A. The type of prevention required shall depend on the Degree of Hazard. The Degree of Hazard and appropriate Backflow prevention shall be determined by the Water Purveyor.
1. Severe Health Hazard classification shall mean an actual or potential threat of Contamination of the water system that could be lethal. An Approved fixed Air Gap Separation shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this regulation.
2. Health Hazard classification shall mean an actual or potential threat of Contamination of a physical or toxic nature that would be a danger to health. An Approved fixed Air Gap Separation or an Approved Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this regulation.
3. System Hazard classification shall mean actual or potential threat of damage to the physical properties of the water system. An Approved fixed Air Gap Separation or an Approved Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this regulation.
4. Pollution Hazard classification shall mean an actual or potential threat to the potability of the water system, but which would not constitute a Health Hazard as defined. An Approved Air Gap Separation, an Approved Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly or an Approved double-check back-flow assembly shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this regulation.
B. Type of Backflow Protection Required - Domestic Water Services:
An Approved Backflow Prevention Device of the type designated shall be installed on each domestic water Service Connection to the following types of facilities unless the Water Purveyor determines that no real or potential health, pollution, or System Hazard to the public water system exists. This list is presented as a guideline and should not be construed as being complete.
Backflow Prevention Assembly Requirement Key:
AG - Air Gap Separation
RP - Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly
DC - Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Device
Minimum Type of Protection | |
INDUSTRIAL | RP (as defined by Department) |
COMMERCIAL | Backflow protection at the Service Connection shall match the highest level of water use hazard on site. However, if there is only one water use hazard on site and in the opinion of the Department the makeup piping to this hazard can be permanently isolated, an Isolation Backflow Prevention Device approved by the Department for the hazard can be used in lieu of one at the Service Connection. |
RESIDENTIAL | RP |
With lawn irrigation or direct plumbing pool (if no potential for back-pressure exists, and there is only one water use hazard on site and in the opinion of the Department the make up piping to this hazard can be permanently isolated, an Isolation Backflow Prevention Device approved by the Department for the hazard can be used in lieu of one at the Service Connection.) | |
If water uses exist other than domestic | |
Where second source of water is available to the property |
An Approved Backflow Prevention Device of the type designated shall be installed on each domestic Service Connection to the following types of facilities regardless of the types of on-site water use hazards:
Hospitals | RP |
Mortuaries | RP |
Medical clinic, office, etc | RP |
Nursing & convalescent homes | RP |
Laboratories | RP |
Sewage treatment plants & pumping stations | RP |
Car Washes | RP |
Lawn Irrigation | RP |
Veterinary Establishments | RP |
Film Laboratory or Processing Plant | RP |
Commercial Leased Property | RP |
Marine facilities | RP |
Chemical plants | RP |
Beverage bottling plants | RP |
Laundry facilities | RP |
Metal manufacturing | RP |
Plating plants | RP |
Restaurants | RP |
Schools | RP |
In addition to and including the facilities listed above, an Approved Backflow Prevention Device of the type designated shall be installed on each domestic water Service Connection to any Premises containing the following actual or potential hazards:
Minimum Type of Protection | |
Premises having a secondary source of water not connected to the public water system | RP |
Premises having a water storage tank, reservoir, pond, or similar appurtenance | RP |
Premises having a steam boiler, cooling system, or hot water heating system where chemical water conditioners are used | RP |
Premises having submerged inlets to equipment | RP |
C. Type of Backflow Protection Required - Fire Services: Shall be subject to these Rules and Regulations.