(A) For the purpose of this chapter, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
CROSS CONNECTION. Any physical connection or arrangement between 2 otherwise separate systems, 1 of which contains potable water from the city water system, and the other, water from a private source, water of unknown or questionable safety, or steam, gases or chemicals, whereby there may be a flow from 1 or of the other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the 2 systems.
(B) No person, firm or corporation shall establish or permit to be established, or maintain or permit to be maintained any cross connection. No interconnection shall be established whereby potable water from a private, auxiliary or emergency water supply other than the regular public water supply of the city may enter the supply or distribution system of the municipality, unless the private, auxiliary or emergency water supply and the method of connection and use of the supply shall have been approved by the municipal utilities and by the State Department of Environmental Management in accordance with 327 I.A.C. § 8-10.
(C) It shall be the duty of the State Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to cause inspections to be made of all properties served by the public water system where cross connections with the public water system is deemed possible. The frequency of inspections and re-inspections based on potential health hazards involved shall be annually by a qualified tester, with results being delivered to Washington Waterworks.
(D) Upon presentation of credentials, the representative of the State Department of Environmental Management shall have the right to request entry at any reasonable time to examine any property served by a connection to the public water system of Washington for cross connections. On request, the owner, lessee or occupant of any property so served shall furnish to the inspection agency any pertinent information regarding the piping system or systems on the property. The refusal of access or refusal of requested pertinent information shall be deemed evidence of the presence of cross connections.
(E) The city municipal utility is hereby authorized and directed to discontinue water service to any property wherein any connection in violation of this statute exists, and to take other precautionary measures deemed necessary to eliminate any danger of contamination of the public water system. Water service shall be discontinued only after reasonable notice is served on the owner, lessee or occupants of the property or premises where a violation is found or suspected to exist. Water service to property shall not be restored until the cross connection(s) has been eliminated in compliance with the provisions of this section.
(F) If it is deemed by the municipal utilities that a cross connection or an emergency endangers public health, safety or welfare and requires immediate action, and a written finding to that effect is filed with the Clerk-Treasurer of the city and delivered to the consumer’s premises, service may be immediately discontinued. The consumer shall have an opportunity for a hearing within 10 days of the emergency discontinuance.
(G) All consumers using toxic or hazardous liquids, all hospitals, mortuaries, wastewater treatment plants, laboratories and all other hazardous users shall install and maintain a reduced-pressure-principle
backflow presented in the main water line serving each building on the premises. The backflow presented must be installed in an easily accessible location not subject to flooding or freezing.
(H) This section does not supersede the State Uniform Plumbing Code.
(Prior Code, § 53.06) (Ord. 14-89, passed 11-13-1989; Am. Ord. 7-2014, passed 3-24-2014)