§ 3-5-232. Cross-connection control and backflow prevention.

(a)

Installation of backflow prevention device required. All consumers shall have in place a backflow prevention device of the type, design, and specifications set forth in paragraph (c) of this section. Purchase, installation and inspection of the backflow prevention device shall be at the expense of the property owner.

(b)

Designation as high, medium, or low risk consumer, monthly surcharge.

(1)

The authority is authorized to categorize and designate consumers as high, medium, or low risk consumers. Said designation shall be made by the backflow prevention program manager, based upon his/her evaluation of the consumer's property's use and potential for contamination of the public water supply.

(2)

The authority is authorized to charge each high-risk consumer of the system an amount not to exceed two dollars ($2.00) monthly as a surcharge to maintain and administer the cross-connection and backflow prevention program.

(c)

Type of backflow prevention device required, approval of devices.

(1)

The backflow prevention device shall be of the following types and installed in the following manner:

a.

Low and medium risk consumers: The low or medium risk consumer or property owner shall provide a double check valve (DCV) backflow prevention device in a size to match that of the required service meter.

1.

Specifications. The DCV checks shall have replaceable seats, capture springs and the device assembly shall include a full-port ball valve on the inlet and outlet sides, with a union or swivel coupling nut between the device and each valve. Unions or swivel nuts must be integral with the device or valves. Devices shall have three ball-valve test cocks in the vertical position fitted with brass or plastic threaded plugs. A fourth vertical test cock shall be provided on the upstream side of the inlet shut-off valve. All components of the assembly, including ball valve handles and assembly bolts, shall be equal in corrosion resistance to bronze or stainless steel in order to resist electrolysis. Access to both checking devices shall be by top and/or side entry for maintenance and repair of all interior parts. Valve handles, except T-type, shall turn up to close and in board (90 degrees) to open.

2.

Installation. The DCV backflow prevention device shall not be buried in earth, but models with ready access to both checks may be installed in meter boxes, pits or vaults, provided ball valve test cocks seated with threaded plugs are used. All components of a DCV installed below ground should be resistant to electrolysis. A resilient seat shut-off valve should be near the inlet and outlet side of the device, and three approved test cocks provided on the device. Test cocks below ground shall be chlorinated before use.

3.

Sample approved devices:

Hersey Model # FDC/Unions

Watts Model # U-007-QT

b.

High risk consumers. The high risk consumer or property owner shall install a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow prevention device.

1.

Specifications. The RPZ shall be of a size to match that of the required service line or meter. The RPZ assembly shall consist of a pressure differential relief valve located between two (2) positive seating check valves. The relief valve shall function automatically by sensing the pressure differential across the first check valve and discharge the backflow to atmosphere should the check valve become damaged or fouled. The relief and check valves shall have replaceable seats, and the check valves provided with captured springs. A full-port ball valve in sizes through two (2) inches, and resilient-seat OS & Y gate valve in sizes over two (2) inches shall be on the inlet and outlet sides of the device, with a union, swivel coupling nut, or flanges between the device and each valve. Unions and swivel nuts must be integral with the device or valves. The device shall be provided with three ball valve test cocks and a fourth test cock shall be provided on the upstream side of the inlet shut-off valve. Sizes through two (2) inches shall have all test cocks in the vertical position. Test cocks on all assemblies shall be provided with brass or plastic threaded plugs, and relief valve vent-ports shall have suitable connections for an air gap. When a meter or other device with bronze strainer, integral or attached, is not immediately upstream of the backflow preventer, a bronze strainer shall be provided between the inlet shutoff valve and the RPZ on sizes through two (2) inches. All components of the assembly, including ball valve handles and assembly bolts shall be equal in corrosion resistance to stainless steel. Access to both checking devices shall be by top and/or side entry for maintenance and repair.

2.

Installation. The RPZ backflow prevention device shall not be buried in earth but shall be installed above ground in a structure that permits positive drainage, has freeze protection, and is located as close as practical to the outlet side of the meter. In lieu of above ground installation, the RPZ may be installed immediately inside the facility provided no intervening connections exist between the meter and the device. Where relief valve discharge could cause water damage, it shall be piped via an air gap at the relief valve vent-port to a floor drain.

3.

Sample approved devices:

Hersey Model Nos. FRP II-U; 6CM; 6CM-RPDA

Watts Model Nos. U-009-QT; 909OSY; 909DDC.

(2)

All backflow prevention devices shall be approved by the American National Standards Institute, the American Society of Sanitary Engineering, the American Water Works Association, the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, or the Canadian Standards Association. All shut-off valves used with backflow prevention devices shall be resilient seated.

(d)

Time for compliance, authorization for installation services by the authority.

(1)

Upon application for new water service from the authority, a consumer shall be categorized as a low, medium, or high risk consumer and shall install the designated backflow prevention device required for that category prior to receipt of water services.

(2)

Existing high risk consumers shall install the designated backflow prevention device within thirty (30) days of the adoption of this section.

(3)

Existing low and medium risk consumers shall install the designated backflow prevention device within sixty (60) days of the adoption of this section.

(4)

The authority is authorized to provide service for the installation of backflow prevention devices in compliance with the standards set out in paragraph (c) of this section. Installation shall be at the expense of the property owner.

(e)

Inspection of backflow prevention devices required, maintenance and submission of records by property owner.

(1)

All backflow prevention devices shall be maintained in proper working order. Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) devices shall be tested immediately after installation and not less than annually thereafter. Double check devices (DCV) in use by low or medium risk consumers shall be inspected and tested immediately after installation and at not less than five-year intervals following installation.

(2)

The backflow prevention device shall be tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory in accordance with the following standards:

a.

Double check valve device: ASSE standard 1015, and shall bear the ASSE seal.

b.

RPZ: ASSE standard 1015, and shall bear the ASSE seal.

c.

Synthetic (i.e. rubber or nylon) components within a backflow prevention device shall be replaced not less than every five (5) years.

(3)

Each consumer and owner of property which receives water services from the authority shall maintain a written record of the location, testing, and maintenance of each backflow prevention device on his/her property. Said records shall be provided to the authority upon written request by the backflow prevention program manager.

(4)

High risk consumers shall submit backflow prevention device inspection and test reports annually to the backflow prevention program manager, or more frequently upon written request. Said report shall be submitted within fourteen (14) days of completion of the inspection or written request.

(5)

The authority is authorized to suspend water service to the consumer's premises in the event backflow prevention device inspection and test reports are not provided as required.

(f)

Entry upon premises for purposes of inspection. The authority shall be authorized to conduct inspections to determine compliance with this section at the discretion of the program manager. Agents and employees of the authority shall be authorized to enter the premises of the consumer without notice during daylight hours for the purpose of inspection and testing of the backflow prevention device.

(g)

Installation of thermal expansion device. An auxiliary release valve, or expansion chamber, shall be installed where water is heated and stored in a consumer's water system, or a branch of the system, which has been closed by the installation of a backflow prevention device. Said auxiliary release valve or expansion chamber shall be installed to limit thermal expansion of the heated water to not more than eighty (80) psi static (no-flow) pressure at any fixture on the system.

(h)

Lawn sprinkler or irrigation systems.

(1)

Lawn sprinkler or other irrigation systems, when connected to the authority water system, shall include adequate provision for drainage and backflow prevention.

(2)

Where chemicals, pesticides, fertilizer, or other additives are utilized with a sprinkler system, said system shall have an approved reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow prevention device.

(i)

Penalties for failure to comply with section.

(1)

In the event a backflow prevention device is found not to be in compliance with those standards set forth in paragraph (c) of this section, the property owner or consumer shall cause said device to be repaired or replaced so as to meet the standards set forth in paragraph (c) within five (5) days of written notice by the authority. In the event the backflow prevention device is not repaired or replaced within five (5) days after written notice by the authority, the authority is authorized to suspend water service to the consumer's premises without further notice until such time as the device is repaired or replaced such as to be in compliance with paragraph (c) of this section.

(2)

Violation of this section by the consumer or the property owner may be punished by a maximum fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) per occurrence.

All existing industrial and commercial customers of the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority shall, within thirty (30) days of March 11, 1986, install at their own expense a backflow prevention valve approved by the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority and all future industrial and commercial customers of the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority shall be required to install at their own expense a backflow prevention valve approved by the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority prior to the commencement of service.

(Ord. No. 86-10, Art. XVIII, 3-11-86; Ord. No. 98-09, § 2, 6-24-98)