El Monte Municipal Code Ch. 13.08 Cross-Connections

A. The purpose of this chapter is to enact rules and regulations to (1) protect the public water supply system of the city against actual or potential cross-connection contamination 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.

B. The ordinance codified in this chapter is enacted pursuant to the requirements of the State of California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Public Health, entitled "Regulation Relating to Cross-Connections."

C. 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 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.

(Prior code § 7450)

As used in this chapter, the following terms, words and phrases shall have the meaning defined below:

"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 flood rim of the vessel, in no case less than one inch.

"Approved backflow prevention device" means devices which have 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 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 approved water supply.

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

"Backflow" means a flow conditions, caused by a differential in pressure that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the disturbing pipes of a portable supply of water from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source. Backsiphonage is one cause of backflow. Back pressure is the other cause.

"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" 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, and potable. By-pass 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 valve assembly" means an assembly of at least two (2) independently action check valves including tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the watertightness of each check valve.

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

"Local Health Agency" means the county of Los Angeles Department of Health Services.

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

"Premise" means any and all areas on a customer's property which are served or have the potential to be served by the Water Company.

"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.

"Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device" means a device incorporating two (2) or more check valves and an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two (2) or more checks, 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 water suppliers' facilities.

"Water Company" means the city of El Monte or its agents/representative.

"Water user" means any person obtaining water from the Water Company, including without limitation, a customer of the Water Company.

(Prior code § 7451)

A. General Provisions.

1. Unprotected cross-connections with the public water system of the Water Company are prohibited.

2. Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the Water Company will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention device by and at his/her expense for continued 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 Water Company entering such premises, buildings, or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention device. This type of device to be installed will be in accordance with the requirements of this resolution.

B. Where Protection is Required.

1. Each service connection from the Water Company public 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 Water Company, and is approved by the Health Agency.

2. Each service connection from the Water Company public water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance is handled in such fashion as may allow its entry into the public water system shall be protected against backflow of the water from the premises into the public water system. This shall include the handling of process waters and waters originating from the Water Company public 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-connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the Health Agency and the Water Company, 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 impracticable 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 public 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 Water Company. The minimum types of backflow protection required to protect the public water system, at the user's water connections to premises with varying degrees of hazard, are given in Table 13.08.030. Situations which are not covered in Table 13.08.030 shall be evaluated on a case by case basis and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the Water Company.

Table 13.08.030

TYPE OF BACKFLOW PROTECTION REQUIRED

Two (2) 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 valves 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.

(Prior code § 7452)

A. Approved Backflow Prevention Devices. Only backflow prevention devices which have passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated their competency to perform such tests to the Health Agency shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the Water Company's potable public water system.

B. Backflow Prevention Device Installation. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Section 7603, Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Location of the devices should be as close as practical to the user's connection. The Water Company shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention device.

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 entirely visible. No water 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 (2) pipe diameters of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the flood rim of the receiving tank.

2. Reduced Pressure Principal 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 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 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 device shall be protected in a manner approved by the Water Company.

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 (6) inches between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the device, so that the top of the device is no more than a maximum of eight (8) inches below grade, so there is a minimum of six (6) inches of clearance between the side of the device with the rest cocks and the side of the vault, and so there is a minimum of three (3) inches clearance between the other side of the device and the side of the vault. 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 device. Vaults which do not have an integrated bottom must be placed on a three (3) inch layer of gravel.

C. Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance.

1. The owner of any premise on which or on account of which, approved backflow prevention devices are installed, shall have the devices tested by a person who has demonstrated his or her competency in testing of these devices. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. The Water Company may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is determined 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 Water Company shall be filed with the Water Company 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. Persons competent to test backflow prevention devices are those persons certified as backflow prevention assembly testers by the county of Los Angeles Department of Health Services, or the American Water Works Association. The Water Company will notify affected water users by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and shall also provide water users with the necessary forms which must be filled out each time a device is tested or repaired.

D. Backflow Prevention Device Removal. Approval must be obtained from the Water Company before a backflow prevention device is removed, relocated, or replaced.

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

2. Relocation. A device may be relocated following confirmation by the Water Company 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.

3. 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 their service connection is equipped with other backflow protection approved by the Water Company. A retest will be required following the repair of the device.

4. 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 Water Company and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.

(Prior code § 7453)

At each premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the Water Company, a water user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. This water 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 Water Company shall be promptly notified by the water user supervisor so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the Water Company of the water user supervisor's identity on, as a minimum, an annual basis and whenever a change occurs.

(Prior code § 7454)

A. Water System Survey.

1. The Water Company shall review all requests for new services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the Water Company 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 Water Company may need to perform an on-premise inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The Water Company will contact the water user requesting an inspection appointment. Any water user which cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the Water Company considers necessary.

3. The Water Company may need to perform a reinspection for cross-connection hazards of any premise to which it serves water. The Water Company will contact the water user requesting a reinspection appointment. Any water user which cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of its piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the Water Company considers necessary.

B. Customer Notification—Device Installation.

1. The Water Company will notify the water user of the inspection (or reinspection) 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. If, due to conditions beyond the water user's control, corrective action cannot be completed within sixty (60) days, a time extension may be granted.

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 period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two (2) week period to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the two (2) week period the Water Company may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are taken.

C. Customer Notification—Testing and Maintenance.

1. The Water Company 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 submitted to the Water Company.

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

(Prior code § 7455)

A. General. When the Water Company encounters a water user's on-premise system that poses a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the Water Company shall institute procedures for discontinuing 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 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 public water system and a sewer line;

6. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer 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. For conditions found in subsection (B)(1), (2), (3) or (4) of this section, the Water Company will terminate service to a customer's premise after two (2) written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which such corrective action must be completed. If no corrective action is taken within the allowed time period water service may be terminated.

2. For conditions found in subsection (B)(5), (6), (7) or (8) of this section, the Water Company will take the following steps:

a. Make reasonable effort to advise the water user of the intent of the Water Company to terminate water service if time or other circumstances permit and if not abatement or correction is promptly obtained;

b. Terminate water supply and lock the service valve. The water service will remain inactive until the correction of the violation has been verified and approved by the Water Company.

(Prior code § 7456)

A. No person shall violate any provision, or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter. Any person who violates any provision or who fails to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person convicted of a violation of the provisions of this chapter as a misdemeanor shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

B. Cumulative with any other remedy, power or penalty which the Water Company may impose, in the event that any authorized employee of the Water Company is refused admittance to any premises for the purpose of conducting an inspection to verify compliance with this chapter, or if after being admitted is hindered or prevented from making a thorough premises examination, the superintendent of the Water Company may cause the water service to be terminated for the premises, after giving twenty-four (24) hours written notice to the water user.

(Prior code § 7457)