(a) Definition of cross-connection. A CROSS-CONNECTION is defined as any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate systems, one of which contains potable water from the village’s public water system, and the other of which contains water from a private source, water of unknown or questionable safety, or steam, gases, or chemicals, whereby there may be a flow from one system to the other, with the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the two systems.
(b) Unprotected cross-connections prohibited. No person, firm, or corporation may establish or maintain, or permit to be established or maintained, any unprotected cross-connection. Cross-connections shall be protected as required in Wis. Admin. Code, Chapter SPS 382.
(c) Inspection. The Water Utility Department may inspect, or arrange for an inspection of, property served by the public water system for cross-connections. The frequency of inspections shall be established by the Water Utility Department in accordance with the Administrative Code. Any unprotected cross-connections identified by the inspection shall be promptly corrected. Failure to promptly correct an unprotected cross-connection shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility Department to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under subsection (f) below.
(d) Right of entry. Upon presentation of credentials, a representative of the Water Utility Department shall have the right to request entry, at any reasonable time, to a property served by a connection to the public water system for the purpose of inspecting the property for cross-connections. Refusing entry to such Utility representative shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility Department to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under subsection (f) below. If entry is refused, a special inspection warrant under Wis. Stats. § 66.0119, may be obtained.
(e) Provision of requested information. The Water Utility Department may request an owner, lessee, or occupant of property served by a connection to the public water system to furnish the Water Utility Department with pertinent information regarding the piping systems on the property. Refusing to provide requested information shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility Department to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under subsection (f) below.
(f) Discontinuation of water for violation. The Water Utility Department may discontinue water service to any property wherein any unprotected connection in violation of this section exists, and take other precautionary measures deemed necessary to eliminate any danger of contamination of the public water system. Water service may be discontinued, however, only after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing under Wis. Stats. Chapter 68, except as provided in subsection (g) below. Water service to such property shall not be restored until the unprotected cross-connection has been eliminated.
(g) Emergency discontinuance. If it is determined by the Water Utility Department that an unprotected cross-connection or emergency endangers public health, safety, or welfare, and requires immediate action, and if a written finding to that effect is filed with the Village Clerk and delivered to the customer’s premises, water service may be immediately discontinued. The customer shall have an opportunity for hearing under Wis. Stats. Chapter 68, within ten days of such emergency discontinuance. Water service to such property shall not be restored until the unprotected cross-connection has been eliminated.
(h) State code adopted. The village adopts by reference the State Plumbing Code of the state being Chapter SPS 382, Wis. Adm. Code.
(i) Section not to supersede other ordinances. This section does not supersede the State Plumbing Code and any village plumbing ordinances, but is supplementary to them.
(j) Damage recovery. The Utility shall have the right of recovery from all persons any expense incurred by said Utility for the repair or replacement of any water pipe, curb stop, gate valve, hydrant, or valve box damaged in any manner by any person by the performance of any work under his or her control, or by any negligent act. Owners or operators of motor vehicles will be held liable for the cost of repair of any hydrant damaged by them, and the Utility will not be responsible for the damage from the motor vehicle by reason of such accident.
(k) Penalties. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section, or rules or regulations of the village; or who shall connect a service pipe without first having obtained a permit therefor; or who shall violate any provisions of the state statutes, Wisconsin Administrative Code, or any other materials which are incorporated by reference, shall upon conviction thereof forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $200 and the costs of persecution. This, however, shall not bar the village from enforcing the connection duties set out previously in this section pertaining to mandatory connection.
(Ord. 9-1-50, passed 4-15-2013)