Farmersville Municipal Code Ch. 13.05 Control of Backflow and Cross-Connections to the Municipal Water System

A. It is the intent of this chapter to recognize that there are varying degrees of hazard to the city's potable water system, and it is the intent to apply the principle that the degree of protection should be commensurate with the degree of hazard.

B. The purpose of this chapter is:

1. To protect the public potable water supply of the city from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within its customer's internal distribution system(s) such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow or back-siphon into the public water system; and

2. To promote the elimination and control of existing cross-connections, actual or potential, between its customer's in-plant potable water system(s) and nonpotable water system(s), plumbing fixtures, and industrial piping systems; and

3. To provide for the continuing program of cross- connections control and certification training, which will effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of all potable water systems.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

For the purpose of this chapter, the words set out in this chapter shall have the following meanings:

1. "Air-gap (AG)" means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of the vessel. An approved air-gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe, and in no case less than one inch. When an air-gap is used at the service connection to prevent the contamination or pollution of a public potable water system, an emergency bypass shall be installed around the air-gap system and an approved, reduced-pressure-principle device shall be installed in the bypass system.

2. "Approved" means accepted by the director as meeting an applicable specification stated or cited in this chapter, and suitable for the proposed use.

3. "Approved double check valve (DCV) assembly" means:

a. An assembly of two wye pattern bronze or ductile iron body independently operating internally loaded to prove check valves with tightly closing resilient seated gate valves or full port ball shut-off valve on each side of the check valves, plus four properly located ball valve test cocks for the testing of each check valve. These devices shall be installed a minimum of eighteen inches above ground, twelve inches clearance each side and accessible for in-line maintenance and testing.

b. "Approved atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB) device" means an assembly of bronze body, poppet of molded plastic for sue of cold water only, device shall have one only upstream mainline resilient seat shutoff valve and device shall be installed not less than six inches above the highest outlet on the line.

4. "Approved double detector check valve assembly (DDC)" means an assembly of two wye pattern bodies independently operating internally spring-loaded center stem guided type check valves, all internal metals shall be of similar type, body shall be of ductile iron fifteen-twenty mills epoxy coated internally width standard 120 pound flanges, two mainline resilient seat shut off gate valves, four full port ball valve test cocks. Bypass shall consist of one approved double check valve, static pressure drop access across the bypass double check valve assembly shall be of two p.s.i. less than the mainline check valve assembly.

5. "Approved reduced pressure principle device" means:

a. An assembly of two wye pattern bronze or ductile iron body internally spring-loaded, center stem guide check valves, internal parts shall be of stainless steel, body fifteen-twenty mills epoxy-coated internally, with one differential diaphragm relief valve which shall automatically reduce the pressure in the zone between the two check valves. The device shall operate to maintain the pressure in the zone between the tow check valves at a level less than the pressure on the public water supply side of the device. During normal flow, and at cessation of normal flow, the pressure between the two check valves shall be at least two p.s.i. less than the upstream supply of pressure. In case of a leakage of either of the check valves, the differential relief valve shall operate to maintain this reduced pressure by discharging to the atmosphere. The device shall have two main lines shut off resilient seat gate valves, or four-ported ball valves and four ball valve test cocks. These devices shall be installed a minimum of eighteen inches above ground and twelve inches side clearance.

b. Approved pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) device reads as follows: an assembly consisting of an all bronze body, canopy, air relief poppet, one internally spring- loaded check valve, two mainline resilient seat gate valves or four port ball valves and two ball valve test cocks. The device shall be designed for continuous pressure usage, minimum head loss and serviceable in-line. The device shall be installed not less than twelve inches above the highest piping or outlet downstream of the twelve inches site clearance.

6. "Auxiliary water supply" means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the purveyor's approved public potable water supply. These auxiliary waters may include water from another purveyor's public potable water supply or any natural source(s) such as a well, spring, irrigation canal or pipeline, etc. or "used waters" or "industrial fluids." These waters may be polluted or contaminated or they may be objectionable and constitute an unacceptable water source over which the water purveyor does not have controls.

7. "AWWA" means the American Water Works Association.

8. "Backflow" means a flow condition, induced by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids into the distribution pipes of a public water supply from any source other than its intended source.

9. "Backpressure" means the resulting backflow of contamination, polluted or otherwise unacceptable quality water from a plumbing fixture or other customer source(s) into a public water supply system due to a greater pressure within the customer's water system.

10. "Backflow preventer" means a device or means designed to prevent backflow or back-siphonage.

11. "Back-siphonage" means the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable water supply system from any source other than its intended source cased by the sudden reduction of pressure in the potable water supply system.

12. "Contamination" means an impairment of the quality of the potable water by sewage, industrial fluids or waste liquids, compounds, or other materials to a degree which creates an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease.

13. "Controlled cross-connection" means a connection between a potable water system and a nonpotable water system with an approved backflow prevention device properly installed that will continuously afford the protection commensurate with the degree of hazard.

14. "Cross-connection control by containment" means the installation of an approved backflow prevention device at the water service connection to any customer's premises where it is physically and economically infeasible to find and permanently eliminate or control all actual or potential cross-connections within the customer's water system; or it shall mean the installation of an approved backflow prevention device on the service line leading to and supplying a portion of a customer water system where there are actual or potential cross-connections which cannot be effectively eliminated or controlled at the point of cross-connection.

15. "Customer" means the water user served by the public water system.

16. "Customer's water system" means the piping used to convey water supplied by the public water system through the customer's facility.

17. "Director" means the director of the public works department of the city of Farmersville.

18. "Engineer" means the city engineer for the city of Farmersville.

19. "Fire marshal" means the fire chief of the city of Farmersville or State Fire Marshal.

20. "Identification" means each assembly shall have the following information securely attached or embossed on each unit:

a. Manufacturer's name;

b. Size;

c. Model number;

d. Director of flow, by arrow;

e. Device serial number;

f. Maximum working water pressure (MWWP);

g. Maximum working water temperature (MWWT).

21. "Pollution" means:

a. The presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic or biological) in the 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.

b. "Installation" means each device shall be installed the minimum of eighteen inches above ground, twelve inches site clearance from any structure and as close to the water purveyor's meter location as may be possible.

22. Water-Nonpotable. "Nonpotable water" means water which is not safe for human consumption or which is of questionable potability.

23. Water-Potable. "Potable water" means any water which, according to recognized standards, is safe for human consumption.

24. Water purveyor-Public-Municipal water system. "Public water purveyor" or "municipal water system" means the city of Farmersville public water system.

25. "Water service connection" means the terminal end of a service connection from the public potable water system; i.e., where the water purveyor loses jurisdiction and sanitary control over the water at its point of delivery to the customer's water system. If a meter is installed at the end of the service connection then the service connection shall mean the downstream end of the meter. There should be no unprotected takeoffs from the service line head of any meter or backflow prevention device located at the point of delivery to the customer's water system. Service connection shall also include water service connection from a fire hydrant and all other temporary or emergency water service connections from the public potable water system.

26. Water-Used. "Used water" means any water supplied by the water purveyor from a public potable water system to a customer's water system after it has passed through the point of delivery and is no longer under the sanitary control of the water purveyor.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

"Degree of hazard" means the evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of hazard upon the potable water system as defined in this section:

A. "Health hazard" means any condition, device or practice in the water supply system and its operation which could create a danger to the health and well-being of the water consumer.

B. "Plumbing hazard" means a cross-connection in a consumer's potable water system that has not been properly protected by a vacuum breaker, air-gap separation, or back- flow prevention device. The term "plumbing hazard" includes but is not limited to cross-connections to toilets, sinks, lavatories, wash trays, washing machines or lawn sprinkling systems. Unprotected plumbing-type cross-connections shall be considered to be a health hazard.

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

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

E. "Industrial fluids system" means any system containing fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically, or otherwise contaminated or polluted in an form of concentration such as would constitute a health, water system, pollution or plumbing hazard if introduced into an approved water supply. This may include, but not be limited to: polluted or contaminated waters; all types of process water and "used waters" originating from the public potable water system which may have deteriorated in sanitary quality; chemicals in fluid form; plating acids; alkalis; circulated cooling tower waters, open or closed, that may be chemically or biologically treated or stabilized with toxic substances; contaminated natural waters such as from wells, springs, streams, irrigation canals; oils; gases; glycerin; caustic and other acid solutions which may be used for industrial and firefighting purposes.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

A. The director of public works shall be responsible for the protection of the public potable water system from contamination or pollution due to the backflow or back-siphonage of contaminates or pollutants through the water service connection.

B. If, in the judgment of the director, an approved backflow prevention device is required at the city's water service connection to any customer's premises, for the safety of the water system, the director or his designated agent shall give notice in writing to the customer to install such an approved backflow prevention device at each service connection to his premises. The customer shall immediately install such approved device or devices at his own expense; and failure, refusal, or inability on the part of the customer to install the device or devices immediately shall constitute a ground for discontinuing water service to the premises until such devices have been properly installed.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

A. Water System.

1. The water system shall be considered as made up of two parts, the city system and the customer system.

2. The city system shall consist of the source facilities and the distribution system, and shall include all those facilities of the water system under complete control of the city, from the source of supply up to the point where the customer's system begins. The source shall include all components of the facilities utilized in the production, treatment, storage and the delivery of water to the distribution system.

3. The distribution system shall include the network of conduits used for the delivery of water from the source to the customer's system.

4. The customer's system shall include those parts of the facilities beyond the termination of the city distribution system which are utilized in conveying city-delivered domestic water to point of use.

B. Policy.

1. No water service connection to any premises shall be installed or maintained by the city unless the water supply is protected as required by state laws and this chapter. Service of water to any premises shall be discontinued by the director if a backflow prevention device required by state law or this chapter is not installed, tested, or maintained, or if it is found that a backflow prevention device has been removed, bypassed or if an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises. Service will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected.

2. The customer's system shall be open for inspection at all reasonable times to authorized representatives of the city's public works department, city building inspector and city fire marshal to determine whether cross- connections or other structural or sanitary hazards, including violations of this chapter exist. When such a condition becomes known, the director shall deny or immediately discontinue service to their premises by providing for a physical break in the service line until the customer has corrected the condition(s) in conformance with state and city regulations relating to plumbing and water supplies and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

3. An approved backflow prevention device shall also be installed on each service line to a customer's water system at or near the property line or immediately outside the building being served; but in all cases before the first branch line leading off the service line.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

A. In the case of any premises where there is an auxiliary water supply which is not otherwise subject to the provisions of this chapter, the public water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap (AG) separation or an approved reduced- pressure principle backflow prevention device (RPP).

B. In the case of any premises where there is any water or substance that would be objectionable but not hazardous to public health if introduced into the public water system, the public water system shall be protected by an approved double check valve assembly (DCV).

C. In the case of any premises where there is any material dangerous to health, which is handled in such a fashion as to crate an actual or potential hazard to the public water system, the public water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap (AG) separation or an approved reduced- pressure principle backflow prevention device (RPP), i.e., sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, chemical plants, hospitals and mortuaries.

D. In the case of any premises where there are "uncontrolled" cross-connections, either actual or potential, the public water system shall be protected by an approved air- gap (AG) separation or an approved reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention device (RPP) at the service connection.

E. In the case of any premises where, because of security requirements or other prohibitions or restrictions, it is impossible or impracticable to make a complete in-plant cross-connection survey, the public water system shall be protected against backflow or back-siphonage from the premises by the installation of an approved backflow prevention device in the service line. In this case, maximum protection will be required; that is, an approved air-gap (AG) separation or a reduced pressure principle (RPP) backflow prevention device shall be installed in each service to the premises.

F. In the case of premises having any internal cross- connection that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled, or 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 dangerous cross- connections exist, the public water system shall be protected against backflow from the premise by installation an approved air-gap (AG) separation or reduced pressure principle (RPP) backflow prevention device in the service line.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

Uses and other uses as designated by the director shall be required to install a backflow prevention device of the type indicated as a minimum, as follows:

(Ord. 344 § 2(part), 1988)

Following are the minimum backflow devices required to satisfy containment requirements and shall apply to those fire protection systems connected to the public water system. (AWWA M-14 and NFPA)

The director may require additional protection for the public water system if he deems it necessary due to potential contamination.

A. Class I. Direct connections from public water mains only; no pumps, tanks or reservoirs; no physical connection from other water supplies; no antifreeze or other additives of any kind; all sprinkler drains discharging to atmosphere, dry wells or other safe outlets;

B. Class II. Same as Class I, except that booster pumps may be installed in the connections from the street mains (booster pumps do not affect the potability of the system; it is necessary, however, to avoid drafting so much water that pressure in the water main is reduced below twenty psi);

C. Device-Class I and Class II. Approved double detector check valve (DDC) installed between the post indicator valve and the on-site fire system. The check valve shall be installed aboveground to allow a minimum of eighteen inches clearance around the valve. Check valve shall be flanged or have victaulic ends;

D. Class III. Direct connection from public water supply main plus one or more of the following: elevated storage tanks; fire pumps taking suction from above ground covered reservoirs or tanks; and pressure tanks (all storage facilities are filled or connected to public water only, the water in the tanks to be maintained in a potable condition);

E. Device-Class III. Approved double check valve (DDC) installed as outlined in Class I and Class II;

F. Class IV. Directly supplied from public mains similar to Classes I and II, and with an auxiliary water supply on or available to the premises; or an auxiliary supply located within one thousand five hundred feet of the pumper connection;

G. Device-Class IV. Reduced-pressure principle device (RPP) or double check valve (DDC); the valve shall be aboveground installation and as near the public water system as possible;

H. Class V. Directly supplied from public mains, and interconnected with auxiliary supplies, such as: pumps taking suction from reservoirs exposed to contamination, or rivers and ponds; wells, mills or other industrial water systems; or where antifreeze or other additives are used;

I. Device-Class V. Reduced-pressure principle device (RPP) installed aboveground and as near public water system as possible;

J. Class VI. Combined industrial and fire protection systems supplied for the public water mains only, with or without gravity storage or pump suction tanks;

K. Device-Class VI. Protection device would be determined after fire marshal and director had made a complete survey of the fire protection requirements of the premises.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

When water users are found that pose a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply and these hazards cannot be immediately abated, the shutoff procedures should be initiated. Conditions requiring water shutoff shall include, but not be limited to the following:

A. Refusal to test backflow prevention device;

B. Refusal to repair or replace faulty backflow prevention device;

C. Direct or indirect connection between a potable water system and a sewer system;

D. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between a potable water system and a system or equipment containing toxic chemicals or sewage;

E. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between potable water system and auxiliary water system;

F. Unprotected direct connection between potable water system and nonpotable nonpressure system;

G. Refusals to correct violations.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

A. Any backflow prevention device required in this chapter shall be of a model and size approved by the director. The term "approved backflow prevention device" means a device that has been manufactured in full conformance with the standards established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) entitled: AWWA C506-69 Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle and Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices, and have met completely the laboratory and field performance specifications of the foundation of cross- connection control and hydraulic research of University of Southern California established by: Specifications of Back- flow Prevention devices - No. 69-2, dated March 1969, or the most current issue.

B. The AWWA and FCCC & HR Standards and Specifications have been adopted by the director. Final approval of any device or system proposed for installation under the terms of this chapter shall be evidenced by a "certificate of approval" issued by an approved testing laboratory certifying full compliance with the AWWA Standards and FCCC & HR Specifications. The following testing laboratory has been qualified by the director to test and certify backflow preventers:

Foundation for Cross-Connection

Control & Hydraulic Research

University of Southern California

University Park

Los Angeles, California 90007

C. Testing laboratories other than the laboratory listed above will be added to an approved list as they are qualified by the director. Backflow preventers which may be subject to back-pressure or back-siphonage that have been fully tested and have been granted a certificate of approval by the qualified laboratory and are listed on the laboratory's current list of "approved devices" may be used without further test or qualifications.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

Prior to the installation of any backflow prevention device between the public water system and the owner's facility, the owner or contractor shall make application and receive approval from the director. Application forms are available from the public works department and the building and planning department.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

It shall be the duty of the director at any premises where backflow prevention devices are installed to have a certified inspection or operational test made at least once per year. In those instances where the director deems the hazard to be great enough he may require certified inspections at more frequent intervals. These inspections and test may be at the expense of the water user and shall be performed by the device manufacturer's representative, city water service department certified personnel, or by a certified tester approved by the director. It shall be the duty of the director to see that these timely tests are made. The customer user shall be notified by the director in advance when the tests are to be undertaken so that he or his representative may witness the tests if it is so desired. Those devices found to be defective shall be repaired, overhauled or replaced at the expense of the customer user. Records of such tests, repairs, and overhaul shall be kept by the city.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

A. No person shall be qualified to inspect and maintain backflow prevention devices unless his qualifications have been established by AWWA and to the satisfaction of the director as hereinafter required. To determine the qualifications of any person to inspect and maintain backflow prevention devices, the director shall have the authority to conduct additional examinations as he may deem necessary. Upon successful completion of such examination and such training as the director shall prescribe, the person must receive a "certificate of competence" from the AWWA verifying he is qualified to inspect, test and maintain backflow prevention devices. Every person, after receiving a "certificate of competence" shall be issued such identification as the director shall deem appropriate, and such identification shall be kept in the immediate possession of every person holding a "certificate of competence" while the person is inspecting or maintaining any backflow prevention devices in the city.

B. Every person holding a "certificate of competence" issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be required to renew the certificate every three years. Reexamination may be waived at the discretion of the director.

C. Every person receiving a "certificate of competence" under the provisions of this chapter shall be responsible for the competency and accuracy of all inspections and maintenance performed by him on any backflow prevention device.

D. Any person issued a "certificate of competence" who violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter or willingly falsifies inspection or maintenance reports submitted to the director shall not be considered for recertification for a period of two years.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)

Any person, firm or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee or otherwise, violating and causing the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as set out in Chapter 1.12 of this code.

(Ord. 334 § 2(part), 1988)