICE ENTRANCE. That point in the owner’s water system beyond the sanitary control of the Water Department; generally considered to be the outlet end of the water meter and always before any unprotected branch.
(Prior Code, § 51.76) (Ord. 98-229, passed 12-10-1998)