Chino Hills Municipal Code Ch. 13.28 Cross-Connection Control

A. The purpose of this chapter is:

1. To protect the public water supply against actual potential cross-connection by isolating within the premise contamination that may occur because of some undiscovered or unauthorized cross-connection on the premises;

2. To eliminate existing connections between drinking water systems and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption;

3. To eliminate cross-connections between drinking water systems and sources of contamination;

4. To prevent the making of cross-connections in the future;

5. To protect the health and welfare of the citizens of Chino Hills; and

6. To maintain the backflow prevention program by administering an inspection and testing program of backflow prevention devices installed at the meter.

B. These regulations are adopted pursuant to the state of California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Public Health entitled "Regulations Relating to Cross-Connections." 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 to maintain any sanitary fixture or 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. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases have the following meanings:

"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 vessel, no less than one inch.

"Approved backflow prevention device" means a device or physical separation that has been designed specifically for preventing the backflow of water/liquid, gas from entering the system, which has passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated their competency to the California Department of Health Services.

"Approved water supply" means any water supply whose potability is regulated by a state or local health agency.

"Auxiliary supply" means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the City 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 other than an approved water supply. Back siphonage or back pressure are causes of backflow.

"City water system" means the source facilities and distribution system under the control of the Chino Hills Water and Sewer Division up to and including the meter.

"Consumer's water system" means and includes all facilities beyond the service meter. The system or systems may include both potable and nonpotable water systems.

"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 chapter, 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 as safe, wholesome, and potable. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.

"Double check detector check assembly" is a backflow prevention device consisting of a line size double check valve assembly in parallel with a detector meter and water size double check valve assembly. Each double check valve assembly is to be equipped with property located test cocks and a tightly closing shut-off valve at the end of the assembly.

"Double check valve assembly" means an assembly of at least two independently acting check valves including tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the water tightness of each check valve.

Hazard, Degree of. "Degree of hazard" is derived from an evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon the potable water system.

1. "Health hazard" is any condition, device, or practice in the water supply system and its operation which could create, or in the judgment of the division, county, or state health official, may create a danger to the health and well being of the water consumer.

2. "Plumbing hazard" is a plumbing type cross-connection in a consumer's potable water system that has not been properly protected by an approved air-gap or approved backflow prevention assembly.

3. "Pollutional hazard" is an actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the water system or to the potability of the public or the consumer's potable water system but which would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances, but would not be dangerous to health.

4. "System hazard" is an actual or potential threat of severe damage to the physical properties of the public potable water system of the consumer's potable water system or of a pollution or contamination which would have a protracted effect on the quality of the potable water in the system.

"Health agency" refers to the California Department of Health Services.

"Local health agency" refers to the county or City health authority.

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

"Pollution" means the presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic, or biological) in water which tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness or quality of the water to a degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health but which does adversely and unreasonably affect such waters for domestic use.

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

"Public water system" means a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption which has five or more service connections or regularly serves an average of twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days out of the year.

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

Recycled Water. See Reclaimed Water.

"Reduced pressure - detector check assembly" means a backflow prevention device consisting of a line-size reduced pressure principle device in parallel with a detector meter and meter-size reduced pressure principle device. Each reduced pressure principle device is to be equipped with properly located test cocks and a tightly closing shut-off valve at each end of the assembly.

"Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device" means a device incorporating two or more check valves and an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two checks, a tightly closing shut-off valve on each side of the check valve assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks for testing.

"Service connection" refers to the point of connection of a user's piping to the City's facilities.

"Water user" means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply system.

(Ord. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)

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 device by and at his or her expense for continued services 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 device. The type of device to be installed will be in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

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 unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional source by the city, and is approved by the public health agency having jurisdiction.

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 to 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 devices shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having (a) internal cross-connection that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the state or local health department and the city, or (b) intricate plumbing and piping arrangements or where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impractical or impossible to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist.

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 device that may be required (listing in an increasing level of protection) includes: Double Check Valve Assembly (DC), Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device (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 below. 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 or health agency.

2. Two or more services supplying water from different street mains to the same building or premises through which an inter-street 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. This 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 devices at such service connection shall be required.

Table 1 Type of Backflow Protection Required

(Ord. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)

A. Approved Backflow Prevention Devices.

1. Only backflow prevention devices approved by the city shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the city's potable water system.

2. The city will provide, upon request, to any affected customer a list of approved backflow prevention devices.

B. Backflow Prevention Device Installation.

1. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Section 7603, Title 22 of the California Administrative Code. Location of the devices 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 device. Approved backflow prevention devices shall be protected when necessary from extreme weather or site conditions that could cause physical damage to or malfunction of the backflow prevention device.

a. 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.

b. Reduced Pressed Principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP). The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be installed on the user's side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. The device shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above the grade and not more than thirty-six (36) inches above grade measured from the bottom of the device and with a minimum of twelve (12) inches side clearance. The device should be installed so that it is readily accessible for maintenance and testing. Water supplied from any point between the service connection and the RP device shall be protected in a manner approved by the city.

c. Double-Check Valve Assembly (DC). Special consideration must be given to double-check valve assemblies of the "Y" type. These devices 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 devices. The approved double-check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user's connection and shall be installed above grade.

C. Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance.

1. The owners of any premises on which, or an account of which, backflow prevention devices are installed, shall have the devices tested by a person who has demonstrated their competency on testing of these devices to the city. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. The city may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is deemed to be necessary. No device shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. A report in a form acceptable to the city shall be filed each time a device is tested, relocated, or repaired. These devices 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 devices. The city will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and also supply users with the necessary forms which must be filled out each time a device is tested or repaired.

D. Backflow Prevention Device Removal.

1. Approval must be obtained from the city before a backflow prevention device is removed, relocated, or replaced.

a. Removal. The use of a device may be discontinued and the device 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. Approved backflow prevention devices shall not be bypassed, made inoperative or removed without specific written authorization by the City Manager or his or her representative;

b. Relocation. A device 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 device;

c. Repair. A device may be removed for repair, provided the water use is either discontinued until repair is completed and the device 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 device; and

d. Replacement. A device may be removed and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement device is installed. All replacement devices must be approved by the city and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.

(Ord. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)

At each premises, where it is necessary in the opinion of the city, a user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. This user supervisor shall be responsible for the monitoring of the backflow prevention devices and for avoidance of cross-connections. In the event of contamination or pollution of the drinking water system due to a cross-connection on the premises, the city shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the city of the user supervisor's identify on, as a minimum, an annual basis and whenever a change occurs.

(Ord. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)

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 upon request for review of possible cross-connection hazards as a condition of service for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention device is necessary to protect the public water system, the required device 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 customer which cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the city considers necessary.

3. The city may require a reinspection 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 customer which cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the city considers necessary.

B. Customer Notification—Device Installation.

1. The city will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period of sixty (60) days will be given to complete all corrective action required including installation of backflow prevention devices.

2. A second notice will be sent to each water user which does not take the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice within the sixty (60) day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two week period to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the two week period the city may terminate water service to the affected water 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 device installed on their service connection to be tested. This written notice shall give the water user thirty (30) days to have the device tested and supply the water user with the necessary forms to be completed and resubmitted to the city.

2. A second notice shall be sent to each water user which does not have his or her backflow prevention device tested as prescribed in the first notice within the thirty (30) day period allowed. The second notice will given the water user a two week period to have his or her backflow prevention device tested. If no action is taken within the two week period the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject device is tested.

(Ord. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)

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 institute the procedure for discontinuing the city water service.

B. Basis for Termination. Condition 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 device;

2. Refusal to test a backflow prevention device;

3. Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention device;

4. Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention device;

5. Direct or indirect connection between the city water system and a sewer line;

6. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the city water system and an auxiliary water system;

7. A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the city water system.

C. Water Service Termination Procedures.

1. For conditions B1, B2 or B3, the city will terminate service to a customer's premises after two written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which it must be done. If no action is taken within the allowed time period water service may be terminated.

2. For conditions B4, B5, B6 of B7, the city will take the following steps:

a. Make reasonable effort to advise water user of intent to terminate water service;

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

(Ord. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)

A. An annual administrative fee will be charged to any/all water users having an approved testable backflow prevention device. This money is to be deposited into the Cross-Connection Fund. The amount of this fee will be set by a resolution.

B. Upon noncompliance by user following a first notice (after the time period in which it must be done) regarding the periodic testing of the backflow prevention assembly, the city's representative shall have the option of either hiring a certified backflow assembly tester to test such assembly with all expenses; including an administrative fee, will be charged to the customer. This noncompliance can result in terminating water service or having the city test it. Nonpayment of the charge amount will result in termination of water service.

C. An administrative fee will be charged for first time test/inspection of all new/retrofit installation of backflow prevention device.

(Ord. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)

A. Each applicant for certification as a tester of backflow prevention devices shall file an approved application with the City Clerk with a fee as may be established by the City Council. Competency in all phases of backflow prevention device testing and repair must be demonstrated by means of education and/or experience in order to obtain certification.

B. The following are minimum requirements:

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

2. Hold a valid certification from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) California-Nevada Section, from a county certification program, or have equivalent training in the opinion of the city and the Health Department;

3. Each applicant for certification as a tester of backflow prevention devices shall furnish evidence to show that he or she has available the necessary tools and equipment to property test such devices. He or she shall be responsible for the competency and accuracy of all tests and reports prepared.

C. The issued certificate is valid for a period of one year and may be revoked, suspended, or not renewed by the city for improper testing, repairs, and/or reporting.

(Ord. 108 § 1 (part), 1998)