Article III — CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM

The purpose of this article is (1) to 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 of 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; and (4) to prevent the making of cross connections in the future as required by Section 7584 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.

(Ord. No. 1195, § 1, 8-6-96)

It is unlawful for any person, firm, company, partnership or corporation at any time to violate any provision of this article or 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 or their construction, may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the city and into water pipes or fixtures of any premise receiving water service from the city.

(Ord. No. 1195, § 1, 8-6-96)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used for this article, shall have the meanings described to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Air gap separation means a physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel. The air gap shall be at least double in 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 test 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 of 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 the other cause.

Contamination means a degradation of the quality of 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. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover assemblies, or other assemblies 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 of the assembly and test cocks for testing the water tightness of each check valve.

Heath agency means the California Department of Health Services, or the local health agency with respect to a small water system.

Local health agency means the county or city health authority.

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

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

Public water system means the city's water system which serves piped water to the public for human consumption and has five or more service connections or regularly serves an average of 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year.

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

Reduced pressure principal 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 means the point of connection of a user's piping to the water supplier's facilities.

Water supplier means the City of Fontana.

Water user means any person obtaining water from the city's public water system.

(Ord. No. 1195, § 1, 8-6-96)

(a)

It shall be unlawful install unprotected cross connections with the public water supply system.

(b)

Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the city may require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention assembly by and at his expense for continued services or before a new services is granted.

(c)

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 main 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 Code.

(d)

Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to premises which have 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.

(e)

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.

(f)

Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having (1) internal cross connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the state or local health department and the city, or (2) intricate portions of the premises not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impracticable or impossible to ascertain whether or not cross connections exist.

(g)

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 (listing in an increasing level of protection) includes: Double check valve assembly (DC), reduced air 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 of Fontana or the health agency.

(h)

Two or more services supplying water from different 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 contaminations; in such cases the installation of approved backflow assemblies as such service connections shall be required.

(Ord. No. 1195, § 1, 8-6-96)

(a)

Only backflow prevention assemblies which have been approved by the city shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the city's public water system.

(b)

The city may provide, upon request, to any affected water user a list of approved backflow prevention assemblies.

(c)

The listing of approved devices shall be those listed on approved devises as set by the State of California Department of Health Services.

(d)

Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Section 7603 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The location of the assemblies should be close as practical to the water user's connection. The city shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention assembly.

(e)

Air gap separation (AG). The air gap separation shall be located on the water user's side of and shall be as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tanks 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 at 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.

(f)

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 at a minimum of 12 inches above grade and not more than 36 inches above grade measured from the bottom of the assembly and with a minimum of 12 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 of Fontana.

(g)

Double check valve assembly (DC). The approved double check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the water 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 24 inches of clearance between the side of the assembly with the test cocks and the side of the vault. Special consideration must be given to double check valve assemblies of the "Y" type. These assemblies must be installed on their "side" with the test cock 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.

(h)

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 has demonstrated their competency in testing of these assemblies to the city. Backflow prevention assemblies 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 determined to be necessary. 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 cost of testing, repair, and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.

(i)

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

(j)

Upon request, the city may test a water user's backflow prevention assembly to fulfill the requirements of this article. The water user shall pay for the test and any maintenance found necessary to keep the assembly in working order on the next regular water billing and/or letter billing.

(k)

Approval must be obtained from the City of Fontana before a backflow prevention assembly is removed, relocated, or replaced in accordance with the following:

(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 complete 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. 1195, § 1, 8-6-96)

At each premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the public services director or his designee of the city, a water user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. The water user supervisor shall be responsible for monitoring the backflow prevention assemblies and cross connections. In the event of contamination or pollution of the public 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 identity on, as a minimum, an annual basis and whenever a change occurs.

(Ord. No. 1195, § 1, 8-6-96)

(a)

Water system survey:

(1)

The city shall review all requests for new connections for water service to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specification must be submitted to the city public services department 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 assembly is necessary to protect the public water system, the required assembly must be installed before water services will commence.

(2)

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

(3)

The city may, at it's discretion, require a re-inspection for cross connection hazards of any premise 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 allow an on-premise inspection of his piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention assembly the city considers necessary.

(b)

Customer notification—Assembly installation:

(1)

The city may notify the water user of the survey findings, listing the corrective actions to be taken if any are required. A period of 60 days will be given to complete all corrective actions required, including installations of backflow prevention assemblies.

(2)

A second notice may be sent to each water user who does not take the required corrective actions prescribed in the first notice within the 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 may 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 30 days to have the assembly tested and supply the water user with the necessary form to be completed and resubmitted to the city.

(2)

A second notice may be sent to each water user which does not have his/her backflow assembly tested as prescribed in the first notice within the 30 day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two week period to have his/her backflow prevention assembly 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 assembly is tested.

(Ord. No. 1195, § 1, 8-6-96)

(a)

General. If the city becomes aware a clear and immediate hazard to its public water system and the hazard cannot be immediately abated, the city may institute proceedings to discontinue water service to the premises at which the hazard exists.

(b)

Basis for termination. Conditions or water uses that shall be deemed an immediate hazard which create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)

Refusal to, immediately install a required backflow prevention assembly.

(2)

Refusal to, immediately upon notice test a backflow prevention assembly.

(3)

Refusal to, immediately upon notice repair a faulty backflow prevention assembly.

(4)

Refusal to, immediately upon notice replace a faulty backflow prevention assembly.

(5)

A direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer line.

(6)

An unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants.

(7)

An unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxiliary water system.

(8)

Any other situation which the public services director or his designee reasonably determines presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system.

(c)

Water service termination procedures.

(1)

The city may terminate service to a customer's premise after two written notices have been sent specifying violation of item (1), (2), (3) or (4) of subsection (b) above.

(2)

For violations of items (5), (6), (7), or (8), as set forth in subsection (b) above the city may take the following action:

a.

The city may make a reasonable effort to advise water user of intent to terminate water service.

b.

The city may terminate water supply and lock the service valve.

(Ord. No. 1195, § 1, 8-6-96)