(A) Backflow prevention device required. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in connection with water service connections or within any premises where, in the judgment of the city, the nature and extent of the activities, or the materials stored on the premises, would present an immediate and dangerous hazard to health and/or be deleterious to the quality of the water should a cross-connection occur, even though such cross-connection does not exist at the time. The backflow prevention devices shall be installed under circumstances including but not limited to the following.
(1) Auxiliary water supply. Premises having an auxiliary water supply that are connected to lawn irrigation system, swimming pool or is otherwise not in compliance with state drinking water standards, rules and regulations of the state’s Division of Environment and any other federal, state, county or city authority or agency thereof and is acceptable to the city.
(2) Internal cross-connections. Premises having internal cross-connections that are not correctable or intricate plumbing arrangements which make it impracticable to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist.
(3) Restricted entry. Premises where entry is restricted so that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or at sufficiently short notice to ensure that cross-connections do not exist.
(4) History of cross-connection. Premises having a repeated history of cross-connections being established or reestablished.
(5) Substances under pressure. Premises on which any substance is handled under pressure so as to permit entry into the city water supply or where a cross-connection could reasonably be expected to occur. This shall include the handling of process waters and cooling waters.
(6) Toxic materials. Premises where materials of a toxic nature are handled in such a way that if back siphonage should occur, a serious health hazard might result.
(7) Types of facilities. The following types of facilities will fall into one of the above categories where a backflow prevention device is required to protect the city water supply. A backflow prevention device shall be installed at these facilities unless the city and applicable state, county and federal authorities and agencies determine that no hazard exists:
(a) Hospitals, mortuaries, clinics;
(b) Laboratories, including school laboratories;
(c) Metal plating industries;
(d) Sewage treatment plants;
(e) Food or beverage processing plants;
(f) Chemical plants using a water process;
(g) Petroleum processing or storage plants;
(h) Car washes;
(i) Dry cleaners; and
(j) Other premises as specified by the city where backflow prevention devices are required to protect the city water supply.
(B) Type of protective device. The type of protective device required shall depend on the degree of hazard which exists.
(1) An air-gap separation or a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be installed where the city water supply may be contaminated with sewage, industrial waste of a toxic nature or other contaminant which could cause a health or system hazard.
(2) In the case of a substance which may be objectionable but not hazardous to health, a double check valve assembly, air prevention device shall be installed.
(C) Location. Backflow prevention devices required by this chapter shall be installed at the property line of the premises, or at a location designated by the city. The device shall be located so as to be readily accessible for maintenance and testing, and furthermore, where no part of the device will be submerged.
(D) Approval and supervision by city. Backflow prevention devices required by this chapter shall be installed under the supervision of, and with the approval of the city.
(E) Additional approval. Any protective device required by this chapter shall be approved by the city, applicable state, county and federal authorities and agencies. These devices shall be furnished and installed by and at the expense of the customer.
(F) Inspection and testing. Backflow prevention devices installed pursuant to this chapter shall be inspected and tested annually, or more often if necessary. Inspections, tests and maintenance shall be at the customer’s expense, and, if requested by the city, by a certified tester retained and paid by the customer. Whenever the devices are found to be defective, they shall be repaired, overhauled or replaced at the customer’s expense. Inspections, tests, repairs and records thereof shall be accomplished in accordance with all standards, rules and regulations of this chapter, state code and all standards, rules and regulations of the state, the state’s Department of Health and Welfare and any other federal, state, county or city authority or agency thereof by certified testers retained and paid by the customer.
(G) Underground sprinkling device. No underground sprinkling device will be installed without adequate backflow prevention devices at the point from which water for irrigation is taken from the city water supply.
(H) Noncompliance. Failure of the customer to cooperate in the installation, maintenance, testing or inspection of backflow prevention devices required by this chapter, state code and all standards, rules and regulations of the state, the state’s Department of Health and Welfare and any other federal, state, county or city authority or agency thereof shall be grounds for termination of water service to the premises, or, in the alternative, the installation of an air-gap separation at the customer’s expense.
(Prior Code, § 8-2-2) (Ord. 92-549, passed 3-18-1992)