Chapter 13.05 - Cross-Connection Control#
13.05.010 - Purpose.#
(a) The purposes of this chapter are:
(1) to protect the city water system against actual or potential cross-connections by isolating within premises, contamination or pollution that may occur because of undiscovered or unauthorized cross-connections on premises;
(2) to eliminate existing connections between the city water system and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption;
(3) to prevent the making of cross-connections in the future; and
(4) to encourage the exclusive use of public water systems as sources of water supply.
(b) It is the intent of this chapter to recognize that there are varying degrees of hazard and to apply the principle that the degree of protection should be commensurate with the degree of hazard.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.020 - Definitions.#
The meanings of terms used in this chapter are as follows:
"Air-gap separation" means a physical separation between the discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline and an open or nonpressure receiving vessel. An "approved air-gap separation" shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the overflow rim of the receiving vessel and in no case shall be less than one inch.
"Approved," as herein used in reference to backflow prevention assemblies, means approval by the city.
"Atmospheric vacuum breaker (nonpressure)" means backflow prevention device containing a shutoff valve followed by a valve body containing a float-check, a check seat and an air inlet port.
"Auxiliary water system" means any water supply on or available to a customer's premises other than the city water system.
"Backflow" means the undesirable reversal of the flow of water or any mixture of water and other liquid, gas or other substance into the distribution pipes of the city water system from any source or sources.
"Certified backflow prevention device tester" means a person who has been certified by the city as having the necessary training and competence to test backflow prevention assemblies.
"Cross-connection" means any unprotected actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between any part of the city water system used or intended to supply water for human consumption, and any source or system containing used water, industrial fluid, gas or other substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome and potable for human consumption.
"Double check valve assembly" means a backflow prevention device incorporating two, single, independently acting check valves, a shutoff valve at each end of the device and necessary appurtenances for testing as required by the city.
"Pressure vacuum breaker assembly" means a backflow prevention device incorporating one or two independently operating, loaded check valve(s), an independently operating loaded air inlet valve, a shutoff valve at each end of the device and necessary appurtenances for testing as required by the city.
"Reduced pressure principle assembly" means a backflow prevention device incorporating two independently acting check valves, a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pressure relief valve, a shutoff valve at each end of the device and necessary appurtenances for testing as required by the city.
"Service connection" means the point at which the city water system piping ends and the water system piping of the customer begins. If a meter is installed as part of the city water system, then the term "service connection" means the downstream end of the meter.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.030 - Protection required.#
(a) Protection shall be required at each service connection from the city water system that supplies water to premises having an auxiliary water system.
(b) Protection shall be required at each service connection from the city water system that supplies water to premises on which any substance is or may be handled in such a manner as to permit entry into the city water system, including water originating from the city water system which is or may be subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality.
(c) Protection shall be required at each service connection to any premises that has cross-connections unless such cross-connections are abated to the satisfaction of the city.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.040 - Type of protection.#
The type of protection required shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard. In determining the degree of hazard and the type of protection required, the following criteria shall be issued:
(1) At each service connection to any premises where there exists an auxiliary water system with no known cross-connections, the city water system shall be protected by an approved double check valve backflow prevention assembly or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
(2) At each service connection to any premises on which there is an auxiliary water system where cross-connections are known to exist, the city water system shall be protected by an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
(3) At each service connection to any premises on which an objectionable but nonhazardous substance is, or may be, handled in such a manner as to permit entry into a city water system, the city water system shall be protected by an approved double check valve backflow prevention assembly or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
(4) At each service connection to any premises on which any hazardous substance is or may be handled in such a manner as to permit entry into the city water system, the city water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap separation. The air-gap shall be located as close as practicable to the service cock and all piping between the service cock and any receiving vessel shall be visible. If these conditions cannot reasonably be met, the city water system shall be protected by an approved reduced pressure principal backflow prevention assembly, provided that this alternative is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted per Section 13.05.200 of this chapter.
(5) At each service connection to any sewage treatment plant or sewage pumping station, the city water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap separation. The air-gap shall be located as close as practicable to the service cock and all piping between the service cock and any receiving vessel shall be visible. If these conditions cannot reasonably be met, the city water system shall be protected by an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly, provided that this alternative is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted per Section 13.05.200 of this chapter.
(6) A swivel-ell connection is authorized cross-connection control for non-dual plumbed systems. Swivel-ell connections shall not be used on dual plumbed systems. A dual plumbed system is a system that utilizes separate piping systems for reclaimed water and potable water within a facility and where the reclaimed water is used for either of the following purposes: to serve plumbing outlets (excluding fire suppression systems) within a building, or outdoor landscape irrigation at individual residences.
A swivel-ell connection shall be designed to preclude the simultaneous use of both potable and reclaimed water sources to supply a distribution system at the same time. The swivel-ell may be manually switched between the reclaimed water source connection and the potable water source connection to supply the use area's distribution system. In no case shall it be acceptable for the potable water supply to be directly connected to a reclaimed water supply. The public services department shall document that all site specific conditions have been satisfied prior to the use and connection of a swivel-ell connection. The public services department may at any time require installation of a permanent air-gap separation between the potable water supply and the reclaimed water distribution system.
The following is required for all reclaimed water projects, including those that have a swivel-ell connection:
a. No simultaneous use of the potable water supply and the reclaimed water supply shall be allowed in the same distribution system.
b. Prior to construction of any facilities, written approval shall be obtained from the public services department.
c. Only disinfected tertiary reclaimed water is used.
d. Each reclaimed water distribution system may only be supplied from a single reclaimed water feed line. There shall be no other inter-connections between the reclaimed water distribution system and potable water system within the use area or facility.
e. The swivel-ell connection (which includes the reclaimed water service, potable water service, and the service riser to the facility or use area) must be located above ground, color coded in accordance with the Health and Safety Code Section 116815, and have appropriate signs. Security precautions must be provided (e.g. locked gate valves, warning signs, etc.) to prevent interconnections, vandalism, and unauthorized use. The city shall inspect each location on a minimum annual basis to verify that a switchover has not occurred without the purveyor's approval. Meters must be provided on both connections and records of water use maintained.
f. The potable water service connection must be protected by an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP). The swivel-ell connection must be located downstream of the RP assembly. The need for on-site backflow protection must also be evaluated.
g. To avoid simultaneously using both sources, swivel-ell connections must be designed such that a tee connection, or other prefabricated mechanical appurtenances, cannot readily be substituted for the swivel-ell. The reclaimed water and potable water service connections should not approach the use area service riser at an angle of 180°.
h. The RP on the potable water supply line must be tested in accordance with Title 17, Section 7605 immediately prior to a switchover from the reclaimed water supply to the potable water supply. The completed test report must be sent to the Regional Board prior to activation.
i. The public services department and regional board must be notified within 24 hours of each switchover.
j. The city shall supervise the switchover and activation of the potable water service; and subsequent deactivation.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990; Ord. No. 968B, § 2, 5-8-2018)
13.05.050 - Customer responsibility.#
It shall be the responsibility of each customer to furnish, and install in a manner approved by the city, and keep in good working order and safe condition, any and all backflow prevention assemblies as required by this chapter. The city shall not be responsible for any loss or damage directly or indirectly resulting from or caused by any improper or negligent installation, operation, use, repair or maintenance of, or interfering with, any backflow prevention assembly, required by this chapter, by any customer or any other person.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.060 - Authority to inspect.#
The customer's premises shall be available for inspection at all reasonable times to authorized representatives of the city to determine if protection of the city water system is required at the service connection(s).
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.070 - Testing, maintenance and reporting.#
(a) The owners of any premises on which backflow prevention devices are installed shall have the devices tested by a backflow prevention device tester certified by the city.
(b) Backflow prevention devices 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.
(c) Reports of tests of backflow prevention devices shall be filed with the city in a form acceptable to the city within 20 days after said tests are conducted.
(d) Upon request, the city will test a customer's backflow prevention device to fulfill the requirements of this chapter. The customer will be charged for the test and any minor maintenance found necessary to keep the device in working order, on the next regular water bill. The fee for testing shall be established by resolution of the city council.
(e) No device shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. These devices shall be serviced, overhauled, or replaced whenever they are found to be defective and all costs of testing, repair, and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.080 - Backflow prevention device removal.#
Approval must be obtained from the city before a backflow prevention device is removed, relocated or replaced.
(1) Removal. The use of a device may be discontinued and the device 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. A device 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 device.
(3) Repair. A device may be removed for repair, provided the water use is discontinued until repair is completed and the device 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 device.
(4) Replacement. A device may be removed and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement device is installed. All replacement devices must be approved by the city and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.090 - User supervisor.#
At each premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the city, a user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. This user supervisor shall be responsible for the monitoring of the backflow prevention devices and for avoidance of cross-connections. In the event of contamination or pollution of the drinking 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. 540B §1 (part), 1990)
13.05.100 - Review proposed new services.#
The city shall review requests for new services to determine if backflow prevention is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the city 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 device is necessary to protect the public water system, the required device must be installed before service will be granted.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.110 - Water system survey.#
(a) 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 customer who cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the city considers necessary.
(b) 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 of each affected water user. Any customer who cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the city considers necessary.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.120 - Customer notification—Device installation.#
(a) The city will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period of 60 days will be given to complete all corrective action required including installation of backflow prevention devices.
(b) A second notice will be sent to each water user who does not take the required corrective action 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.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.130 - Customer notification—Testing and maintenance.#
(a) The city will notify each affected water user when it is time for the backflow prevention device installed on their service connection to be tested. This written notice shall give the water user 30 days to have the device tested and supply the water user with the necessary form to be completed and resubmitted to the city.
(b) A second notice shall be sent to each water user who does not have the backflow prevention device 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 device 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 device is tested.
(c) Should the customer want the city to perform the test as set forth in Section 13.05.070, the city shall be so notified within seven days of receipt of notice.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.140 - Water service termination.#
When the city encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the city shall institute the procedure for discontinuing the city water service.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.150 - Basis for termination.#
Conditions or water uses that create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following items:
(1) Refusal to install a required backflow prevention device;
(2) Refusal to test, or allow testing of, a backflow prevention device;
(3) Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention device;
(4) Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention device;
(5) Bypassing or rendering inoperative any backflow prevention device installed under these provisions;
(6) Direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer line;
(7) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants;
(8) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxiliary water system; and
(9) A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.160 - Termination procedures.#
(a) For conditions (1), (2) or (3), the city will terminate service to a customer's premises after two written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which it must be done, if no action is taken within the allowed time period.
(b) For conditions (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) or (9), the city will take the following steps:
(1) Make a reasonable effort to advise the water user of intent to terminate water service;
(2) Terminate water supply and lock service valve. The water service will remain inactive until correction of violation has been approved by the city.
(Ord. 540B §1 (part), 1990)
13.05.170 - Certification as a backflow prevention device tester.#
Each applicant for certification as a tester of backflow prevention devices shall file an approved application with the city clerk, together with a fee as may be established by the city council.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.180 - Minimum requirements for certification.#
Competency in all phases of backflow prevention device testing and repair must be demonstrated by means of education and experience in order to obtain certification. The following are minimum requirements:
(1) Applicants shall have had at least two years experience in plumbing or pipefitting or equivalent qualifications.
(2) Applicants shall hold a valid certification from the American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A.), California-Nevada Section, from an approved county certification program, or have equivalent training in the opinion of the city, and the State Department of Health Services.
(3) Each applicant must have at his disposal, the proper test equipment which has been calibrated to the manufacturer's specifications within the previous three years. He shall be responsible for the competency and accuracy of all tests and reports prepared by him.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.190 - Length of certification.#
The certification issued to any tester is valid for a period of two years, provided that the basic (non-city) certification remains valid, and may be revoked, suspended, or not renewed by the city for improper testing, repairs, and/or reporting.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)
13.05.200 - Rules and regulations.#
The city administrator is authorized to make all necessary and reasonable rules and regulations with respect to the enforcement of this chapter. All such rules and regulations shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter and shall be effective 30 days after being filed with the city clerk.
(Ord. 540B §1(part), 1990)