For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall 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.
CONSUMER. 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.
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.
(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 a 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’s Department of Natural Resources.
SERVICE CONNECTION. The terminal end of a service line from the public water system. If a 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. 327, passed - -2004)