Chapter 13.30 — CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL

A.

The purpose of this chapter is 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 on the premises;

Eliminate existing connections between public drinking water systems and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption;

Eliminate cross-connections between public drinking water systems and sources of contamination; and

Prevent the making of cross-connections in the future.

B.

This chapter is adopted pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Public Health, entitled "Regulations Relating to Cross Connections."

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

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

"Air gap separation" means a physical breach between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel. The air gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the top rim of 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 licensed testing company or a testing organization which has demonstrated its competency to perform such tests to the State 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 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 and back pressure are causes of backflow.

"Contamination" means a degradation of the quality of the potable water by any foreign substance which creates a hazard to the public health or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.

"Cross-connection" means any unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome and potable. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover assemblies or other assemblies through which backflow could occur shall be considered 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 end of the assembly and test cocks for testing the water tightness of each check valve.

"Health agency" means the State Department of Health Services.

"Local health agency" means the Fresno County health department.

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

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

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

"Reduced pressure principle 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 person who owns or operates the approved water supply system.

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

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

No person shall 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 served with water by the city water department and any other source of water supply, or to maintain any sanitary fixtures or other appurtenances or fixtures which, by reason of their construction, may cause or allow the backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the city and/or the service of water pipes or fixtures of any water customer of the city.

B.

Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited.

C.

Whenever backflow protection has been determined to be necessary by the water superintendent, the water user shall install an approved backflow prevention assembly at his/her expense as a condition of receiving city water service and before new water service may be connected to the city water system.

D.

Wherever backflow protection has been determined by the water superintendent to be necessary on a water supply line entering a water user's premises, all water supply lines from the city's mains entering such premises 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 chapter.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises into the public water system unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional source by the city and is approved by the local health agency.

B.

Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance is handled in a fashion that could allow its entry into the water system shall be protected against backflow into the public system. This shall include the handling of processed waters and waters originating from the city water system which have been subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality.

C.

Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having:

An internal cross-connection that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the local health agency and the city; 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 a cross-connection exists.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

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 types of protective assembly that may be required, listed in an increasing level of protection, includes: double check valve assembly (DC), reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP), and 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 13.30.050. Situations which are not covered in Table 13.30.050 shall be evaluated on a case by case basis and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the city or local health agency.

B.

Two or more services supplying water from different street mains to the same building, structure or premises through which an interstreet main flow could 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. A standard check valve shall not be considered adequate if backflow protection is determined by the city or local

health agency as necessary to protect the city's mains from pollution or contamination. In such cases the installation of approved backflow assemblies at such service connections shall be required.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

Table 13.30.050

Type of Backflow Protection Required

Degree of Hazard Minimum Type of Backflow Prevention

A. Sewage and hazardous:

        1. Premises where the public water system is used to supplement the  AG
        reclaimed water supply.

        2. Premises where there are wastewater pumping and/or treatment    AG
        plants and there is no interconnection with the potable water system.
        This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift
      pump. An RP may beprovided in lieu of an AG if approved by the local
        health agency and the city.

        3. Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no         AG
        interconnection with the potable water system. An RP may be
       provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the local health agency and
        the city.

        4. Premises where hazardous substances are handled in a manner in   AG
       which the substances can enter a potable water system. This does not
        include asingle-family residence that has a sewage lift pump. An RP
     may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the local health
      agency and the city.

5. Premises where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers, RP herbicides or pesticides are or can be injected.

B. Auxiliary water supplies:

        1. Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply
       which is interconnected with the public water system. An RP or DC
     may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the local health
      agency and the city.

        2. Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply and
        there are no interconnections with the public water system. A DC may
      be providedin lieu of an RP if approved by the local health agency and
        the city.

C. Fire protection systems:

1. Premises where the fire system is directly supplied from the public DC water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply on or to the premises (not interconnected).

        2. Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public        AG
       watersystem and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water
        supply. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the
         local health agency and city.

        3. Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water    DG
       system and where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps which
        take suctionfrom private reservoirs or tanks are used.

D. Premises where entry is restricted so that inspections for cross-connections RP cannot be made with sufficient frequency or on sufficiently short notice to assure that cross-connections do not exist.

E. Premises where there is a repeated history of cross-connections being RP established or reestablished.

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 potable water system.

B.

Upon request, the city will provide to any affected customer a list of approved backflow prevention assemblies.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

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

A.

Air Gap Separation (AG). The air gap separation shall be located on the user's side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade and entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point between the service connection and the air gap separation. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two pipe

diameters from the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the overflow rim of the receiving tank.

B.

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 practical. The assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve inches above grade, not more than thirty-six inches above grade measured from the bottom of the assembly, and with a minimum of twelve 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.

C.

Double Check Valve Assembly (DC). The approved double check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user's connection and shall be installed above grade, if practical, and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If a double check valve assembly is installed below grade, it must be placed in a vault such that there is a minimum of six inches between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the assembly, the top of the assembly is no more than eight inches below grade, there is a minimum of twenty-four inches of clearance between the side of the assembly with the test cocks and the side of the vault, and there is a minimum of twelve inches clearance between the other side of the assembly 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 cocks 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.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

The owners of any premises on which or on account of which backflow prevention assemblies are installed, shall have the assemblies tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. The city may require a more frequent testing schedule. No assembly shall be placed in service unless it is functioning properly. A written report on the test shall be filed with the city each time an assembly is tested, relocated or repaired. Assemblies shall be serviced, overhauled or replaced whenever they are defective, and all costs of testing, repair and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.

B.

The city will keep a list of persons acceptable to the city to test backflow prevention assemblies. The city will notify affected customers by mail when testing of an assembly is required.

C.

Upon request, the city will test a water user's backflow prevention assembly to determine whether it fulfills the requirements of this chapter. The water user will be charged for the test and any maintenance performed by the city on the assembly.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

Prior written approval must be obtained from the city before a backflow prevention assembly is removed, relocated, repaired or replaced.

A.

Removal. A backflow prevention assembly may be removed from service where the city determines that the hazard no longer exists and is not likely to be re-established in the future.

B.

Relocation. An assembly may be relocated after confirmation by the city that the new location will continue to provide the required protection and meets all installation requirements. A retest will be required following relocation of the assembly.

C.

Repair. An assembly may be removed for repair, provided the water use is either discontinued until repair is completed 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 repair of the assembly.

D.

Replacement. An assembly may be removed and replaced provided that 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. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

At each premises where it is deemed necessary by the director of public works, a user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. The user supervisor shall be responsible for monitoring the backflow prevention assemblies and for avoiding cross-connections. Upon contamination or pollution of the drinking water system due to a cross-connection on the premises, the user supervisor shall immediately notify the director of public works, so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the city of the user supervisor's identity annually and whenever a change occurs.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

The city shall review all requests for new water service to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the city upon request for review of possible cross-connection hazards. 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 service may be provided.

B.

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

C.

The city may, at its discretion, require a reinspection for cross-connection hazards of any premises to which it serves water. The city will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any water user who cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of his/her piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention assembly which the city considers to be necessary.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

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

B.

A second notice will be sent to each water user who does not complete the required corrective actions within the sixty-day period. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to complete the required corrective action. If the corrective action is not completed within the two-week period, the city may either cause the required corrective actions to be completed by the city at the water user's expense, or it may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are completed.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

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

B.

A second notice shall be sent to each water user who does not have his/her backflow prevention assembly tested as prescribed in the first notice within the sixty-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to have the backflow prevention assembly tested. If the test is not completed within the two-week period, the city may either cause the required test to be made at the water user's expense, or it may terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject assembly is tested.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

Generally. When the city encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the city's potable water supply that cannot immediately be abated, the city shall institute procedures for discontinuing city water service.

B.

Basis for Termination. Conditions or water uses that create a basis for water service termination include the following:

Failure to install a required backflow prevention assembly;

Failure to test a backflow prevention assembly;

Failure to repair a faulty backflow prevention assembly;

Failure to replace a faulty backflow prevention assembly;

Direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer line;

Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants;

Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxiliary water system; and

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

C.

Procedures.

For conditions 1, 2, 3 or 4, as set out in subsection B of this section, the city will send written notice to the water user specifying the corrective action needed and the period in which it must be completed. If complete corrective action is not taken within the allowed time period, water service may be either immediately terminated or the city may cause the required corrective actions to be performed at the water user's expense.

For conditions 5, 6, 7 or 8, as set out in subsection B of this section, the city will take the following steps:

a.

Make reasonable effort to advise the water user of the city's intent to terminate water service; and

b.

Terminate water service and lock the service valve. Water service shall remain inactive until the correction of all violations has been approved by the water superintendent.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).

A.

Prior to the city performing any required corrective action or terminating any water service upon the grounds set forth in this chapter or subsequent to the termination of any water service, a water user may appeal the decision of the director of public works to require corrective action or terminate water service by filing a written request for hearing before the city council, with the city clerk within fifteen days after written notice is mailed to the water user of the termination or intended termination of water service, or the intended performance of corrective action by the city. The request for hearing shall state all of the bases of the appeal.

B.

The appeal shall, be considered at the next regular meeting of the city council, provided that at least five days written notice is given to the water user of the time, date and place of the appeal hearing. The decision of the council shall be final.

C.

The hearing need not be conducted according to the technical rules relating to evidence and witnesses. All relevant evidence shall be admitted if it is the sort of evidence on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions. Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose of supplementing or explaining other evidence, but shall not be sufficient in itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in civil actions. The rules of privilege shall be effective to the extent that they are required to be recognized at the hearing. Irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded.

(Ord. 98-07 §4(part), 1998).