§ 32.7. Backflow Prevention Assemblies.

1.

Requirements.

(a)

General.

(1)

All property owners or users requesting reclaimed water service shall install an approved backflow prevention assembly on the potable water lines serving their parcel in accordance with the Reclaimed Water Standards Manual, requirements of the water purveyor and the provisions set forth in this Chapter.

(2)

Nonresidential property owners or users shall install a backflow prevention assembly for the reclaimed water service connection, if any of the following conditions exist:

(i)

Hazardous materials or wastes are located or are present on-site,

(ii)

Reclaimed water is utilized as a supply source for a production process, cooling tower or washwater,

(iii)

Fertilization facilities are connected to the irrigation system, or

(iv)

High potential for cross-connections.

(v)

Such other conditions that may affect the public health, safety or welfare as determined by the Director of Public Works.

(b)

New Facilities. The design and installation of the approved backflow prevention assembly shall be shown on the construction plans and described in the specifications. These documents shall be submitted to the Office of Permitting Services or other agency with competent jurisdiction and the Director of Public Works for review as part of the building permit application. The backflow prevention assembly shall comply with the design requirements set forth in the Reclaimed Water Standards Manual and this Chapter.

(c)

Existing Facilities for Nonresidential Properties.

(1)

The Director of Public Works shall inspect the property or facility to determine the type of backflow prevention assembly to be used for the reclaimed water service and the location for said installation.

(2)

The water purveyor shall inspect the property or facility to determine the type and location for the backflow prevention assembly.

(3)

The property owner or user shall submit the construction plans and specifications for the backflow prevention assembly as part of the building permit application.

2.

Minimum Design Standards.

(a)

The backflow prevention device shall be manufactured in full conformance with the standards established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and shall comply with the laboratory and field performance specifications of the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCHR) set forth in the current edition of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control. A certificate of approval shall be issued by an approved testing laboratory certifying full compliance with the AWWA standards and FCCHR specifications. Backflow prevention assemblies subject to back pressure or back-siphonage shall be fully tested and shall be certified by a state certified backflow prevention specialist.

(b)

Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed above grade with two sample (test) ports located on top of the device. All alternative types of backflow prevention assemblies, or modifications to devices in compliance with the minimum standards set forth above shall be approved in writing by the Director of Public Works prior to installation.

(c)

The Director of Public Works, or designee, shall be the sole judge of product quality and conformity to applicable standards for all backflow prevention assemblies that are installed for the purpose of protecting the potable water system or the City's reclaimed water system.

3.

Installation.

(a)

The backflow prevention device shall be installed in accordance with the specifications set forth in the Reclaimed Water Standards Manual, the manufacturer's installation procedures, applicable building/plumbing codes and the provisions set forth in this Chapter.

(b)

A building/plumbing permit from the Office of Permitting Services or other agency with jurisdiction shall be required for installation of a backflow prevention device on the potable water service.

(c)

The backflow prevention device shall be installed by a certified backflow prevention specialist. The property owner or user shall retain a copy of the installation manifest.

(d)

The water purveyor shall provide and install the backflow prevention assembly for residential property owners or users. The water purveyor is authorized to assess a reasonable fee to recover the costs for this service.

(e)

The property owner or user shall notify the Director of Public Works following installation of the backflow prevention assembly for their respective potable water service. The property owner or user shall provide the following, but not limited to, information: name of the property owner or user; service address, date of installation, description of the device, including size, manufacturer, model number and serial number, water meter number, utility account number, and such other information as may be required by the Director of Public Works.

4.

Testing and Certification.

(a)

Backflow prevention assemblies shall be inspected and tested immediately following installation, and periodically thereafter on a regular basis as determined by the Director of Public Works, or at least annually, by a state certified backflow prevention specialist.

(b)

The water purveyor shall be responsible for performing the routine periodic inspections and testing of the backflow prevention assemblies for residential parcels and users. A certified written inspection report shall be prepared and retained by the Director of Public Works. Upon request, a copy of the certified written report shall be provided to the property owner or user by the Director of Public Works.

(c)

Nonresidential property owners or users shall be responsible for inspection and testing of the backflow prevention assemblies. The certified written inspection and testing report by the backflow prevention specialist shall be submitted to the Director of Public Works within fifteen (15) days after the inspection and testing of the backflow prevention assembly.

(d)

In those instances where the Director of Public Works deems the potential for cross-connections or backflow conditions to be great enough, the property owner or user may be required to perform more frequent inspections and testing of the backflow prevention assembly.

(e)

Failure by the property owner or user to perform, or allow to have performed, the annual testing and certification of the backflow prevention assembly may result in discontinuation of reclaimed water service by the Director of Public Works.

(f)

The cost for inspection and testing of the backflow prevention assembly shall be recovered through a service fee in accordance with Section 32.13 of this Chapter. The service fee shall be placed on the property owner's or user's monthly utility billing statement. Failure to promptly pay the service fee may be cause for discontinuance of reclaimed water service by the Director of Public Works.

(Ord. of 5-6-2002, Doc. #020506702)