Hemet Municipal Code Div. 2 Control of Backflow and Cross-Connections

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ordinance No. 1983, § 1, adopted September 28, 2021, repealed the former division 2, §§ 82-101—82-104, and § 2 of said ordinance enacted a new division 2 as set out herein. The former division 2 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 1063; Code 1984, §§ 14300—14303.

(a) Policy. The city shall protect the potable water distribution system by the implementation of a cross-connection and backflow control program ("cross-connection and backflow control program") through the elimination of cross-connections between potable and non-potable sources. Cross-connections may be physically eliminated or protected through the installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies.

(b) Scope. The potable water distribution system, from the point of entry to the last customer tap, consists of two elements: (1) those facilities owned and operated by the City of Hemet and (2) those facilities owned and operated by the customer. The City of Hemet is responsible for the elimination of cross-connections at the facilities and distribution systems owned and operated by the city. The customer is responsible for protection from cross-connections at facilities owned and operated by the customer.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

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

Accessible: When referring to a backflow prevention assembly capable of being reached for testing and maintenance. However, it first may require the removal of an access panel, door, or similar obstruction.

Accessory dwelling unit ("ADU"): A secondary house or apartment that shares the building lot of a larger, primary house.

Air gap separation ("AG"): A physical separation between the free-flowing discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline and an open or non-pressure receiving vessel. An "approved air gap" shall be at least twice the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the overflow rim of the receiving vessel; but in no case less than one inch (2.54 cm). (See also, ASME A112.12-2004 air gaps in plumbing systems, California Code of Regulations, Title 17).

Authorized backflow prevention assembly tester ("tester"): Any person who has a current backflow assembly tester certification from the Riverside County Health Department and has met the City of Hemet requirements.

Approved backflow prevention assembly: An assembly that has been investigated and approved by the administrative authority having jurisdiction.

Approved water supply: Any potable water supply which has been investigated and approved by the health agency having jurisdiction. The system must be operating under a valid health permit, and approved by the city.

Auxiliary water supply: Any water supply on or available to the premises other than the water purveyor's approved public potable water supply. These auxiliary waters may include water from another purveyor's public potable water supply, private tank, or any natural source including, but not limited to, a well, spring, stream, harbor, etc. These sources may contain pollutants or contaminants or they may be objectionable and constitute an unacceptable water source over which the water purveyor does not have sanitary control.

American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard: An official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

Backflow: The undesirable reversal of flow of water, or mixtures of water, and other liquids, gases, or other substances into the distribution pipes of the potable supply of water from any source or sources.

Backflow prevention assembly ("BPA"): A general term referring to all types of backflow prevention assemblies, including, but not limited to, double check valve backflow prevention assembly (DC), double check detector backflow prevention assembly (DCDA), reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP), and reduced pressure principle detector assembly (RPDA). An approved backflow prevention assembly (BPA) is any backflow prevention assembly that is found on the current list of approved backflow prevention assemblies maintained by the University of Southern California Foundation for cross-connection control and hydraulic research ("University of Southern California (USC) Foundation for Cross-Connection Control (FCCC)"), for an application that is approved by the California Department of Public Health in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 17.

Backpressure: Any elevation of pressure in the downstream piping system (by pump, elevation of piping, steam pressure, etc.) above the supply pressure at the point of consideration which would cause, or tend to cause, a reversal of the normal direction of flow.

Backsiphonage: A form of backflow due to a reduction in system pressure which causes a sub-atmospheric pressure to exist at a site in the water system. An indirect cross-connection is a cross-connection which is subject to backsiphonage only.

Best management practices for backflow prevention assembly tester ("BMPs"): A document produced by the City of Hemet providing a guideline for the practice of the city's accepted backflow prevention assembly (BPA) testers.

California Code of Regulations, Title 17: Sections 7583 through 7605 contain the regulations of the state of California that govern backflow prevention and cross-connection control programs.

California Department of Public Health: The state department responsible for public health in California.

Certified backflow assembly tester: A person who has proven ability in field testing backflow prevention assemblies to the satisfaction of the administrative authority having jurisdiction.

City of Hemet backflow testers list: A list maintained by the city of testers who are certified by the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health and have complied with the requirements set forth by the city herein.

City of Hemet standard drawing: The City of Hemet's standard public works provisions, consisting of the following categories: the technical specifications and the standard drawings.

Contaminant: Any substance that shall impair the quality of water in such a way as to create an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning, the spread of disease, etc. A contaminant is also referred to as a "health hazard."

Contamination: An impairment of the potable water supply which creates an actual hazard to the public health. Contamination is also referred to as a "health hazard.

Cross-connection: An actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or a consumer's potable water system and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce any used water, industrial fluid, gas, or substance other than the intended potable water with which the system is supplied into any part of the potable water system. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel, or change-over devices and other temporary or permanent devices through which or because of which backflow can occur are considered to be a cross-connection.

Cross-connection control program: The protection of public health through the establishment of standards intended to ensure a public water system's drinking water distribution system will not be subject to the backflow of liquids, gases, or other substances into the distribution system.

Cross-connection control specialist: An individual who is authorized to perform site surveys on behalf of the city for the purpose of identifying cross-connections and determining degree of hazard. The individual shall be certified by the California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or an organization with equivalent certification requirements.

Degree of hazard: The evaluated level of risk that a premise poses to the public potable water system as either a pollutant (non-health hazard) or contaminant (health hazard) derived from the assessment of the materials, which may come in contact with the distribution system through a cross-connection.

Detector check assemblies: Shall only supply water to on-site (private) building fire sprinkling systems and/or fire hydrants and shall not be used for any other purpose than extinguishing fires. If used for any other purpose, the city shall have the right to either (1) install a meter, at customer's expense, and charge for all water used; or (2) shut off the water supply. Installation of approved backflow prevention is required in the form of a reduced pressure principle detector assembly (RPDA).

Direct cross-connection: A cross-connection which is subject to both backsiphonage and backpressure.

Double check valve backflow prevention assembly ("DC"): An assembly composed of at least two independently acting, approved check valves, including tightly closing resilient seated shutoff valves attached at each end of the assembly and fitted with properly located resilient seated test cocks. This assembly shall only be used to protect against pollutants.

Double check detector backflow prevention assembly ("DCDA"): A specifically designed assembly composed of a line-size approved double check valve assembly with a bypass containing a specific water meter and an approved double check valve assembly. The meter shall register accurately for only up to two gallons per minute ("GPM") and shall show a registration for all rates of flow. This assembly shall only be used to protect against pollutants. The DCDA is primarily used on fire sprinkler systems.

Double check detector backflow prevention assembly—Type II ("DCDA-II"): A specifically designed assembly composed of a line-sized approved double check valve assembly with a bypass around the second check containing a specific water meter and a check valve. The meter shall register accurately for rates of flow up to two GPM and shall show a registration for all rates of flow.

Fee-for-service: Table of the City of Hemet fees found within schedule of rates, fees and charges, as amended.

Flow-through fire system: A fire system that does not have a fire department pumper connection. They are constructed of approved potable water piping and materials to which sprinkler heads are attached. The system terminates at a connection to a toilet or other plumbing fixture to prevent the water from becoming stagnant.

Graywater: Untreated wastewater which has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and which does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes. Graywater includes wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.

Health hazard: See contaminant.

Health agency: Any health authority having jurisdiction: State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water and the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health.

Indirect cross-connection: A cross-connection which is subject to backsiphonage only.

Industrial fluids: Any chemical, biological or other fluid or solution which would constitute a contaminant if introduced into an approved water supply.

Industrial piping system: Any system used to transmit, confine or store any fluid, solid or gaseous substance other than an approved water supply. Such a system would include all pipes, conduits, tanks, receptacle, fixtures, equipment and appurtenances used to produce, convey or store substances which are, or may be, polluted or contaminated.

Isolation assembly: Any backflow assembly that is located downstream of the service protection assembly on the customer's premises. It is the responsibility of the customer to test and maintain these backflow prevention assemblies as required by California Plumbing Code § 603.3.3 or current edition and the health agency having jurisdiction.

Lead free law: California Health and Safety Code, § 116875, which in part prevents any person from introducing into commerce, or using, any pipe, plumbing fitting fixture, solder or flux intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking water or cooking that is not lead free. It is the responsibility of the backflow tester and/or backflow installer to ensure that backflow assemblies installed or replaced after January 1, 2010, on water systems intended for human consumption and culinary purposes meet the requirements of the lead-free law.

Lead free: California Health and Safety Code, section 116875, defines "lead free" as "not more than 0.2 percent lead when used with respect to solder and flux and not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures."

Non-potable water: Water that is not acceptable for human consumption as determined by federal, state and local drinking water standards.

Parallel installation: Two or more backflow prevention assemblies of the same type having common inlet, outlet and direction of flow.

Person: An individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.

Pollutant: Any substance which may cause or contribute to aesthetically objectionable conditions, such as those which alter the color or odor of water. A pollutant is considered a non-health hazard.

Pollution: An impairment of the quality of the water to a degree which does not create a hazard to the public health but which does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of such waters for domestic use. Pollution is considered a non-health hazard.

Potable water: Water from a source which has been investigated and approved for human consumption by the health agency having jurisdiction.

Premises: Any area within a customer's property which is served or has the potential to be served potable water by the city.

Pressure: A uniform force applied over a surface, measured as a force per unit area. Typically, water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch ("PSI") or pounds per square inch differential ("PSID").

Public potable water system: Any publicly or privately-owned water system operated as a public utility under a valid health permit to supply water for domestic purposes. This system includes all sources, facilities and appurtenances between the source and the point of delivery such as valves, pumps, pipes, conduits, tanks, receptacles, fixtures, equipment and appurtenances used to produce, convey, treat or store potable water for public consumption or use.

Raw water: Non-potable water from a supply source prior to potable treatment.

Recycled water: Non-potable water available from recycled water facilities, which may include a combination of treated wastewater, intercepted surface and subsurface stream flows, groundwater and other waters including potable water.

Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly ("RP"): An assembly containing at least two independently acting approved check valves together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves and below the first check valve. The unit shall include properly located resilient seated test cocks and tightly closing resilient seated shutoff valves at each end of the assembly. This assembly is designed to protect against a pollutant or contaminant. This assembly shall not be used for backflow protection of sewage.

Reduced pressure principle detector assembly ("RPDA") Reduced pressure principle detector assembly type-II ("RPDA-II"): A specially designed assembly composed of a line-size approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly with a specific bypass around the second check valve containing a specific water meter, and an approved check valve. The meter shall register accurately for rates of flow up to two GPM and shall show a registration for all rates of flow. This assembly shall be used to protect against a pollutant or contaminant. The reduced pressure principle detector assembly type-II (RPDA-II) is primarily used on fire sprinkler systems.

Remote service: Where the water meter is not located in close proximity to the property that it serves, as a condition of service a site survey must be performed to determine if there are any onsite hazards to the city's potable water supply. For the purpose of remote service, a hazard exists when a customer's service line crosses properties not under the control of that customer.

Riverside County Department of Environmental Health: The agency which certifies backflow prevention assembly testers, also having jurisdiction to regulate onsite cross-connection control in Riverside county (except where recycled water is onsite).

Riverside County Department of Public Health: The agency which promotes and protects the health of all County residents and visitors in service of the well-being of the community.

Service connection: The terminal end of a connection from the public potable water system, where it connects to the customer's water system and the water purveyor loses jurisdiction and sanitary control of the water, at the point of delivery to the consumer's water system. If a water meter is installed at the end of the service connection, then the service connection shall be the downstream end of the water meter.

Service protection: The appropriate type or method of backflow protection located at the customer's water service connection, which shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard posed to the public potable water system.

Sewage: Sewage is domestic, municipal, or industrial waste products or recycled water.

Sewer: The pipes that carry sewage.

Single swing check valve: Swing check valves allow pressure of the fluid passing through the system to open the valve, while any reversal of flow will close the valve. Swing checks are not testable.

Site surveys ("evaluations"): The conducting of surveys to identify locations on consumer's property, including private wells where cross-connections are likely to occur.

State water resources control board, division of drinking water ("DDW"): The State of California agency that regulates drinking water.

Temporary construction meter: Temporary water service used for suppling water to a construction site project location or is a service used to fill construction type equipment such as water trucks, street sweepers, or water tanks.

University of Southern California (USC) Standard: Current standards for best management practices (BMPs) are contained in Chapter 10 of the University of Southern of Southern (USC Manual of Cross-Connection Control Tenth Edition. These performance standards require that best management practices (BMPs) successfully complete both laboratory and field evaluation under the direct supervision of the USC Foundation staff.

University of Southern California (USC) Foundation for Cross-Connection Control (FCCC): University of Southern California (USC) Manual of Cross-Connection Control (FCCC). Manual containing best management practices (BMPs) standards tested by the University of Southern California (USC).

Used water: Any water supplied by a water purveyor from a public potable water system to a consumer's water system after is has passed through the service connection and is no longer under the control of the water purveyor.

Water purveyor: The public or private owner or operator of the potable water system supplying an approved water supply to the public. In this case, the City of Hemet.

Water superintendent: Plans, administers, and manages the water and wastewater programs functions and activities.

Water user: Any person obtaining water from The City of Hemet. Also referred to as "customer" or "responsible owner."

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) General requirements: California Code of Regulations, Title 17, § 7604, states, "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 backflow protection will be determined by The City of Hemet Cross-Connection and Backflow Control program. Backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) installed on water systems used for human consumption or culinary purposes must meet the requirements of the California lead-free law.

(b) The following are some examples of potentially hazardous conditions which require a backflow prevention assembly (BPA):

(1) Premises where substances harmful to health are handled in a manner which could permit their entry into the public potable water system.

(2) Premises having an auxiliary water supply.

(3) Premises that have internal cross-connections.

(4) Premises where cross-connections are likely to occur and entry is restricted.

(5) Premises having a repeated history of cross-connections being established or re-established.

(6) Premises with complex piping systems (complexity is determined by an inspection of the premises by a cross-connection control specialist).

(7) Premises having a non-testable device.

(8) Premises with potable water in addition to non-potable water systems.

(9) Premises where a customer has more than one service connection.

(10) Premises where there is a condition that creates a potential hazard to the public potable water system.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Program responsibility: The City of Hemet water superintendent and the city's cross-connection and backflow control program are responsible for the elimination and/or protection of cross-connections at city-owned facilities and the city-owned potable water distribution system from contaminant or pollutant sources. In addition, the protection of the potable water distribution system is accomplished through the installation of approved backflow prevention assembly (BPA) at the customer's service connection, in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 17, §§ 7583—7605. Approved Backflow prevention assembly (BPA) must be installed in accordance with City of Hemet specifications and this article. If the city determines that there are potential or actual cross-connections on the customer's property, the customer must install and maintain the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) at no cost to the city as a condition to obtaining water service from the city.

(b) The City of Hemet Cross-Connection and Backflow Control program is responsible for:

(1) The adoption of operating rules or ordinances to implement the cross-connection and backflow control program.

(2) The conducting of surveys to identify customer premises where cross-connections are likely to occur.

(3) The provisions of backflow protection by the water user at the water user's connection or within the water user's premises or both.

(4) The provisions of at least one person trained in cross-connection control to carry out the cross-connection and control program.

(5) The establishment of a procedure or system for testing backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs).

(6) The maintenance of records of locations, tests, and repairs of backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs), for a minimum of three years.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) The City of Hemet will supply the customer with a copy of the city's backflow testers list. Only testers who appear on the City of Hemet list are accepted by the city to test, maintain and repair backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) within the city's water service area.

(b) When a meter protection backflow prevention assembly (BPA) is not tested by the due date, the City of Hemet will consider this a potential contamination hazard to the city's potable water distribution system. Consequently, the customer is notified as specified in this section of this article, and if backflow assembly testing is not performed, the City of Hemet will have the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) tested by city personnel or an approved contract backflow assembly tester and the city will assess a non- compliance fee and all other applicable fees which will be added to the customer's water bill.

(c) All applicable fees for non-compliance with the city's cross-connection and backflow control program are found in the current City of Hemet Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges.

(d) The City of Hemet reserves the right for qualified city personnel to test meter protection Backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) after the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) has been tested by a tester on the city's list. This testing provides an element of quality assurance for the City of Hemet Cross-Connection Control program. Quality assurance testing performed will be at city's cost.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) The customer has the responsibility to prevent contaminants or pollutants from entering the public potable water system, and the prevention of cross-connections on their premises.

(b) The customer's water system shall be made accessible for a site survey at a designated time agreed to by the customer and a city representative.

(c) If a cross-connection or potential cross-connection has been found on the premises, the customer shall remedy the cross-connection or potential cross-connection with the guidance and inspection of the city cross-connection specialist or install a backflow prevention assembly (BPA) on customer's potable service(s) per the applicable city standard drawing.

(d) If a customer's service connection backflow prevention assembly (BPA) is stolen or removed, the theft or removal of the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) must be reported to the City of Hemet Cross-Connection and Backflow Control program immediately. If the site has been documented as having potential contaminants, the water service shall remain off until the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) is replaced. The installation of any piping configuration other than an approved backflow prevention assembly (BPA) shall be considered a violation and will result in a fee as specified in the City of Hemet Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges. If the site has been documented as having potential pollutants, the customer shall have 15 working days to replace and test the backflow prevention assembly (BPA). After 15 working days, the customer shall be subject to a fee as provided in the City of Hemet Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges and water service will be discontinued.

(e) Any unauthorized removal or relocation of a service protection backflow prevention assembly (BPA) will be considered a violation and will result in a fee and/or water service disconnection as provided in the City of Hemet Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges. The customer must maintain their backflow prevention assembly (BPA) and test in accordance with this division.

(f) A change of ownership, name change, type of use, potable system, or piping, may require an on-site survey by city personnel.

(g) The customer must use a tester which is on the current City of Hemet testers list. The customer must ensure that the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) test report is received by the city's cross-connection and backflow control program by the due date listed on the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) test form.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

To be considered for placement on the City of Hemet list, the following must be submitted to the city's cross-connection and backflow control program:

(1) A copy of the current Riverside County Health Department's backflow prevention assembly tester certification.

(2) A signed check list acknowledging adherence to this ordinance and the City of Hemet Best Management Practices (BMPs).

(3) To remain on the City of Hemet list, the following must be submitted to the cross-connection and backflow control program:

a. A copy of the current Riverside County Department of Environmental Health tester certification is required every three years upon renewal.

b. The tester is required to calibrate field test gauge(s) at least annually and to re-calibrate whenever a gauge is inaccurate by more than 0.2 PSID. Test gauge calibration must be verified against a reference source that is traceable to the national institute of standards and technology.

c. The tester must retain proof of test gauge calibration and make it available to the City of Hemet Cross-Connection and Backflow Control program upon request.

d. The city reserves the right to require a copy of a test gauge calibration certificate during quality check proceedings and at any time deemed reasonable to the City of Hemet.

e. The city will notify the testers to submit documentation of tester certification in order to remain on the city's list. If a copy of the current backflow prevention assembly (BPA) tester's certification is not received within one calendar month of the expiration date, the tester will be removed from the City of Hemet list. Any backflow prevention assembly (BPA) test reports received from a tester who has been removed from the city's list will be considered invalid and returned to the customer.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Failure to comply with this ordinance or the City of Hemet's Best Management Practices (BMPs) will result in disciplinary action by City of Hemet, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Best Management Practices (BMPs).

(b) If the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health removes a tester from the county tester list, that tester will be immediately removed from the City of Hemet list and will not be permitted to test, repair or maintain backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) within city's service area, until the tester is recertified by the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health and approved by the City of Hemet.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Water system surveys:

(1) Hazard evaluation: The City of Hemet may require and conduct inspections of premises to evaluate on-site cross-connection hazards. This site survey will determine the degree of hazard(s) on the customer's site that may have a negative impact to the city's potable water distribution system. The site survey will also determine the type of backflow prevention assembly (BPA) required by applicable state and local regulations and this ordinance. The city may require that the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) be tested more than once a year based on the degree of hazard presented by the customer's water system. If access to the customer's water system is denied, the highest level of backflow prevention shall be required, and service will be suspended until meter protection has been installed and approved by the City of Hemet.

(2) New service review process: An assessment of all new water service applications will be made to determine the type of backflow prevention required, if any. If a backflow prevention assembly (BPA) is necessary, the customer is required to install the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) at customer's own expense in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 17, USC-FCC Approval, City of Hemet standard drawings, Best management practice (BMP), and this division. After installation the owner/water user must set up an inspection of the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) with the cross-connection and backflow program before testing. The owner/water user will test the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) using a certified tester that is on the City of Hemet's Backflow Testers List. Any violation will result in the City of Hemet having the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) tested at the owner's expense.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) All presently installed backflow prevention devices which do not meet the requirements of this section but were approved devices for the purposes described in this section at the time of installation and which have been properly maintained, shall, except for the inspection and maintenance requirements be excluded from the requirements of this section so long as the water department superintendent is assured that they will satisfactorily protect the utility system. Whenever the existing device is moved from the present location or requires more than the minimum maintenance, or when the water department superintendent finds that the maintenance constitutes a hazard to health, the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) shall be replaced by the customer at no cost to the City of Hemet.

(b) All single swing checks within the City of Hemet water system shall be replaced within two years of the adoption of this ordinance. Non-compliance will result in a fine being charged to the responsible owner/water user in accordance with fees established in the City of Hemet's Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges as amended.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Retrofit requirements: Following a site survey, the City of Hemet will notify the responsible owner/water user in writing of the results of the survey and the required corrective action. If meter protection is required by installing a backflow prevention assembly (BPA) a period of 60 days will be given to complete all required corrective action(s). In the interim customer's service may stay active unless a high hazard condition exists onsite. If a high hazard exist the water service will be immediately shut off.

(b) A second notice in writing will be sent to each responsible owner/water user who does not take the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice, and such corrective action is not taken within the time period specified. Such responsible owner/water user may be subject to service discontinuance. All costs incurred by the city, including administrative costs, associated with correcting the non-compliance will be charged to the responsible owner/water user in accordance with fees established in the City of Hemet's Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges, as amended.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) No water service connection to any premises shall be permitted to be installed by the City of Hemet unless the water service is protected as required by applicable statute and/or associated regulations including this ordinance. Water service to any premises shall be discontinued by the City of Hemet if the Backflow prevention assembly (BPA) required by applicable state and local regulations and this ordinance is not installed, tested and maintained, or if the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) has been removed, bypassed, or altered. Water service will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected to the satisfaction of the City of Hemet Cross-Connection and Backflow Control program.

(b) Water service protection is required in, but not limited to conditions where:

(1) Premises having an auxiliary water supply. (All wells that have not been properly abandoned or destroyed are considered an auxiliary water supply);

(2) Premises having a booster pump that is located on a customer's potable water system;

(3) Premises having chemicals or fertilizers that are applied by injection in the customer's domestic water system;

(4) Premises that have a fire suppression system that uses: chemical additives or storage tanks;

(5) Premises that have dual-plumbed or dual-sourced recycled water, non-potable water or graywater systems;

(6) Premises where a commercial or residential business is being operated that may pose a contamination risk to the public potable water system;

(7) Premises that have a remote service;

(8) Premises that have looped potable service piping with more than one point of connection to the City of Hemet main distribution system. In this situation, backflow protection is required on both services.

(9) Premises where cross-connections are likely to occur;

(10) Premises where an owner denies access to the premises where there is no property for inspection by authorized city personnel;

(11) Note: when a site is dual-plumbed or dual-sourced with recycled water, cross-connection testing will also be required, at the customer's expense;

(12) Premises where there is a non-testable device.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) All new and existing commercial and industrial sites are required to install reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies (RPs). All sites determined by the City of Hemet to present an actual or potential Hazard to the city's potable water distribution system are required to install reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies (RPs) at the potable water service meter(s). Commercial, industrial, and government sites are examples of facilities that require backflow protection at the potable water service meter.

(b) The only assembly approved for service protection by the City of Hemet will be a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. (RP, RPDA, RPDA-II).

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

All new commercial/industrial fire suppression systems shall have a reduced pressure principle detector assembly (RPDA) or reduced pressure principle detector assembly type-II (RPDA II).

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) All new and existing agricultural and landscape sites are required to install reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies (RPs) at the potable service meter(s). All metered landscape services will have the reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) installed. All landscaping will have a separate service connection installed at the water main and meter installed with a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) assembly installed within 12 inches of the meter. Pressure vacuum breakers will not be considered for system protection.

(b) Agricultural and landscape irrigation systems are subject to exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, fecal material, and various other chemical and biological contaminants. Agricultural and landscape sites may contain auxiliary or non-potable water sources, booster pumps, wells, chemical aspirators and other conditions that represent a hazard to the public potable water system.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

Water service protection requirements also apply to private residential water services when any of the above listed Hazards are on the premises. All residential structures with multi units sharing one meter will be required to install a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP). When applying for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) the water division must be notified and may require the installation of a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP). Any questions about the following requirements should be directed to the City of Hemet Cross-Connection and Backflow Control program.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

Residential fire sprinkler systems that contain chemical additives will require and reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) as service protection per city standards drawings. Residential remote water services will be installed per city standards to serve separate domestic and fire sprinkler systems and shall be installed per city standard drawings. Service protection shall be required in the form of a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) per city drawings. Note: on premises that require service protection for on-site hazards, both domestic and fire branches of the service will require a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) be installed.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) All temporary construction meters must be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) assembly that is provided by the contractor or rented from the City of Hemet Water Department. Fees established in the City of Hemet's Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges as amended. The first backflow assembly test upon initial installation and/or relocation will be performed by "city personnel or city approved tester". Subsequent tests may be performed by persons on the "City of Hemet Backflow Prevention Testers list." Any exceptions must be approved by the cross-connection and backflow control program.

(b) Any flushing of new water mains from a potable water source prior to city's acceptance must be through a backflow prevention assembly (BPA). Any exceptions must be approved by the cross-connection and backflow control program, prior to flushing.

(c) If the temporary service needs to be relocated, the customer will be charged a fee in accordance with the City of Hemet's Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges as amended.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

An AG inspection in-lieu of a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) shall be considered on a case-by-case basis and approved by the cross-connection and backflow control program of the City of Hemet.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Installation requirements for backflow prevention assemblies: Backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) shall be installed according to current City of Hemet specifications and standard drawings.

(b) Before the installation of any backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) within the City of Hemet water service area, a permit must be obtained from the City of Hemet Building Department.

(c) No assembly will be installed less than 12 inches above high-water level of the surrounding ground, to be measures from the lowest point of the assembly, and the maximum height for an assembly will be 36 inches. No backflow prevention assembly (BPA) shall be installed in vaults or below surface grade. Exceptions will be considered when there are no alternatives. If exception, the property owner will be required to excavate and expose the line from the meter to the backflow prevention assembly (BPA). After the line has been inspected, the property owner will either sleeve or encase he service line before for the City of Hemet will give final approval. The backflow must be tested in accordance with this division.

(d) Property owner will maintain a proper working clearance around the assembly so that the tester can test the assembly. A minimum of 12 inches on the backside of the assembly and 24 inches on the side that the testcocks are located. This will include all structures, enclosures (that are not easily removable) and vegetation.

(1) All backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) shall be installed per City of Hemet standard drawings.

(2) Reduced pressure principle detector assemblies (RPDAs) and reduced pressure principle detector assembly type-II (RPDA II) shall be installed per city standard drawing

(3) These specifications are available from the city's cross-connection and backflow control program and at www.Hemetca.gov.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Conditions of service discontinuance:

(1) Shut-off procedures in this section shall be initiated when:

a. Conditions posing a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply are determined to exist and those conditions cannot be immediately abated; or

b. Failure to comply with federal, state or local laws, including this Article, regarding testing and/or repair of a device.

(2) Specific conditions requiring water shut-off shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Any refusal to test backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs).

a. Any refusal to install, repair or replace faulty backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs).

b. Any direct or indirect connection between a potable water system and a Non-potable water system.

c. Any unprotected direct or indirect connection between a potable water system and a system or equipment containing a contaminant.

d. Any unprotected direct or indirect connection between a potable water system and an auxiliary water system.

e. Any refusal to grant access for a water site survey or non-compliance testing.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Customer must meet requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 17 at the customer's service connection. Backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) must be installed in accordance with City of Hemet specifications and this ordinance. If the city determines that there are potential or actual cross-connections on the customer's property, it is the responsibility of the customer to install and maintain the backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) at no cost to the City of Hemet as a condition to obtaining water service from the city.

(b) When it becomes necessary to shut-off a water user's potable water connection, the following steps shall be followed:

(1) City personnel shall determine the degree of hazard to the city's potable water distribution system.

(2) Determine whether the service is a qualifying service where water service cannot be immediately terminated for health reasons such as a kidney dialysis center or medical facility. In such cases, DDW (division of drinking water) will be notified and a non-compliance fee will be assessed.

(3) Water service to a fire sprinkler system normally will not be shut-off. However, refusal to test and maintain the Backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) of a fire system will result in fees for testing by a city representative as specified in the City of Hemet Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges.

(c) If it is determined that there is an immediate hazard to the city's potable water distribution system, the following steps shall be taken:

(1) Immediately discontinue the water user's potable water service, except in cases of critical service; i.e.: hospital, convalescent facility, and home dialysis care;

(2) Notify the water user of the discontinuance and the reason for the action;

(3) Follow up with a certified letter to the water user listing the corrections required prior to restoring potable water service.

(d) If city personnel suspect that a backflow incident is likely to create or has created a contamination risk, the City of Hemet will notify the state and local health departments.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Backflow prevention assembly testing maintenance and repair: Backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) shall be installed and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 17. The testing, maintenance and repair of water meter protection backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) must be performed by personnel who are on the City of Hemet certified backflow prevention assembly testers list. The tester list can be found at www.HemetCA.gov. The backflow prevention assembly (BPA) providing meter service protection must be approved by the city and must be installed and tested according to city standards. Backflow prevention assembly (BPA) testing must follow the methodology as specified in the current edition of the University of Southern California (USC) Foundation for Cross-Connection Control (FCCC) research manual of cross-connection control.

(b) The cost of any testing, maintenance, repair or replacement of the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) is the customer's responsibility. The City of Hemet is not responsible for work performed by a tester or any associated costs incurred.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Annual notice: The City of Hemet will notify each responsible owner or water user of the date by which the required annual testing of the involved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) must be completed and when the backflow test report must be furnished to the city. Written notice will be given by City of Hemet representatives not less than 45 calendar days before the completion date set forth therein. The city will supply to the customer a list of accepted testers located in the City of Hemet's service area who are certified to test, maintain and repair backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs).

(b) Final notice: Final notice shall be sent, after the first notice, to each responsible owner or water user who does not comply with the requirements of said first notice. The responsible owner or water user will have 15 days to comply. The final notice will advise the responsible owner or water user that corrective actions will be made by the city, and associated fees will be included on the customer's water bill in accordance with those specified in the first notice.

(c) Repair notice: Upon receipt of a failed backflow prevention assembly (BPA) test report the city will send the customer a backflow prevention assembly (BPA) repair notice, allowing 15 days for repairs, retest and submission of backflow prevention assembly (BPA) test report. (Backflow prevention assembly (BPA) test report must show passing values.)

(d) Non-compliance: If a customer does not comply with the annual backflow prevention assembly (BPA) testing requirement, or any other requirement made a part of the annual test, within the specified time frame, the City of Hemet will conduct a non-compliance test by a contracted tester off the City of Hemet Backflow Testers Lists. The customer will be charged a non-compliance test fee on customer's water bill. The non-compliance test fee will be assessed whether or not the backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) pass or fail the test. All fees, including administrative fees, associated with correcting the non-compliance will be charged to the responsible owner or water user in accordance with fees established in the consolidated schedule of rates, fees and charges, as amended from time to time by the city council.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

(a) Well abandonment:

(1) To negate the requirement for a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) at the water service connection of a property where there is a well on the premises, the well must be properly abandoned/destroyed in accordance with Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Regulations and the Department of Water Resources bulletins 74-81 and 74-90. Proof of proper and approved abandonment or destruction from riverside county department of environmental health must be provided to the City of Hemet.

(b) Well backflow protection:

(1) Wells equipped with chemical injection devices and/or non-potable water treatment devices, including connections to recycled or raw water shall have a backflow prevention assembly (BPA) or air gap (AG) per Riverside County Ordinance 682.3, section 17.

(2) Non-potable water wells may be interconnected with recycled water providing a backflow prevention assembly (BPA) or air gap (AG) is installed as well head protection. This well head protection can be a testable double check backflow prevention assembly (BPA) that is listed on the University of Southern California (USC) Foundation for Cross-Connection Control (FCCC) list of approved Backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs). Interconnections shall only be allowed through cooperation with and approved by the city's cross-connection and backflow control program personnel after an inspection and backflow prevention assembly (BPA) test has been completed.

(3) If the wells are on a site that uses the aquifer for a small water system, the determination for well head protection should be made by the appropriate regulatory agency, usually the local health agency for small water systems.

(4) Dormant or inactive wells shall not be interconnected in any way with Recycled water.

(c) Agricultural wells: If use of a well is discontinued, all piping and electrical equipment must be removed from the well, and all well head outlets must be flanged or capped.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)

Fee for service:

The City of Hemet provides a wide variety of services in response to requests from the public. The city may assess a service charge as a direct result of an action generated by a customer.

(Ord. No. 1983, § 2, 9-28-21)