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 prevention device is required at the COMPANY water service connection or any specific hazard on the property, for the protection of the COMPANY water system, the Meter Operations Manager or his designee shall give notice in writing to the owner to install an approved backflow prevention device at each service connection to the premises or each individual hazard. The owner shall install an approved device or devices at the owner's sole expense. New devices must be installed by a licensed plumber. After installation, new devices must be tested by a certified tester and a Consolidated Mutual Water Company representative must be present to witness this initial backflow test. 1.2 Definitions. When not clearly otherwise indicated by the context, the following words and phrases in this program have the meanings described below: Approved means accepted by CMWCo as meeting the applicable specification stated or cited in this program, or as suitable for the proposed use. Air-Gap means 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 means 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. Backflow means 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 back-siphonage. Back-Pressure means 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.

2 Backflow Prevention Device means any device, method, or type of construction designed to prevent backflow through backpressure or back-siphonage into the water supply by isolating the owner's water system from the potable water system. Back-Siphonage means water in the distribution system may be pushed in the reverse direction of flow by atmospheric pressure. This can also happen by a heavy demand on the potable distribution system by firefighting, main breaks and main flushing. Certified Inspector and Tester means any person who has passed an ASSE (American Society of Sanitary Engineering or ABPA (American Backflow Prevention Association) testing and inspection course, and who is listed by ASSE or ABPA as a certified inspector/tester. The certified tester must submit a copy of his/her certification along with their gauge calibration prior to testing any device within the CMWCo service area to the Backflow Department. The certified tester must also submit a copy of their certification after each re-certification to remain a certified tester within the CMWCo service area. CMWCo reserves the right to refuse tests from any certified tester who has not displayed honest and appropriate testing and reporting. Check Valve means 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. Colorado Department of Health Cross Connection Control Manual means 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 means The Consolidated Mutual Water Company. Compliance Period means the time between the receipt of a notice by the property owner from the Meter Operations Manager or designee thereof to, install, test, or repair a backflow prevention assembly and the day upon which such installation, testing, or repair shall be completed or ready for inspection by the Meter Operations Manager or a designee thereof. Compliance Period may also refer to scheduling an inspection or survey for a property. Contamination means 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 means the critical level C-L or C/L marking on a backflow prevention device or vacuum breaker which is a point conforming to approved standards and established by the testing laboratory (usually stamped on the device by the manufacturer), which determines the minimum elevation above the flood-level rim of the fixture or receptacle served at which the device may be installed. When a backflow prevention device does not bear a critical level marking, the bottom of the vacuum breaker, combination valve, or the bottom of any such approved device shall constitute the critical level. Cross Connection means 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 means any cross connection between a potable water system and a potential non-potable supply that poses a health or pollution hazard which is adequately protected by a properly installed and approved backflow prevention device that will continuously protect the potable water system for the degree of hazard. Double Check Valve Assembly means 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. The entire assembly shall meet the design and performance specifications, along with the

3 approval of a recognized and CMWCo accepted testing establishment for backflow prevention devices. To be approved, these devices must be readily accessible for in-line testing and maintenance. Flood-level rim means the edge of the receptacle from which water overflows. Gauge Calibration means any gauge used to test backflow prevention devices in the CMWCo service area must be calibrated annually. A copy of the calibration must be submitted via to the Backflow Department after each calibration to enable the gauge to be approved to test within the CMWCo service area. Hazard, degree of is 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 means any condition, device, or practice in the water supply system and its operation which could create, or in the judgment of the Meter Operations Manager, 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, plumbing means a plumbing type cross connection in a consumer's potable water system that has not been properly protected by a vacuum breaker, air-gap separation or backflow prevention device. Unprotected plumbing type cross connections are considered to be a health hazard. Hazard, pollution means an actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the water system or to the COMPANY potable water system or the consumer's potable water system which would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances, but would not be dangerous to health. Hazard, system means an actual or potential threat of severe damage to the physical properties of the COMPANY potable water system, the consumer's potable water system, or of a pollution or contamination which would have a protracted effect on the quality of the potable water in the system. Industrial Fluids System means 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. Meter Operations Manager means the person appointed by the President of the COMPANY to supervise the operation of the COMPANY water utility and who is charged with certain duties and responsibilities by this program. Multistory Building means any building having two (2) or more levels, excluding the basement, or over forty (40) feet in height. Single family units are excluded from this definition. Nonpotable water means water that is not safe for human consumption or that is of questionable potability Pollution means 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 means 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 means an assembly with one or two independently operating, internally loaded

4 check valves and an independently operating, loaded air-inlet assembly located on the discharge side of the check valves. Reduced Pressure Principle Device means 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 devices. The device 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 devices 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 means 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 contaminant and which is unprotected against backflow. Vacuum means any pressure less than that exerted by the atmosphere. Vacuum Breaker, atmospheric non-pressure type means a vacuum breaker designed so as not to be subjected to static line pressure or installed where it would be under pressure for not more than twelve (12) hours in any twenty-four-hour period. Vacuum Breaker, pressure type means a vacuum breaker designed so as not to be subjected to static line pressure. Water Service Connection means 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 prevention device located at the point of delivery to the owner's water system. Service connection will also include water service connection from a fire hydrant and all other temporary or emergency water service connections from the COMPANY potable water system. 2.0 Water System. REQUIREMENTS 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.

5 2.1 Installation. A. An approved backflow prevention device 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. 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 Meter Operations Manager, the COMPANY water system will be protected against backflow from the premises by installing a backflow prevention device in the service line appropriate to the degree of hazard. 5. 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, the COMPANY water system shall be protected against backflow from the premises by installing a backflow prevention device in the service line appropriate to the degree of hazard. This will include the handling of process waters and waters originating from the COMPANY water system which have been subject to deterioration in quality. 6. 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, the COMPANY water system shall be protected against backflow from the premises by installing a backflow prevention device in the service line. 7. In the case of construction or other projects that utilize the COMPANY water system and/or appurtenances to the COMPANY water system, the COMPANY water system will be protected against backflow by use of an approved backflow prevention device appropriate for the degree of hazards. 8. All fire lines are required to have backflow prevention that is appropriate to the degree of hazard. B. Backflow prevention devices are to be installed in an accessible location to facilitate inspection, testing and maintenance. Adequate drainage for the device must be provided in the event that water is released. C. A CMWC employee must be present to witness the initial testing of a new device, and appointments must be scheduled 48 hours in advance. 2.2 Inspections, Testing, and Repair. It is the responsibility of the owner to have certified inspections and operational tests made on the backflow prevention device upon installation and at least once per year thereafter. The Meter Operations Manager may require certified inspections at more frequent intervals. These inspections and tests shall be made at the expense of the owner and will be performed by an ASSE or ABPA certified inspector approved by the Meter Operations Manager. A backflow prevention device will be repaired or replaced at the expense of the owner whenever a device is found to be defective within CMWCo s compliancy period of 10 business days. Backflow devices that are delinquent on annual testing must be tested by a company from our Approved Tester List, which can be accessed from our website. This list will be updated quarterly and testing submitted by any other company for delinquent tests will be rejected, which would result in the suspension of water service for that property. 3. Compliance.

6 All backflow prevention devices must be a Reduced Pressure backflow assembly, unless otherwise approved by the Meter Operations manager or his designee. The compliancy periods are as follows: Inspection/survey: By or before the Survey Due Date given on the CMWCo Backflow Notice Installation: Within 30 days of a failed inspection Testing: Upon device installation and annually thereafter Repair: Within 10 business days of a failed backflow test or device malfunction **Please be advised, failure to comply with inspection, installation, testing, and/or repair requirements will result in suspension of water service** 4. Reporting and Record-Keeping. The certified inspector will submit all testing results via our online website (cmwc.tokaytest.com) and to the property owner. To set up an online account, please contact our Backflow Department. Results will be submitted within 5 business days following the completion of the inspection, test, or maintenance of the device. The certified inspector shall also attach a card to the backflow prevention device following each inspection, test, or maintenance activity to document and date the activities performed. Records of all inspections, tests, or maintenance activities, including materials and parts changed, shall be kept by the certified inspector, the property owner, and the Water Distribution Manager for a period of not less than three years. Failed reports must be verbally given to the Meter Operations Manager or designee by the end of the business day via phone ( ) or (Backflow@cmwc.net). The failed reports must be submitted online within 3 days of the failed test. All repairs must be completed within 10 business days to avoid interruption in water services. The Meter Operations Manager reserves the right to expedite the repairs due to the degree of hazard of which the backflow prevention device is protecting. 5. Backflow prevention devices. A. Any backflow prevention device required herein will be of a model and size approved by the Meter Operations Manager or designee. The term "approved backflow prevention device" means a device 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 prevention device" also means a device 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 prevention devices will have a unique serial number attached to the device by the manufacturer. B. Backflow prevention devices currently installed which are not approved shall be replaced with an approved device within 30 days of notification. C. The following testing laboratory has been qualified by the Meter Operations Manager to test and certify backflow prevention devices: Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research University of Southern California University Park Los Angeles, CA

7 D. Backflow prevention devices that may be subjected to back-pressure or back-siphonage 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 devices," and newly installed devices which have been inspected and installed to the satisfaction of the Meter Operations Manager, are deemed to be in compliance with this program. 3.0 Violation. ENFORCEMENT AND FEES Any person who violates any provision of this program shall be subject to termination of water service to the owner's property until such time that the violation has been corrected and inspected by the Meter Operations Manager or designee. Variances to the Cross Connection Control Program will not be granted under any circumstances.