Alturas Municipal Code Art. II Cross-Connection Control Program

The purpose of this article in conjunction with chapter 10, sections 1002 and 1003 of the Uniform Plumbing Code and in conjunction with Title 17, sections 7583 through 7605 California Code of Regulations as they may be amended by the state of California from time to time is as follows:

(a) Protect the public water supply against actual or potential contamination through cross-connections by isolating sources of contamination that may occur within a water user's premises because of some undiscovered or unauthorized cross-connection on the premises;

(b) Eliminate existing connections between drinking water systems and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption;

(c) To eliminate cross-connections between drinking water systems and sources of contamination;

(d) Prevent the making of cross-connections in the future.

(Ord. No. 429, § 4.)

The regulations of this article are adopted pursuant to the State of California Administrative Code, Title 17 - Public Health entitled "Regulations Relating to Cross-Connection".

(Ord. No. 429, § 5.)

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation at any time to make or maintain or cause to be made or maintained, temporarily or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross-connection between plumbing pipes or water fixtures being served with water by the city water department and any other source of water supply or to maintain any sanitary fixture or other appurtenances or fixtures which, by reason of their construction, may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the city and/or the service of water pipes or fixtures of any consumer of the city.

(Ord. No. 429, § 6.)

"Air-gap separation" means a physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel. The air-gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel, in no case less than one inch.

"Approved backflow prevention assembly" means an assembly which has passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated their competency to perform such tests to the California Department of Health Services.

"Approved water supply" means the water system of the city whose potability is regulated by the State Health Department.

"Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB)" means an assembly that has a float-check, a check seat and an air inlet port. The flow of water into the body causes the float to close the air inlet port. When the flow of water stops, the float falls, and forms a check against backsiphonage. This simultaneously opens the air inlet port, allowing air to enter and satisfy the vacuum. A shutoff valve immediately up stream may be an integral part of the AVB. This assembly is designed to protect only against a back- siphonage condition, not against back pressure. A downstream shutoff valve is not permitted. Figure 2 of this article shows a AVB schematic.

"Auxiliary supply" means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the approved water supply.

"AWWA Standard" means an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

"Backflow" means a flow condition, caused by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source. Back- siphonage is one cause of backflow. Back pressure is another cause.

(1) Back Pressure. The term "back pressure" means the backflow caused by a pump, elevated tank, boiler, or other means that could create pressure within the system greater than the city water supply.

(2) Backsiphonage. The term "backsiphonage" means a form of backflow due to a negative or subatmospheric pressure within the water system.

"Contamination" means a degradation of the quality of the potable water by any foreign substance which creates a hazard to the public health, or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.

"Cross-connection" as used in this article means any unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome, or potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover assemblies, or other assembly through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.

"Double check valve assembly" means an assembly of two internally loaded, independently acting check valves, including resilient seated shut-off valves on each end of the assembly and test cocks for testing the watertightness of each check valve.

"Health agency" means the California Department of Health Services.

"Local health agency" means the Modoc county health department.

"Person" means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.

"Premises" means any and all areas on the water user's property which are served or have the potential to be served by the public water system.

"Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB)" means an assembly that has an independently operating, loaded check valve and an independently operating, loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check valve. The PVB must be equipped with properly located test cocks and tightly closing shutoff valves located on each end of the assembly. This assembly is designed to protect only against a back- siphonage condition, not against back pressure. A shutoff valve may be used downstream of a PVB. Figure 1 shows a PVB schematic.

"Public water system" means a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption that has five or more service connections or regularly serves an average of twenty-five individuals daily at least sixty days out of the year.

"Reclaimed water" means a wastewater which, as a result of treatment, is suitable for uses other than potable use.

"Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly" means an assembly incorporating two internally loaded, independently operating check valves and an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two checks, including resilient seated shut-off valves on each end of the assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks for testing the assembly.

"Service connection" refers to the point of connection of a user's piping to the city water system.

"Water supplier" means the city water department.

"Water user" means any person obtaining water from the city water system.

(Ord. No. 429, § 7.)

(a) General Provisions.

(1) Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited.

(2) Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the city will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention assembly by and at his expense for the continued water service or before a new service will be granted.

(3) Wherever backflow protection has been found necessary on a water supply line entering a water user's premises, then any and all water supply lines from the city's mains entering such premises, buildings, or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly. The type of assembly to be installed will be in accordance with the requirements of this article. All costs of installation, testing, repair and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.

(b) Where Protection is Required.

(1) Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises into the public water system.

(2) Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance is handled in such fashion as may allow its entry into the water system shall be protected against backflow of the water from the premises into the public system. This shall include the handling of process waters and waters originating from the city water system which have been subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality.

(3) Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having:

a. Internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the State Health Department and the city;

b. Intricate plumbing and piping arrangements or where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impracticable or impossible to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist including saunas and hot tubs.

(c) Type of Protection Required.

(1) The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the approved water supply shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer's premises. The type of protective assembly that may be required (listed in an increasing level of protection) includes: double check valve assembly (DC), reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) and an air-gap separation (AG). The water user may choose a higher level of protection than required by the city. The minimum types of backflow protection required to protect the approved water supply, at the user's water connection to premises with varying degrees of hazard are given in Table 1. Situations which are not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the city director of public works.

(2) Two or more services supplying water from different street mains to the same building, structure, or premises through which an interstreet main flow may occur, shall have at least a standard check valve on each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property side of the respective meters. Such check valve shall not be considered adequate if backflow protection is deemed necessary to protect the city's mains from pollution or contamination; in such cases the installation of approved backflow assemblies at such service connections shall be required.

(Ord. No. 429, § 8.)

Table 1 TYPE OF BACKFLOW PROTECTION REQUIRED

(a) Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies.

(1) Only backflow prevention assemblies which have been approved by the California Department of Health Services shall be acceptable for installation for a water user connected to the city's potable water system.

(2) The city will provide, upon request, any affected customer with a list of approved backflow prevention assemblies.

(b) Backflow Prevention Assembly Installation. Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in a manner prescribed in section 7603, Title 22 of the California Administrative Code. Location of the assemblies should be as close as practical to the user's connection. The city shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention assembly.

(1) Air-gap Separation (AG). The air-gap separation shall be located on the user's side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade and be entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point between the service connection and the air-gap separation. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two pipe diameters of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the overflow rim of the receiving tank.

(2) Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP). The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall be installed on the user's side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. The assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve inches above grade and not more than thirty-six inches above grade measured from the bottom of the assembly and with a minimum of twelve inches side clearance. The assembly shall be installed so that it is readily accessible for maintenance and testing. Water supplied from any point between the service connection and the RP assembly shall be protected in a manner approved by the city. Figure 7 of this article shows a typical installation for an irrigation system.

(3) Double Check Valve Assembly (DC). The approved double check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user's connection and shall be installed above grade, if possible, and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If a double check valve assembly is put below grade it must be installed in a vault such that there is a minimum of six inches between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the assembly so that the top of the assembly is no more than a maximum of eight inches below grade, so there is a minimum of twenty-four inches of clearance between the side of the assembly with the test cocks and the side of the vault, and so there is a minimum of twelve inches clearance between the other side of the assembly and the side of the vault. Special consideration must be given to double check ball assemblies of the "Y" type. These assemblies must be installed on their "side" with the test cocks in a vertical position so that either check valve may be removed for service without removing the assembly. Vaults which do not have an integrated bottom must be placed on a three-inch layer of gravel.

(4) Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB). A shutoff valve may be used downstream of a PVB. Figure 1 of this article shows a PVB schematic. Figures 4 and 5 of this article show typical installations.

(5) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB). A shutoff valve immediately upstream may be an integral part of the AVB. A downstream shutoff valve is not permitted. Figure 2 of this article shows a AVB schematic. Figures 3 and 6 of this article show typical installations.

(c) Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing and Maintenance.

(1) The owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow prevention assemblies are installed, shall have the assemblies tested by a person who is certified by the city as a tester of backflow prevention device assemblies. Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least annually and immediate after installation, relocation or repair. The city may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is determined to be necessary in order to safeguard the public health. No assembly shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. A report in a form acceptable to the city shall be filed with the city each time an assembly is tested, relocated, or repaired. These assemblies shall be serviced, overhauled, or replaced whenever they are found to be defective and all costs of testing, repair and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.

(2) The city will supply affected water users with a list of persons acceptable to the city to test backflow prevention assemblies. The city will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of an assembly is needed and also supply users with the necessary forms which must be filled out each time an assembly is tested or replaced.

(d) Backflow Prevention Assembly Removal. Approval must be obtained from the city before a backflow prevention assembly is removed, relocated, or replaced.

(1) Removal. The use of an assembly may be discontinued and the assembly removed from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence to the city to verify that a hazard no longer exists or is not likely to be created in the future.

(2) Relocation. An assembly may be relocated following confirmation by the city that the relocation will continue to provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements. A retest will be required following the relocation of the assembly.

(3) Repair. An assembly may be removed for repair, provided the water use is either discontinued until repair is completed and the assembly is returned to service, or the service connection is equipped with other backflow protection approved by the city. A retest will be required following the repair of the assembly.

(4) Replacement. An assembly may be removed and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement assembly is installed. All replacement assemblies must be approved by the city and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.

(Ord. No. 429, § 9.)

(a) Water System Survey.

(1) The city shall review all requests for new services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the city as a condition of service for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention assembly is necessary to protect the public water system, the required assembly must be installed before service will be granted.

(2) The city may require an on-premises inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The city will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any water user who cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of his piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention assembly the city deems necessary.

(3) The city may, at its discretion, require an on-premises re-inspection for cross-connection hazards of any premises to which it serves water. The city will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any water user who cannot or will not all an on-premises inspection of his piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention assembly the city deems necessary.

(b) Customer Notification-Assembly Installation.

(1) The city will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing the corrective actions to be taken if any are required. A period of sixty calendar days will be given to complete all corrective actions required, including installation of backflow prevention assemblies.

(2) A second notice will be sent to each water user who does not take the required corrective actions prescribed in the first notice within the sixty calendar days period allowed. The second notice will give the water user fifteen calendar days to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the fifteen calendar days the city will terminate water service to the affected user until the required corrective actions are taken.

(c) Customer Notification-Testing and Maintenance.

(1) The city will notify each affected water user when it is time for the backflow prevention assembly installed on their service connection to be tested. This written notice shall give the water user thirty calendar days to have the assembly tested and supply the water user with the necessary testing form to be completed. The completed testing form showing that the assembly is functioning correctly must be returned to the city before the thirty calendar days have elapsed.

(2) A second notice shall be sent to each water user which does not have his/her backflow prevention assembly tested as prescribed in the first notice within the thirty calendar day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user fifteen calendar days to have his/her backflow prevention assembly tested. If no action is taken within the fifteen calendar days the city will terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject assembly is tested and the testing report form showing that the assembly is functioning correctly is returned to the city.

(Ord. No. 429, § 10.)

(a) General. When the city encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the city shall immediately begin the procedure to terminate the water service.

(b) Basis for Termination. Conditions or water uses that create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following items:

(1) Refusal to install a required backflow prevention assembly;

(2) Refusal to test a backflow prevention assembly;

(3) Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention assembly;

(4) Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention assembly;

(5) Direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer line;

(6) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants;

(7) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxiliary water system;

(8) A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system.

(c) Water Service Termination Procedures.

(1) Make attempt to advise the water user verbally and in writing, but in no event to allow a period of time of more than four hours to lapse, of intent to terminate water service.

(2) Terminate water supply and lock service valve. The water service will remain inactive until correction of violations has been approved by the city.

(Ord. No. 429, § 11.)

(a) Each applicant for certification as a tester of backflow prevention assemblies shall file an application with the city clerk, together with a fee as may be established by the city council. The application fee is not refundable in the event that the certification is not granted.

(b) Competency in all phases of backflow prevention assembly testing and repair must be demonstrated by means of education and/or experience in order to obtain certification. The following are the minimum requirements:

(1) Applicants shall have had at least two years experience in plumbing or pipe fitting or equivalent qualifications.

(2) Applicants shall hold a valid certification from the American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A.) California - Nevada Section or from the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (U.S.C. - F.C.C.C.H.R.).

(3) Each applicant for certification as a tester of backflow prevention assemblies shall furnish evidence to show that he has available the necessary tools and equipment to properly test such assemblies. He shall be responsible for the competency and accuracy of all tests and reports prepared by him.

(c) City Business License Required. At the time of granting of certification the applicant must obtain a city business license before commencing any work.

(d) Term of Certification. The certification issued by the city shall be valid for one year. Renewal of the certification shall follow the same rules as the original application for certification.

(e) Revocation of Certification. The certification may be revoked, suspended or not renewed by the city for improper testing, repairs and/or reporting or for failure to maintain a city business license.

(Ord. No. 429, § 12.)

[Figure: 27-12a]

[Figure: 27-12b]

[Figure: 27-12c]

[Figure: 27-12d]

[Figure: 27-12e]

[Figure: 27-12f]

[Figure: 27-12g]

In addition to the requirements already imposed by Modoc County ordinance and state law for the permitting of the construction, repair, modification, and/or destruction of any domestic or irrigation water wells within the jurisdictional limits of the city, it shall also be required that the Alturas city council give prior approval to any such construction, repair, modification and/or destruction as a prerequisite to the department of county health services, environmental health division, issuing a permit for such work.

(Ord. No. 452 § 1.)