(A) The premises of all users shall be evaluated by the Department to determine if a backflow prevention device is required under the provisions of this subchapter. If it is determined by the Department that the premises requires a backflow prevention device, the construction and installation of said device shall be in accordance with specifications and requirements promulgated by the Department.
(B) Assemblies shall be installed at the service connection or near the property line, but, in all cases, before the first branch line leading off of the service line, and in an accessible location approved by the Department. Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed by the user, at the user’s expense and in compliance with the standards and specifications adopted by the Department, at the service connection.
(C) Backflow prevention assemblies shall have at least the same cross-sectional area as the water service and/or meter. In those instances where a continuous water supply is necessary, two sets of backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in parallel if the water supply cannot be temporarily interrupted for the testing of assemblies.
(D) No bypass shall be installed around backflow preventive assemblies.
(E) Double check valve assemblies shall be installed belowground in a vault. Double check valve assemblies installed in vaults shall have sufficient clearance provided to permit testing in place or removal for maintenance, as prescribed in the standard details. Copies available upon request from Department.
(F) A reduced pressure principle backflow preventive assembly shall be installed aboveground as close to the water meter as possible. The assembly must be protected from freezing. Assemblies installed shall be accessible for testing as not to endanger the tester. Under no conditions, except as provided for herein, will backflow prevention assemblies be installed less than 12 inches or more than 24 inches above grade level.
(G) All pressure type backflow prevention assemblies which are designed for periodic field testing shall be equipped with gate valves on both the upstream and the downstream side of the assembly. In addition, test cocks shall be provided and located so that test equipment may be connected to the assembly at such points that the pressure in each pressure zone may be detected and, in addition, a test cock shall be located upstream of the upstream gate valve, as close as possible to the upstream gate valve.
(Prior Code, § 8-10.06) (Ord. 720, passed - -1993)