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Purpose and Policy.
This policy sets forth uniform requirements
for the protection of the public water system for the Webb Creek Utility
District from possible contamination, and enable the Webb Creek Utility District
to comply with all applicable local, State and Federal laws, regulations,
standards or requirements, including the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 (42
United States Code 300f et. seq. Public Law 93-523) and the Rules and
Regulations for Public Water Systems and Drinking Water Quality issued by the
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Supply.
Objectives.
The objectives of this policy are to:
(1) To protect the public potable water
system of Webb Creek Utility District from the possibility of contamination or
pollution by isolating within the customer's internal distribution system, such
contaminants or pollutants that could backflow or backsiphon into the public
water system;
(2) To promote the elimination or control of
existing cross connections, actual or potential, between the customer's in-house
potable water system and non-potable water systems, plumbing fixtures, and
industrial piping systems;
(3) To provide for the maintenance of a
continuing program of cross connection control that will systematically and
effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of all potable water
systems.
Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in this section, when used in the interpretation and enforcement of this
article:
(1) Air-gap shall mean a
vertical, physical separation between a water supply and the overflow rim of a
non-pressurized receiving vessel. An approved air-gap separation shall be at
least twice the inside diameter of the water supply line, but in no case less
than two (2") inches. Where a discharge line serves as receiver, the air-gap
shall be at least twice the diameter of the discharge line, but not less than
two (2") inches.
(2) Atmospheric vacuum breaker
shall mean a device which prevent backsiphonage by creating an atmospheric vent
when there is either a negative pressure or sub-atmospheric pressure in the
water system.
(3) Auxiliary intake shall
mean any water supply, on or available to a premises, other than that directly
supplied by the public water system. These auxiliary waters may include water
from another purveyor's public water system; any natural source, such as a well,
spring, river, stream, and so forth; used, reclaimed or recycled waters; or
industrial fluids.
(4) Backflow shall mean the
undesirable reversal of the intended direction of flow in a potable water
distribution system as a result of a cross connection.
(5) Backpressure shall mean
any elevation of pressure in the downstream piping system (caused by pump,
elevated tank or piping, steam and/or air pressure) above the water supply
pressure at the point which would cause, or tend to cause, a reversal of the
normal direction of flow.
(6) Backsiphonage shall mean
the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the potable
water system from any source other than its intended source, cause by the
reduction of pressure in the potable water system.
(7) Bypass shall mean any
system of piping or other arrangement whereby water from the public water
system can be diverted around a backflow prevention device.
(8) Cross connection shall
mean any physical connection or potential connection whereby the public water
system is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system,
sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture or other waste
or liquid of unknown or unsafe quality, which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water system as a result of backflow or backsiphonage. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable
sections, swivel or changeover devices,
through which or because of which backflow could occur, are considered to be
cross connections.
(9) Double check valve assembly
shall mean an assembly of two (2) independently operating, approved check
valves with tightly closing resilient seated shut-off valves on each side of the
check valves, fitted with properly located resilient seated test cocks for
testing each check valve.
(10) Double check detector assembly
shall mean an assembly of two (2) independently operating, approved check valves
with an approved water meter (protected by another
double check valve assembly) connected across the check valves, with tightly
closing resilient seated shut-off valves on each side of the check valves,
fitted with properly located resilient seated test cocks for testing each part
of the assembly.
(11) Fire protection systems
shall be classified in six different classes in accordance with AWWA
Manual M14 - Second Edition 1990. The six classes are as follows:
Class 1 shall be those
with direct connections from public water mains only; no pumps, tanks or
reservoirs; no physical connection from other water supplies; no antifreeze or
other additives of any kind; all sprinkler drains discharging to the atmosphere,
dry wells or other safe outlets.
Class 2 shall be the
same as Class 1, except that booster pumps may be installed in the
connections from the street mains.
Class 3 shall be those
with direct connection from public water supply mains, plus one or more of the
following: elevated storage tanks, fire pumps taking suction from above ground
covered reservoirs or tanks, and/or pressure tanks (all storage facilities are
filled from or connected to public water only, and the water in the tanks is to
be maintained in a potable condition).
Class 4 shall be those
with direct connection from the public water supply mains, similar to Class 1
and Class 2, with an auxiliary water supply dedicated to fire department
use and available to the premises, such as an auxiliary supply located within
1700 ft. of the pumper connection.
Class 5 shall be those
directly supplied from public water mains and interconnected with auxiliary
supplies, such as pumps taking suction from reservoirs exposed to contamination,
or rivers and ponds; driven wells; mills or other industrial water systems; or
where antifreeze or other additives are used.
Class 6 shall be those
with combined industrial and fire protection systems supplied from the public
water mains only, with or without gravity storage or pump suction tanks.
(12) Interconnection shall
mean any system of piping or other arrangements whereby the public water supply
is connected directly with a sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, or
other device which does or may contain sewage or other waste or liquid which
would be capable of imparting contamination to the public water system.
(13) Person shall mean any and
all persons, natural or artificial, including any individual, firm or
association, and any municipal or private corporation organized or existing
under the laws of this or any other state or country.
(14) Potable water shall mean
water, which meets the criteria of the Tennessee Department of Environment and
Conservation and the United States Environmental Protection Agency for human
consumption.
(15) Pressure vacuum breaker
shall mean an assembly consisting of a device containing one (1) or two (2)
independently operating spring loaded check valves and an independently
operating spring loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of
the check valve(s), with tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the
check valves and properly located test cocks for the testing of the check valves
and relief valve.
(16) Public water supply shall
mean the Webb Creek Utility District water system, which furnishes potable water
to the public for general use and which is recognized as the public water supply
by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
(17) Reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention device shall mean an assembly consisting of two (2)
independently operating approved check valves with an automatically operating
differential relief valve located between the two check valves, tightly closing
resilient seated shut-off valves, plus properly located resilient seated test
cocks for the testing of the check valves and the relief valve.
(18) Manager shall mean the
Manager of the Webb Creek Utility District or his duly authorized deputy, agent
or representative.
(19) Water system shall be
considered as made up of two (2) parts, the utility system and the customer
system.
a. The utility system shall consist
of the facilities for the storage and distribution of water; and shall include
all those facilities of the water system under the complete control of the
utility system, up to the point where the customer's system begins (i.e. the
water meter);
b. The customer system shall include those parts
of the facilities beyond the termination of the utility system distribution
system that are utilized in conveying domestic water to points of use.
Compliance
with T.C.A..
The Webb Creek Utility District shall be
responsible for the protection of the public water system from contamination or
pollution due to the backflow of contaminants through the water service
connection. The Webb Creek Utility District shall comply with Sections
68-13-701 through 68-13-719 of the Tennessee Code Annotated, as well as the
Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems and Drinking Water Quality,
legally adopted in accordance with this Code, which pertain to cross
connections, auxiliary intakes, bypasses and interconnections; and shall
establish an effective, on-going program to control these undesirable water
uses.
Regulated.
(1) No water service connection to any
premises shall be installed or maintained by the Webb Creek Utility District
system unless the water supply system is protected as required by state laws and
this policy. Service of water to any premises shall be discontinued by the
utility system if a backflow prevention device required by this policy is not
installed, tested, and/or maintained; or if it is found that a backflow
prevention device has been removed, bypassed, or if an unprotected cross
connection exists on the premises. Service shall not be restored until such
conditions or defects are corrected.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to
cause a cross connection to be made; or allow one to exist for any purpose
whatsoever unless the construction and operation of same have been approved by
the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the operation of
such cross connection is at all times under the direction of the manager of the
Webb Creek Utility District .
(3) If, in the judgment of the manager or
his designated agent, an approved backflow prevention device is required at the
water service connection to a customer's premises, or at any point(s) within the
premises, to protect the potable water supply, the manager shall compel the
installation, testing and maintenance of the required backflow prevention
device(s) at the customer's expense.
(4) An approved backflow prevention device
shall be installed on each water service line to a customer's premises at or
near the property line or immediately inside the building being served; but in
all cases, before the first branch line leading off the service line.
(5) For new installations, the manager or
his designated agent shall inspect the site and/or review plans in order to
assess the degree of hazard and to determine the type of backflow prevention
device, if any, that will be required, and to notify the owners in writing of
the required device and installation criteria. All required devices shall be
installed and operational prior to the initiation of water service.
(6) For existing premises, personnel from
the Webb Creek Utility District shall conduct inspections and evaluations, and
shall require correction of violations in accordance with the provisions of this
policy.
Permit Required.
(1) New Installations.
No installation, alteration, or change shall
be made of any backflow prevention device connected to the public water supply
for water service, fire protection or any other purpose without first contacting
the Webb Creek Utility District for approval and/or payment required fee.
An Installation/Maintenance Tag
shall be installed on the device following installation and testing, and shall
be removed only by personnel from the Webb Creek Utility District at the time of
inspection. One copy of the Cross-Connection Control Devices Test Report shall
be submitted to the Webb Creek Utility District upon completion of the
installation and testing.
(2) Existing Installations.
No alteration, repair, testing or change
shall be made of any existing backflow prevention device connected to the public
water supply for water service, fire protection or any other purpose without
first securing the appropriate approval and a Cross Connection Control
Devices Test Report and an Installation/Maintenance Tag from the Webb
Creek Utility District. The Installation/Maintenance Tag shall be installed on
the device following alteration, repair and/or testing, and shall only be
removed by personnel from the Webb Creek Utility District.
Inspections.
(1) The manager or his designated agent
shall inspect all properties served by the public water supply where cross
connections with the public water supply are deemed possible. The frequency of
inspections and reinspection shall be based on potential health hazards
involved, and shall be established by the Webb Creek Utility District in
accordance with guidelines acceptable to the Tennessee Department of Environment
and Conservation.
(2) Right of Entry for Inspections.
The manager or his authorized representative shall have the right to enter, at
any reasonable time, any property served by a connection to the Webb Creek
Utility District public water system for the purpose of inspecting the piping
system therein for cross connection, auxiliary intakes, bypasses or
interconnections, or for the testing of backflow prevention devices. Upon
request, the owner, lessee, or occupant of any property so served shall furnish
any pertinent information regarding the piping system(s) on such property. The
refusal of such information or refusal of access, when requested, shall be
deemed evidence of the presence of cross connections, and shall be grounds for
disconnection of water service.
Correction of Violations.
(1)
Any person found to have cross connections, auxiliary intakes, bypasses
or interconnections in violation of the provisions of this policy shall be
allowed a reasonable time within which to comply with the provisions of this
policy. After a thorough investigation of the existing conditions and an
appraisal of the time required to complete the work, an appropriate amount of
time shall be assigned by the manager or his representative, but in no case
shall the time for corrective measures exceed ninety (90) days.
(2) Where cross
connections, auxiliary intakes, bypasses or interconnections
are
found that constitute an extreme hazard, with the immediate possibility
of
contaminating the public water system, the Webb Creek Utility District
shall require that immediate corrective action be taken to eliminate the
threat to the public water system. Expeditious steps shall be taken to
disconnect the public water system from the on site piping system unless
the
imminent hazard is immediately corrected, subject to the right to a due
process hearing upon timely request. The time allowed for preparation for a
due
process hearing shall be relative to the risk of hazard to the public
health; and may follow disconnection when the risk to the public health and
safety,
in the opinion of the manager, warrants disconnection prior to a due
process hearing.
(3) The failure to correct conditions
threatening the safety of the public water system as prohibited by this policy
and Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-13-711, within the time limits
established by the manager or his representative, shall be grounds for denial of
water service. If proper protection has not been provided after a reasonable
time, the manager shall give the customer legal notification that water service
is to be discontinued, and shall physically separate the public water system
from the customer's on site piping in such a manner that the two systems cannot
again be connected by an unauthorized person, subject to the right of a due
process hearing upon timely request. The due process hearing may follow
disconnection when the risk to the public health and safety, in the opinion of
the manager, warrants disconnection prior to a due process hearing.
Required Devices.
(1) Where the nature of the use of water
supplied to a premises by the Webb Creek Utility District water system is such
that it is deemed:
a. Impractical to provide an effective
air-gap separation;
b. The owner/occupant of the premises cannot
or is not willing to demonstrate to the utility that the water use and
protective features of the plumbing are such as to pose no threat to the safety
or pot ability of the water;
c. The nature and mode of operation within a
premises are such that frequent alterations are made to the plumbing;
d. There is likelihood that protective
measures may be subverted, altered or disconnected;
e. The nature of the premises is such that
the use of the structure may change to a use wherein backflow prevention is
required;
f. The plumbing from a private well enters
the premises served by the public water system, then the utility shall require
the use of an approved protective device on the water service line serving the
premises to assure that any contamination that may originate n the customer's
premises is contained therein.
(2) The protective devices shall be of the
type approved by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and
the utility, as to manufacture, model, size and application. The method of
installation of backflow prevention devices shall be approved by the utility
prior to installation and shall comply with the criteria set forth in this
policy. The installation and maintenance of backflow prevention devices shall
be at the expense of the owner or occupant of the premises.
(3) Applications requiring backflow
prevention devices shall include, but shall not be limited to, domestic water
service and/or fire flow connections for all commercial and educational
buildings, construction sites, all industrial, institutional and medical
facilities, all fountains, lawn irrigation systems, wells, water softeners and
other treatment systems, swimming pools and on all fire hydrant connections
other than those by the fire department in combating fees.
a. Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 fire
protection systems shall generally require a double check valve assembly; except
1) a double check detector assembly shall be required where a hydrant or other
point of use exists on the system; or 2) a reduced pressure backflow prevention
device shall be required where:
i. Underground fire sprinkler lines are
parallel to and within ten (10) feet horizontally of pipes carrying sewage or
significantly toxic materials;
ii. Premises have unusually complex piping
systems;
iii. Pumpers connecting to the system have
corrosion inhibitors or other chemicals added to the tanks of the fire trucks.
b. Class 4, Class 5 and Class 6 fire
protection systems shall require reduced pressure backflow prevention devices.
c. Wherever the fire protection system
piping is not an acceptable potable water system material, or chemicals such as
foam concentrates or antifreeze additives are used, a reduced pressure backflow
prevention device shall be required.
(4) The manager of his representative may
require additional and/or internal backflow prevention devices wherein it is
deemed necessary to protect potable water supplies within the premises.
(5) Installation Criteria. The
minimum acceptable criteria for the installation of reduced pressure backflow
prevention devices, double check valve assemblies or other backflow prevention
devices requiring regular inspection or testing shall include the following:
a. All required devices shall be installed
in accordance with the provisions of this policy, by a person certified by the
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Drinking Water
Supply, or its successor. Certification shall be for completion of
special training and demonstration of competency in the
installation, maintenance and testing of backflow prevention devices.
Evidence of current shall be
required at the time of permit application and installation. Only licensed
sprinkler contractors may install, repair or test backflow prevention devices on
fire protection systems.
b. All devices shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and shall possess appropriate
test cocks, fittings and caps required for the testing of the device. All
fittings shall be of brass construction, unless otherwise approved by the
utility, and shall permit direct connection to department test equipment.
c. The entire device, including valves and
test cocks, shall be easily accessible for testing and repair.
d. All devices shall be placed in the
upright position in a horizontal run of pipe.
e. Device shall be protected from freezing,
vandalism, mechanical abuse and from any corrosive, sticky, greasy, abrasive or
other damaging environment.
f. Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention
devices shall be located a minimum of twelve (12") inches plus the nominal
diameter of the device above either; 1) the floor, 2) the top of opening(s) in
the enclosure or 3) maximum flood level, which ever is higher. Maximum height
above the floor surface shall not exceed sixty (60") inches.
g. Clearance from wall surfaces or other
obstructions shall be at least six (6") inches. Devices located in nonremovable
enclosures shall have at least twenty-four (24") inches of clearance on each
side of the device for testing and repairs.
h. Devices shall be positioned where a
discharge from the relief port will not create undesirable conditions. The
relief port must never be plugged, restricted or solidly piped to a drain.
i. An approved air-gap shall separate the
relief port from any drainage system. An approved air-gap shall be at least
twice the inside diameter of the supply line, but never less than one (1") inch.
j. An approved strainer shall be installed
immediately upstream of the backflow prevention device, except in the case of a
fire protection system.
k. Devices shall be located in an area free
from submergence or flood potential, therefore never in a below grade pit or
vault.
l. All devices shall be adequately supported
to prevent sagging.
m. Adequate drainage shall be provided for
all devices. Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention devices shall be drained to
the outside when ever possible.
n. Fire hydrant drains shall not be
connected to the sewer, nor shall fire hydrants be installed such that backflow/backsiphonage
through the drain may occur.
o. Enclosures for outside installations
shall meet the following criteria:
1. All enclosures for backflow prevention
devices shall be as manufactured by Hydro Cowl or a approved equal.
2. For backflow prevention devices up to and
including two (2") inches, the enclosure shall be constructed of 5052-H32
aluminum, or an approved equal material, with a minimum of 1.5" factory
manufactured polyisocyanurate insulation in the walls and roof. For backflow
prevention devices 2-1/2" and larger, the enclosure shall be constructed of
5052-H32 aluminum, or an approved equal material, with a minimum of 1.5" factory
manufactured polyisocyanurate insulation in the walls and 3" factory
manufactured polyisocyanurate insulation in the roof.
The complete assembly, including valve
stems and hand wheels, shall be protected by being inside the enclosure.
3. To provide access for backflow prevention
devices up to and including two (2") inches, the enclosure shall be completely
removable. Access for backflow prevention devices 2-1/2" and larger shall be
provided through a minimum of two access panels. The access panels shall be of
the same height as the enclosure and shall be completely removable. All access
panels shall be provided with built-in locks.
4. The enclosure shall be mounted to a
concrete pad as specified by the manufacturer, but in not case less than four
(4") inches thick. The enclosure shall be constructed, assembled and/or mounted
in such a manner that it will remain locked and secured to the pad even if any
outside fasteners are removed. All hardware and fasteners shall be constructed
of 300 series stainless steel.
5. Heating equipment, if required,
shall be designed and furnished by the manufacturer of the enclosure to maintain
an interior temperature of +40oF with an outside temperature of -30oF
and a wind velocity of 15 miles per hour.
p. Where the use of water is critical to the
continuance of normal operations or the protection of life, property or
equipment, duplicate backflow prevention devices shall be provided to avoid the
necessity of discontinuing water service to test or repair the protective
device. Where it is found that only one device has been installed and the
continuance of service is critical, the utility shall notify, in writing, the
occupant of the premises of plans to interrupt water services and arrange for a
mutually acceptable time to test the device. In such cases, the utility may
require the installation of a duplicate device.
q. The utility shall require the occupant of
the premises to keep any backflow prevention devices working properly, and to
make all indicated repairs promptly. Repairs shall be made by qualified
personnel, possessing valid certification from the Tennessee Department of
Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Supply, acceptable to the
utility. Expense of such repairs shall be borne by the owner for occupant of
the premises. The failure to maintain a backflow prevention device in proper
working condition shall be grounds for discontinuance of water service to a
premises. Likewise the removal, bypassing or alteration of a backflow
prevention device or the installation thereof, so as to render a device
ineffective shall constitute a violation of this policy and shall be grounds for
discontinuance of water service. Water service to such premises shall not be
restored until the customer has corrected or eliminated such conditions or
defects to the satisfaction of the utility.
(6) Testing of Devices.
Devices shall be tested at least annually by a qualified person possessing valid
certification from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation,
Division of Water Supply for the testing of such devices. A copy of this
certification shall be on file with the utility for any person installing,
repairing or testing backflow prevention devices. Any person installing,
repairing or testing backflow prevention devices shall also maintain on file
with the utility a current copy of a valid Certificate of Liability Insurance in
an amount of not less than $100,000.00. Records of all installations, repairs
and testing shall be submitted to the manager upon completion. Personnel of the
Webb Creek Utility District shall have the right to inspect and/or test a device
whenever deemed necessary by the utility. Water service shall not be disrupted
to test a device without the knowledge of the occupant of the premises. All
testing and inspection services are to be at the expense of the owner or
occupant of the premises.
All testing, inspection services and repairs
are to be at the expense of the owner or occupant of the premises.
Nonpotable Supplies.
The potable water supply made available to a
premises served by the public water system shall be protected from contamination
as specified in the provisions of this policy. Any water pipe or outlet which
could be used for potable or domestic purposes and which is not supplied by the
potable water system must be labeled in a conspicuous manner such as:
WATER
UNSAFE FOR DRINKING
The minimum acceptable sign shall have
black letters at least one (1") inch high located on a red background. Color
coding of pipelines, in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Act
guidelines, shall be required in locations where in the judgment of the utility,
such coding is necessary to identify and protect the potable water supply.
Statement Required.
Any person whose premises are supplied with
water from the public water system, and who also has on the same premises a well
or other separate source of water supply, or who stores water in an uncovered or
unsanitary storage reservoir from which the water is circulated through a piping
system, shall file with the utility a statement of the nonexistence of
unapproved or unauthorized cross connections, auxiliary intakes, bypasses or
interconnections. Such statement shall contain an agreement that no cross
connections, auxiliary intakes, bypasses or interconnections will be permitted
upon the premises. Such statement shall also include the location of all
additional water sources utilized on the premises and how they are used.
Maximum backflow protection shall be required on all public water sources
supplied to the premises.
Fees.
A fee shall be assessed for all backflow
prevention devices requiring inspection or testing. The amount of this fee
shall be set and adjusted by the utility based on the recommendations of the
manager to reflect the cost of providing an effective cross connection control
program. The fee shall be assessed each time a device is installed, tested or
inspected. Where repeated inspections are required to correct violations or
deficiencies, the fee shall be assessed each time the inspection is repeated.
The fees assessed shall be as follows:
1) Installation/Inspection Fee
$ 20.00
Penalty;
Discontinuance of water supply.
(1) Any person who neglects or refuses to
comply with any of the provisions of this policy may be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and subject to a fine.
(2) Independent of and in addition to any
fines or penalties imposed, the manager may discontinue the public water supply
service to any premises upon which there is found to be a cross connection,
auxiliary intake, bypass or interconnection; and service shall not be restored
until such cross connection, auxiliary intake, bypass or interconnection has
been eliminated.
Provision Applicable.
The requirements contained in this policy
shall apply to all premises served by the Webb Creek Utility District and are
hereby made part of the conditions required to be met for the Webb Creek Utility
District to provide water services to any premises. The provisions of this
policy shall be rigidly enforced since it is essential for the protection of the
public water distribution system against the entrance of contamination. Any
person aggrieved by the action of the policy is entitled to a due process
hearing upon timely request.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that
this policy shall take effect from and after its passage by the board of
commissioners of the Webb Creek Utility District , the public welfare requiring
it.
Date Adopted June 4, 1997
Revision #1 Dated February 2,2001
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