The following describes the six classes of fire protection systems and specify the minimal backflow prevention assembly required for connection of the fire protection systems to the city's water system. The Director may require an additional backflow prevention assembly to prevent contamination of the city's water system.
(A) A Class I system is directly connected only to the city's public water mains. All sprinkler drains discharge to the atmosphere, dry wells or other safe outlets. A Class I system has no physical connection to other water supplies and contains no antifreeze or other additives. An approved DCDA backflow prevention assembly shall be required for connection of a Class I system to the city's water system between the post-indicator valve and the onsite fire system. The DCDA shall be installed aboveground to allow a minimum of 18 inches of clearance around the valve.
(B) A Class II system is the same as a Class I system, except that a booster pump may be installed on the customer’s side of the service line from the street main. An approved DCDA backflow prevention assembly shall be required for connection of a Class II system to the city's water system between the post-indicator valve and the onsite fire system. The DCDA shall be installed aboveground to allow a minimum of 18 inches of clearance around the valve.
(C) A Class III system is directly connected to the city's main water supply and includes one or more of the following features: (1) an elevated storage tank; (2) a fire pump taking suction from an aboveground reservoir or tank; and (3) a pressure tank. All storage facilities may only be filled by or connected to the city's water supply and water in the facilities must be maintained in a potable condition. An approved DCDA backflow prevention assembly shall be required for connection of a Class III system to the city's water system between the post-indicator valve and the onsite fire system. The DCDA shall be installed aboveground to allow a minimum of 18 inches of clearance around the valve.
(D) A Class IV system is directly supplied from the city's main water supply in the same manner as a Class I or Class II system. In addition, a Class IV system includes an unapproved auxiliary water supply on or available to the premises, or an auxiliary supply located within 1,500 feet of a pumper connection. An RPDA backflow prevention assembly shall be installed for connection of a Class IV system to the city's water system. The RPDA shall be installed aboveground to allow a minimum of 18 inches of clearance around the valve and as closely as possible to the city's water system.
(E) A Class V system is directly supplied from the city's main water system and is interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply from a harbor, river, pond, well or other water supply where industrial fluids, additives, antifreeze and other contaminants or pollutants may be used. An RPDA backflow prevention assembly shall be required for connection of a Class V system to the city's water system. The RPDA shall be installed aboveground to allow a minimum of 18 inches of clearance around the valve and as closely as possible to the city's water system.
(F) A Class VI system contains combined industrial and fire protection systems supplied from the city's water mains, with or without gravity storage or pump suction tanks. An RPDA backflow prevention assembly shall be required for connection of a Class V system to the city's water system. The RPDA shall be installed aboveground to allow a minimum of 18 inches of clearance around the valve and as closely as possible to the city's water system. The Public Works Director and/or Fire Chief shall make the final determination of the appropriate backflow prevention assembly required for connection of a Class VI system to the city's water system after they have made a complete survey of the premises for fire protection requirements.
(Ord. 1129, passed 6-20-23)