For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AIR GAP SEPARATION. The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other device and the overflow level rim of the receptacle, and shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the flood level rim of the vessel, but in no case less than one inch.
AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY. Any water source or system, other than the public water supply, that may be available in the building or premises.
BACKFLOW. The flow other than the intended direction of flow of any foreign liquids, gases or substances into the distribution system of a public water supply.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY. Any double check valve or reduced pressure principle backflow preventer having resilient-seated shut-off valves on both the upstream and downstream end and the necessary test cocks as integral parts of the assembly.
BACK PRESSURE. Any pressure on water, other liquid, gas, other substances or any combination thereof in a private water system that is connected in any manner to the public water system under circumstances in which such pressure is greater than the pressure on the water in the public water system so that backflow may occur.
BACK SIPHONAGE. Any circumstance in which the pressure on the water in the public water system is less than the atmospheric pressure, which causes a sub-atmospheric condition on water, other liquid, gas, other substances or any combination thereof in a private water system that is connected in any manner to the public water system so that backflow may occur.
BPA. Backflow Prevention Assembly.
CERTIFIED TESTER. An individual person who has proven his or her competency to test, repair and overhaul backflow prevention assemblies of all types and to prepare reports on such assemblies as evidenced by the successful completion of a certified training course and on the approved testers list for the city.
CONSUMER/CUSTOMER. The owner or person in control of any premises supplied by or in any manner connected to a public water system.
CONTAINMENT. Protection of the public water supply by installing a backflow prevention assembly or air gap separation on the main service line to a facility.
CONTAMINATION. An impairment of the quality of the water by sewage, process fluids or other wastes to a degree which could create an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through spread of disease by exposure.
CROSS-CONNECTION. Any physical link between a potable water supply and any other substance, fluid or source which makes possible contamination of the potable water supply due to the reversal of flow of the water in the piping or distribution system.
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY. An assembly that consists of two check valves assembled in a series. This employs two operating principles: first, one check valve will still act, even if the other is jammed open. Second, the closure of one valve reduces the pressure differential across the other, allowing a more reliable seal. The DOUBLE CHECK ASSEMBLY is suitable for prevention of back pressure and back siphonage, but is not suitable for high hazard applications.
FDC. Fire Department Connection.
HAZARD, DEGREE OF. An evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon the potable water system.
(1) HAZARD, HEALTH. Any condition, device or practice in the water supply system and its operation which could create or may create a danger to the health and well-being of the water consumer.
(a) HAZARD, HIGH. An actual or potential threat of contamination of the public water system or a customer’s potable water system that could cause serious illness or death.
(b) HAZARD, IMMINENT. An actual threat of contamination to the public water system that could cause serious illness or death.
(c) HAZARD, MODERATE. An actual or potential threat of damage to the physical components compromising the public water system or a customer’s potable water system, or of pollution to the public water system or to a customer’s potable water system.
(2) HAZARD, PLUMBING. A plumbing type cross-connection in a consumer’s potable water system that has not been properly protected by a vacuum breaker, air gap separation or backflow prevention assembly.
(3) HAZARD, POLLUTIONAL. An actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the water system or to the potability of the public or the consumer’s potable water system, but which would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances, but would not be dangerous to health.
(4) HAZARD, SYSTEM. An actual or potential threat of severe damage to the physical properties of the public potable water system or the consumer’s potable water system, or of a pollution or contamination which would have a protracted effect on the quality of the potable water in the system.
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS SYSTEM. Any system containing a fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically or otherwise contaminated or polluted in a form or concentration such as would constitute a health, system, pollutional or plumbing hazard if introduced into the potable water supply.
ISOLATION. Protection of a facility’s internal plumbing system by installing a backflow prevention assembly, air gap separation or other backflow prevention device on an individual fixture, appurtenance or system.
POLLUTION. The presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic or biological) in water which tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness 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 waters for domestic use.
PUBLIC POTABLE WATER SYSTEM. Any publicly or privately owned water system supplying water to the general public which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes, and meets the requirements of the State Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
PVB (PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER). A backflow prevention device that uses mechanical springs to prevent non-potable water from entering the water supply. This unit is a testable and serviceable unit. There are two test cocks to allow the inspector to verify proper operation of the unit.
REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE ASSEMBLY.
(A) The device consists of two independent check valves, plumbed in series, with a pressure monitored chamber between (also known as the zone). The chamber is maintained at a pressure that is lower than the water supply pressure, but high enough to be useful downstream.
(B) The reduced pressure is guaranteed by a differential pressure relief valve, which automatically relieves excess pressure in the chamber by discharging to a drain. Four test cocks are installed to allow an inspector to verify proper operation of the valve with a differential pressure meter. Two valves (one before and one after the RPZD) are provided to allow for testing and repair. A REDUCED PRESSURE ASSEMBLY is considered suitable for high hazard applications.
SERVICE CONNECTION. The terminal end of a service line from the public water system. If the meter is installed at the end of the service, then the service connection means the downstream end of the meter.
WATER PURVEYOR. The owner, operator or individual in responsible charge of a public water system.
(Ord. 07-14-03B, passed 8-8-2022)