(A) Authority. The intent of this policy is to establish parameters and procedures for eliminating existing cross-connections and preventing future cross-connections within the city potable water system. The Department of Environmental Protection Rules and Regulations, F.A.C. 62-555.360, and American Water Works Association, M14, provides legal authority for establishing a cross-connection control program.
(B) Cross-connection control requirements.
(1) Service connections. All connections to the city’s system shall be designed, installed, and maintained in a manner to prevent contamination of the distribution system. A back-flow prevention assembly may be required at the service connection as a method of on-site containment.
(2) Mandatory backflow prevention. A reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly shall be connected to any water meter which is located in a service area served by reclaimed or non-potable water. Each RPZ assembly shall be tested in accordance with § 56.18(E).
(3) Separation of reclaimed and domestic/potable water lines. Maximum obtainable separation of reclaimed or non-potable water line, and domestic or potable water lines shall be practiced. A minimum horizontal separation of three feet (outside-to-outside) shall be maintained between reclaimed/non-potable water mains. Smaller horizontal separation may be permitted with approval of the Department of Environmental Protection.
(4) Color coding. All water lines carrying reclaimed or non-potable water shall be color- coded purple.
(C) Backflow prevention assemblies and applications.
(1) Residential dual check valve assembly. A compact unit manufactured with two independent spring actuated check valves. The residential dual check is acceptable only as added backflow prevention in areas served by reuse systems defined in Ordinance 17-610, Part III, F.A.C., when the cross-connection control program identifies activities specific to (5)(a) and (5)(b) of Ordinance 17-610, Part III, F.A.C.
(2) Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly. This device may be utilized in a high hazard situation when either backpressure or back-siphonage may occur.
(3) Double check value assembly (DCVA). This device may be used in a low hazard situation when either backpressure or back-siphonage may occur.
(4) Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB). This device may be utilized in a high hazard situation when back-siphonage may occur. This assembly is used primarily with lawn irrigation systems.
(5) Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB). This device may be used in back-siphonage situations only. Specific conditions must be met to insure the effectiveness of the installation.
(D) Installation of backflow prevention devices.
(1) Location. The primary location for all backflow assemblies shall be directly behind the water meter at the service connection. Alternate locations must be approved by the city.
(2) Installation. The city is responsible for installation of any and all required backflow prevention assemblies. The installation must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and city specifications.
(E) Testing backflow prevention assemblies.
(1) Requirements. All reduced pressure zone, double check valve assembly, and pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assemblies will be tested annually by the city. The tests will be performed by certified backflow prevention technicians in accordance with procedures and guidelines established by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research. A backflow prevention assembly will be considered noncompliant if the device fails to meet minimum requirements set forth by this agency.
(2) Test results. Test results will be available to the consumer upon request.
(F) Repair and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies.
(1) Repairs. Repairs to backflow prevention assemblies will be the responsibility of the city. All repairs must be performed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
(2) Maintenance. The city will be required to maintain the backflow assembly and the surrounding site in a manner by which the device is both accessible and operational.
(G) Cross-connection control requirements.
(1) Residential irrigation connections. All residential irrigation connections will require a backflow prevention assembly at the point of connection. Under normal conditions, a double check valve assembly or a pressure vacuum breaker will be adequate; however, if an on-site well exists, chemical injection is utilized, or a source of toxic contamination is present, a reduced pressure zone assembly will be required.
(2) Commercial and industrial irrigation connections. All commercial and industrial irrigation connections will require a backflow prevention assembly at the point of connection. Under normal conditions, a double check valve assembly or a pressure vacuum breaker will be adequate; however, if an on-site well exists, chemical injection is utilized, or a source of toxic contamination is present, a reduced pressure zone assembly will be required.
(H) Approval of backflow prevention assemblies.
(1) Approved assemblies. Any assembly installed within the city reclaimed water system must meet with performance criteria set forth by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.
(2) Installation approval. All backflow assembly installations will be inspected by the city subject to the specifications defined within the Utilities Standards for Design and Construction of Water and Wastewater Facilities.
(3) Enforcement. The Utilities Department is granted authority to inspect any and all reclaimed water service connections serviced by the utility and to take appropriate action to insure the potable integrity of the system. The city is given the legal right to immediately disconnect any customer from the system if the service is determined to constitute a high hazard cross-connection.
(I) Noncompliance; discontinuance of service.
(1) Non-health hazard noncompliance. Any customer of the city reclaimed water system found to have a non-health hazard will be so notified in writing. A 30-day grace period will be established, during which time the consumer will modify the system to comply with this chapter. Failure to comply could result in discontinued service and/or fines.
(2) Health hazard noncompliance. If a health hazard backflow situation is detected, the connection will be immediately disconnected. The service will not be restored until the property backflow assembly is installed and the source of contamination is eliminated.
(Ord. 1387-19, passed 10-28-19)