(a) Findings; Purpose. The City hereby finds that backflow and backsiphonage of contaminants into a public water supply system can be a threat to public health and safety. Direct or indirect cross-connections within a water distribution system, including within a water customer's water distribution system, are among possible structural arrangements which can result in backflow and backsiphonage. In the interests of public health and safety, the City hereby adopts the following backflow and backsiphonage prevention program and crossconnection control program.
(b) Declaration of Nuisance
(c) Unlawful Connections; New Installations and Repairs
(1) That a cross-connection shall exist;
(2) That it will be possible in any manner to allow the flow of any water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the water supply system other than the intended water, liquids, mixtures or substances of the public water supply system; or
(3) That it will be possible, in any manner, to allow the flowing back of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the water supply system due to negative pressure in the water distribution system.
(d) Prevention Devices Required.
(1) Premises having an auxiliary water supply;
(2) Premises in which, in the opinion of the City Manager, substances are handled in a manner as to create an actual or potential hazard to the public water supply;
(3) Premises having existing or potential internal cross-connections;
(4) Premises where, in the opinion of the City Manager, it is impossible or impractical to make a complete cross-connection premises survey; or
(5) Premises having more than one customer service pipe.
(e) Minimum Protection Requirements. When backflow or backsiphonage prevention devices are required by this section, the prevention devices shall provide a minimum level of protection as indicated in the following chart:
Degree of Hazard | Recommended Device | |||||||
Direct or Indirect Water Connections | Severe | Moderate | Minor | Air Gap Separation* | For Backflow | For Backsiphonage | ||
Reduced Pressure Device | Double Check Valve Assembly | Pressure Vacuum Breaker | Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker | |||||
(1) Subject to back-pressure: | ||||||||
A. Pumps, tanks and lines handling: | ||||||||
1. Sewage and lethal substances | X | X | X | |||||
2. Toxic substances | X | X | X | |||||
3. Nontoxic substances | X | X | X | |||||
B. Water connection to steam and steam boiler: | ||||||||
1. Boiler or steam connection to toxic substances | X | X | X | |||||
2. Boiler or steam connection to nontoxic substances (boiler blowoff through approved gap) | X | X | X | X | ||||
(2) Not subject to back-pressure: | ||||||||
A. Sewer-connected waste line (not subject to waste stoppages) | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
B. Low inlets to receptacles containing toxic substance | X | X | X | X | X | |||
C. Low inlets to receptacles containing nontoxic substances | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
D. Low inlets into domestic water tanks | X | Each case should be treated separately | ||||||
E. Lawn sprinkler systems | X | X | X | X | X | |||
F. Coils or jackets used as heat exchangers in compressors, degreasers, etc | ||||||||
1. In sewer lines | X | X | X | |||||
2. In lines carrying toxic substances | X | X | X | X | X | |||
3. In lines carrying nontoxic substances | X | Each case should be treated separately | ||||||
G. Flush valve toilets | X | X | X | |||||
H. Toilet and urinal tanks | X | X | X | |||||
I. Trough urinals | X | X | ||||||
J. Valved outlets or fixtures with hose attachments that may constitute a cross connection to: | ||||||||
1. Toxic substances | X | X | X | X | X | |||
2. Nontoxic substances | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
*For backflow or backsiphonage
However, when, in the opinion of the City Manager or his or her authorized representative, a different level of protection would be more appropriate, the City Manager or his or her authorized representative shall prescribe the method of backflow or backsiphonage protection.
(f) Installation and Inspection of Services. The City Manager or his or her authorized representative, at the expense of the Municipality, may inspect any premises to determine if a backflow device is required and what level of protection will be necessary to protect the public health and safety.
In order to inspect a premises, the City Manager or his or her authorized representative shall give notice setting forth a proposed date and time to the customer, at least ten working days in advance, by first class mail, return receipt requested. If the customer cannot make the premises available for inspection on that date and time, the customer shall contact the City Manager or his or her authorized representative to arrange another date and time for inspection. If the City Manager or his or her authorized representative and the customer cannot agree on a date and time for inspection, a crossconnection survey for such premises shall be deemed impossible or impractical and a backflow or backsiphonage device shall be installed pursuant to subsection (e) hereof. All inspections shall be at reasonable times.
(g) New Meter Installation. All backflow and backsiphonage prevention devices shall be installed in such a manner that the devices shall be accessible.
(h) Maintenance. Backflow and backsiphonage prevention devices shall be maintained in good working condition by the customer at the customer's expense.
(Ord. 1174. Passed 4-24-90.)
(i) Testing. Backflow and backsiphonage prevention devices designed to be tested shall be tested for proper operation annually or when, in the opinion of the City Manager or his or her authorized representative, it is necessary. Actual testing and any required maintenance or repairs shall be at the expense of the customer and subject to the approval of the City Manager or his or her authorized representative. If testing shall require entry into the premises, the City Manager or his or her authorized representative shall give notice, setting forth a proposed date and time to the customer, at least ten working days in advance, by first class mail, return receipt requested. If the customer cannot make the premises available for inspection on that date and time, the customer shall contact the City Manager or his or her authorized representative to arrange another date and time.
(Ord. 1450. Passed 9-26-00.)
(j) Authority of Manager or Authorized Representative. The City Manager or his or her authorized representative shall have the authority to issue any order consistent with the provisions of this section in order to protect the public health and safety. Any order of the City Manager or his or her authorized representative shall be in writing and shall clearly state the nature of the order and compliance requirements and set a reasonable date for compliance. All orders will be mailed to the customer by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(k) Appeals. In the event that it is claimed that the true intent and meaning of this section have been wrongfully interpreted by the City Manager or his or her authorized representative, that the time allowed for compliance with any order of the City Manager or his or her authorized representative is too short, or that conditions peculiar to a particular premises make it unreasonably difficult to meet the literal requirements prescribed by this section, the owner may file a written notice of appeal with the Municipal Clerk within ten days after the decision or order of the City Manager or his or her authorized representative has been made. Council shall hear all appeals and shall have the power and authority, when appealed to, to modify the decision or order of the City Manager or his or her authorized representative.
Appeals shall be in writing and shall state the reason for the appeal.
(Ord. 1174. Passed 4-24-90.)