THE CONSOLIDATED MUTUAL WATER COMPANY CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM GENERALLY

Transcription

1 THE CONSOLIDATED MUTUAL WATER COMPANY CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM GENERALLY 1.0 Legislative Intent. It is the intent of THE CONSOLIDATED MUTUAL WATER COMPANY to protect the COMPANY water system from contamination or pollution by backflow from an owner's internal distribution system or private water system, and to provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross connection control, which will systematically prevent the contamination or pollution of the COMPANY water system. 1.1 Responsibility. Per Colorado State Regulation 11.39, THE CONSOLIDATED MUTUAL WATER COMPANY has the responsibility to implement a cross connection control program in accordance with this regulation and for enforcement thereof. If a backflow preventer is required at the COMPANY water service connection or any specific hazard on the property, for the protection of the COMPANY water system, the Backflow Prevention Department shall give notice in writing to the owner to install an approved backflow preventer at each service connection to the premises or each individual hazard. The owner shall install an approved backflow preventer at the owner's sole expense. Backflow preventers must be installed by a licensed plumber. After installation, new backflow preventers must be tested by an ASSE or ABPA certified backflow tester and a Consolidated Mutual Water Company representative must be present to witness this initial backflow test. is in no way liable for any damages resulting from the installation, testing, repair, or correction of a backflow preventer. 1.2 Definitions. When not otherwise clearly indicated by the context, the following words and phrases in this program have the meanings described below: Approved - accepted by CMWCo as meeting the applicable specification stated or cited in this program, or as suitable for the proposed use. Approved Backflow Preventer - a lead-free USC approved Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly unless a variance has been granted by the Backflow Prevention Department. This term will also mean an assembly that has been manufactured in full conformance with the standards established by the American Water Works Association entitled, "AWWA C Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle and Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices," which is hereby adopted by reference in its present form as the COMPANY standard. The term "approved backflow preventer" also means an assembly that has met completely the laboratory and field performance specifications of the Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCC and HR) of the University of Southern California established by "Specifications of Backflow Prevention Devices--Section 10" of the current issue of the Colorado Department of Health Cross Connection Manual, which is hereby adopted by reference as the COMPANY cross connection manual, laboratory, field performance specifications. Final approval is evidenced by a certificate of approval issued by an approved testing laboratory certifying full compliance with said AWWA standards and FCC and HR specifications. In addition to the aforementioned standards and specifications, all backflow preventers will have a unique serial number attached to the assembly by the manufacturer. Air-Gap - the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of said vessel. An approved air-gap will be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe, measured vertically, above the top of the rim of the vessel; and, in no case less than one inch. When an air-gap is used at the service connection to prevent the contamination or pollution of the potable water system, an emergency bypass shall be installed around the air-gap system and an approved reduced pressure principle device will be installed in the bypass system. Auxiliary Water Supply - any water supply on or available to the premises other than the COMPANY approved potable water supply. These auxiliary waters may include water from another purveyor's potable water supply or any natural source such as a well, spring, river, stream, pond, lake, etc., or "used waters" or "industrial fluids." These waters may be polluted or contaminated or may be objectionable and constitute an unacceptable water source over which the COMPANY does not have sanitary control. 1

2 Backflow - the undesirable reversal of the direction of flow of the water or mixtures of water and other liquid, gases, or other substances into the distribution pipes of the potable water supply from any source or sources caused by backpressure and/or backsiphonage. Backpressure - the backflow of water or other contaminated fluids caused by a pump, elevated tank, boiler or other means that could create pressure within the owner's system greater than the COMPANY supply pressure. Backflow Preventer - any device, method, assembly, or type of construction designed to prevent backflow through backpressure or backsiphonage into the water supply by isolating the owner's water system from the potable water system. Backflow Prevention Department - the person(s) appointed by the President of the COMPANY to enforce and supervise the compliancy of the applicable COMPANY water service accounts to the regulations set forth by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Backsiphonage - water in the distribution system may be pushed in the reverse direction of flow by a negative atmospheric pressure. This can also happen by a heavy demand on the potable distribution system by firefighting, main breaks and main flushing. Certified Backflow Tester - any person who has passed an ASSE (American Society of Sanitary Engineering or ABPA (American Backflow Prevention Association) testing course, and who is listed by ASSE or ABPA as a certified tester. The certified backflow tester must submit a copy of their certification along with their gauge calibration prior to testing any backflow preventer within the CMWCo service area to the Backflow Prevention Department. The certified backflow tester must also submit a copy of their certification and annual test kit calibration after each re-certification to remain a certified backflow tester within the CMWCo service area. CMWCo reserves the right to refuse tests from any certified backflow tester who has not displayed honest and appropriate testing and reporting. Check Valve - a self-closing device which is designed to permit the flow of fluids in one direction and to close if there is a reversal of flow. Check Valves are not considered backflow preventers. Colorado Department of Health Cross Connection Control Manual - a manual published by the state addressing cross connection control practices, which will be used as a guidance document for the COMPANY in implementing a cross connection control program. COMPANY and CMWCo -. Compliance Period - the time between the receipt of a notice by the property owner from the Backflow Prevention Department thereof to, install, test, and/or repair a backflow preventer and the day upon which such installation, testing, and/or repair shall be completed or ready for inspection by the Backflow Prevention Department thereof. Compliance Period may also refer to scheduling an inspection or survey for a property. Contamination - any impairment of the quality of the potable water by pollution from sewage, industrial fluids or waste liquids, compounds or other materials to a degree which creates an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease. Critical Level - the critical level C-L or C/L marking on a backflow preventer which is a point conforming to approved standards and established by the testing laboratory (usually stamped on the backflow preventer by the manufacturer), which determines the minimum elevation above the flood-level rim of the fixture or receptacle served at which the backflow preventer may be installed. When a backflow preventer does not bear a critical level marking, the bottom of the backflow preventer shall constitute the critical level. Cross Connection - any physical arrangement whereby the COMPANY water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage, or other waste or liquid of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the COMPANY water supply as a result of backflow. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, and other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because of which, backflow could occur are considered to be cross connections. Cross Connections, controlled - any cross connection between a potable water system and a non-potable or potential nonpotable supply that poses a health or pollution hazard which is adequately protected by a properly installed and approved backflow preventer that will continuously protect the potable water system for the degree of hazard. 2

3 Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) - an assembly of (2) independently operating approved check valves with tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valves, plus properly located test cocks for the testing of each check valve. Should a variance be granted by the Backflow Prevention Department for a DCVA installation, the entire assembly shall meet the design and performance specifications, along with the approval of a recognized and CMWCo accepted testing establishment for backflow preventers. Flood-Level Rim - the edge of the receptacle from which water overflows. Gauge Calibration - any gauge used to test backflow preventers in the CMWCo service area, which must be calibrated annually. A copy of the calibration must be submitted via to the Backflow Prevention Department after each calibration to enable the gauge to be approved to test within the CMWCo service area. Hazard, degree of - the term derived from an evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon the COMPANY potable water system. Hazard, health - any condition, device, or practice in the water supply system and its operation which could create, or in the judgment of the Backflow Prevention Department, may create a danger to the health and the wellbeing of the water consumer. An example of a health hazard is a structural defect, including cross connections, in a water supply system. Hazard, pollution - an actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the COMPANY potable water system which would constitute a nuisance, be aesthetically objectionable, or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances but would not be dangerous to health. Industrial Fluids System - any system containing a fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically or otherwise contaminated or polluted in a form or concentration that would constitute a health, system, pollution, or plumbing hazard if introduced into an approved water supply. This may include, but not be limited to, polluted or contaminated waters; all types of process water and "used waters" originating from the COMPANY water system which may have deteriorated in sanitary quality; chemicals in fluid form; cooling tower and/or cooling towers that are chemically or biologically treated or stabilized with toxic substances; contaminated natural waters such as from wells, springs, streams, rivers, lakes, dams, ponds, retention pits, irrigation canals or systems, etc.; oils, gases, glycerin, paraffin s, caustic and acid solutions and other liquid and gaseous fluids used in industrial or other purposes or for fire-fighting purposes. Nonpotable water - water that is not safe for human consumption or that is of questionable potability. Pollution - the presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic, radiological, or biological) in the water that may degrade the water quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair its usefulness. Potable Water - water free from impurities in amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful physiological effects. The bacteriological, chemical, and radiological quality shall conform to state drinking water regulations. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) - an assembly with an independently operating internally loaded check valve and an independently operating loaded air-inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check valve. Temporary variances may be granted by the Backflow Prevention Department for existing PVB s that are properly installed, though a lead-free Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly would be required in the event that the existing PVB needed extensive repair and/or replacement. Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP) - an assembly of (2) independently operating approved check valves with an automatically operating differential relief valve between the (2) check valves, tightly closing shut-off valves on either side of the check valves, plus properly located test cocks for the testing of the check and relief valves. The entire assembly shall meet the design and performance specifications, along with the approval of a recognized and CMWCo accepted testing establishment for backflow prevention assemblies. The assembly will operate to maintain the pressure in the zone between the (2) check valves at a level less than the pressure on the COMPANY water supply side of the device. In case of leakage of either of the check valves, the differential relief valve will operate to maintain the reduced pressure in the zone between the check valves by discharging to the atmosphere. Before the pressure between the check valves is within 2psi of the inlet pressure, the relief valve will open to the atmosphere. To be approved, these assemblies must be readily accessible for in-line testing and maintenance and be installed in a location where no part of the device will be submerged. Submerged Inlet - a water pipe or extension thereto from the public water supply terminating in a tank, vessel, fixture or appliance which may contain water of questionable quality, waste or other substances and which is unprotected against backflow. Vacuum - any pressure less than that exerted by the atmosphere. 3

4 Vacuum Breaker, Atmospheric (AVB) - a non-testable vacuum breaker designed so as not to be subjected to static line pressure or installed where it would be under pressure over twelve (12) hours in any twenty-four-hour period. AVB s are never approved for use as containment and/or containment by isolation backflow protection. Water Service Connection - the terminal end of the COMPANY service connection from the COMPANY water system, i.e., at the owner's stop box shut-off valve or meter. If a meter is installed at the end of the service connection, then the service connection means the downstream end of the meter. There will be no unprotected takeoffs from the service line ahead of any meter or backflow preventer located at the point of delivery to the owner's water system. Service connection will also include water service connections from a fire hydrant and all other temporary or emergency water service connections from the COMPANY potable water system. REQUIREMENTS 2.0 Water System. The COMPANY water system consists of the source and distribution facilities of the water system to the point of the owner's system. The source includes all components of the facilities utilized in the production, treatment, storage, and delivery of water to the distribution system. The distribution system includes the network of pipelines used for the delivery of water from the source to the owner's system. The owner's system begins at the water service connection. 2.1 Installation. A. An approved backflow preventer will be installed at or near the property line or immediately inside the structure being served; but, in all cases, before the first branch line leading off the service line, or at a specific hazard wherever any of the following conditions exist: 1. It is a commercial property where hazards are present. 2. It is a multi-family residential property of 3 or more units on one water meter where hazards are present. 3. It is a residential house which is operating a business out of the property or has been recorded by the county as being owned by the company where hazards are present. 4. It is a multi-family or commercial property with a wet fire suppression system. 5. It is any property utilizing COMPANY water service where a known and unprotected hazard has been observed. 6. In the case of premises having an auxiliary water supply which is not or may not be of safe bacteriological or chemical quality and which is not acceptable as an additional source by the Backflow Prevention Department. 7. In the case of premises in which any industrial fluids or any other objectionable substance is handled in such a fashion as to create an actual or potential hazard to the COMPANY water system. This will include the handling of process waters and waters originating from the COMPANY water system which have been subject to deterioration in quality. 8. In the case of premises having internal cross connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled, or having 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 dangerous cross connections exist. 9. In the case of construction or other projects that utilize the COMPANY water system and/or appurtenances to the COMPANY water system. B. Complete lists of approved backflow preventer models are available upon request through the Backflow Prevention Department when provided with the connection size and orientation needed. Backflow tester reference lists are also available upon request. C. Backflow preventers are to be installed in an accessible location to facilitate inspection, testing and maintenance. Adequate drainage must be provided in the event that water is released. D. Approved backflow preventers shall be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with the manufacturer s specifications, though in no case shall the assembly be installed less than 12 above the surrounding ground or floor and only in the USC approved orientation. Applicable backflow preventers must also maintain an appropriate air gap at least 2X the connection size, but no less than 1-inch, between the bottom of the assembly and any drainage flood level rims. 4

5 E. Backflow preventers shall not be installed in areas with hazardous gasses, extreme temperatures, underground, or in pits of any kind. F. In the case of a property required to install a backflow preventer where an unauthorized tap has also been discovered in the CMWCo meter pit, the removal of the unauthorized tap will be required in addition to the backflow preventer installation. The removed tap can be reinstalled into the owner s plumbing system a minimum of 5ft downstream from the CMWCo meter pit. NO soldering is permitted when making these corrections in the meter pit, which must have a final inspection and receive approval from an authorized CMWCo representative. G. Please be advised, the installation of a backflow preventer will create a closed plumbing system and any backpressure created within a property s internal plumbing system may cause excess stress on the piping and/or plumbing fixtures. H. A CMWC employee must be present to witness the initial testing of a new backflow preventer, and appointments must be scheduled 48 hours in advance. 2.2 Inspections, Testing, and Repair. A. The Backflow Prevention Department must conduct official onsite inspections for all applicable water service accounts to determine whether the COMPANY water system is at risk or has the potential to be at risk of any contaminants or pollutants entering the COMPANY water supply from backpressure and/or backsiphonage. B. Should the Backflow Prevention Department determine a water service account poses an actual or potential risk to the COMPANY water system, the owner shall complete all required backflow preventer installations and/or corrections at their sole expense within the given compliancy period. C. It is the responsibility of the owner to have all backflow preventers tested by a certified backflow tester upon installation and at least once per year thereafter, as well as after any repairs or maintenance are made to the assembly. The Backflow Prevention Department may require testing at more frequent intervals. These tests shall be made at the expense of the owner and will be performed by a 3rd party ASSE or ABPA certified backflow tester approved by the Backflow Prevention Department. D. A backflow preventer will be repaired or replaced at the expense of the owner whenever it is found to be defective within CMWCo s compliancy period of 10 business days unless a variance request has been approved. Repairs must only be made with manufacturer and assembly model specific repair parts. E. Backflow preventers that are delinquent on annual testing must be tested by a company from our Approved Tester List, which can be provided by the Backflow Prevention Department. 3.0 Compliance. All backflow preventers must be a Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP), unless otherwise approved by the Backflow Prevention Department. The standard compliancy periods are as follows: Inspection/survey: By or before the Survey Due Date stated on the CMWCo backflow inspection notice Installation: Within 30 days of a failed inspection Testing: Annually, upon installation, and after any repairs Repair: Within 10 business days of a failed backflow test or assembly malfunction **Please be advised, failure to comply with inspection, installation, testing, and/or repair requirements will result in suspension of water service** 5

6 4.0 Reporting and Record-Keeping. A. The certified backflow tester will submit all testing results via our online website (cmwc.tokaytest.com) and to the property owner. Testers can set up an online account by contacting our Backflow Prevention Department and providing their ASSE and/or ABPA tester certification and test kit calibration. Results must be submitted within 5 days following the completion of the test or maintenance of a backflow preventer. The certified backflow tester shall also attach a card/tag to the backflow preventer following each test or maintenance activity to document and date the activities performed. Records of all tests or maintenance activities, including materials and parts changed, shall be kept by the certified backflow tester, the property owner, and the Water Distribution Manager for a period of not less than three years. B. Verbal or written notification must be given to the Backflow Prevention Department by the end of the business day for all failed containment and/or containment by isolation tests via phone ( ) or (Backflow@cmwc.net). The failed reports must be submitted online within 3 days of the failed test. C. All repairs must be completed within 10 business days and the assembly retested to avoid interruption in water services. The Backflow Prevention Department reserves the right to expedite the repairs due to the degree of hazard of which the backflow preventer is protecting. 5.0 Backflow Preventers. A. Any backflow preventer required herein will be of a model and size approved by the Backflow Prevention Department (full lists available upon request). B. Backflow preventers currently installed which are not approved shall be replaced with an approved lead free Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly within 30 days of notification. C. The following testing laboratory has been qualified by the Backflow Prevention Department to test and certify backflow preventers: Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research University of Southern California University Park Los Angeles, CA D. Testable backflow preventers that may be subjected to backpressure or backsiphonage that have been fully tested and have been granted a certificate of approval by said qualified laboratory and are listed on the laboratory's current list of "Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies," as well as newly installed approved backflow preventers which have been inspected and installed to the satisfaction of the Backflow Prevention Department are deemed to be in compliance with this program. Compliancy confirmation letters are available upon request. ENFORCEMENT AND FEES 6.0 Violation. Any person or company who violates any provision of this program shall be subject to the termination of water service to the property until such time that the violation has been corrected and inspected by an authorized representative of the Backflow Prevention Department. **All variance requests must receive approval from the Backflow Prevention Department in writing** 6