G-98-03-12-9B1 - 3/12/1998ORDINANCE NO. L7 - q 0 - 03 - oQ - C 3
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10 BY ADDING SECTION
10.100, CODE OF ORDINANCES (1995 EDITION), CITY OF ROUND
ROCK, TEXAS RELATING TO PROTECTION OF THE WATER
SUPPLY OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK FROM CONTAMINATION
OR POLLUTION DUE TO ANY EXISTING OR POTENTIAL CROSS -
CONNECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE AND
REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR RESOLUTIONS.
WHEREAS, the City of Round Rock ("City") is a Texas home -
rule municipality; and
WHEREAS, the City operates a water utility system; and
WHEREAS, Section 402.001(b) of the Texas Local Government
Code authorizes a municipality to regulate its water utility system
in a manner that protects the interests of the municipality; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of this ordinance are necessary to
protect the water supply of the City from contamination and
pollution; Now Therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND
ROCK, TEXAS:
I.
That Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Round Rock,
Texas is hereby amended by adding a section, to be numbered Section
10.100, which said section shall read as follows:
SECTION 10.100 CROSS -CONNECTION CONTROL AND PREVENTION
10.101 Cross -Connection standards.
Every source of contamination or possible contamination from any contaminant which
originates from, or is located at, a residential or commercial establishment, and said
source of contamination or possible contamination is connected to any public water
supply or provides water to the public shall be equipped with the protection required
under the provisions of this Section.
K:\WPDOCS\ORDINANC\OR$o226B.WPD/clb
10.102 Definitions.
•
For the purpose of this Section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context
clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. If a word or term used in this Section
is not contained in the following list, it shall have the definition listed in the most recent
edition of the Manual of Cross Connection Control published by the Foundation for Cross
Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, University of Southern California. The
following definitions shall apply to this Section:
(1) Air gap shall mean a physical separation between the free flowing discharge end
of a potable water supply piping and/or appurtenance and an open or non-
pressure receiving vessel, plumbing fixture or other device. An "approved air -
gap separation" shall be at least twice the diameter of the supply pipe measured
vertically above the overflow rim of the vessel, plumbing fixture or other device,
and shall not be less than one (1) inch in any case.
(2) Atmospheric vacuum breaker backflow prevention device or atmospheric vacuum
breaker or AVB shall mean a device used to prevent backsiphonage in non -health
hazard conditions. This device cannot be tested and cannot prevent backpressure
backflow.
(3)
Approved backflow prevention assembly or backflow assembly or assembly shall
mean an assembly to counteract back pressure or prevent backsiphonage.
(4) Auxiliary supply shall mean any water source or system other than the public
water system that is or may be available in a building or on real property,
including ground water or surface water used for industrial, irrigation or any
other purpose.
(5)
Backflow shall mean the flow in the direction opposite to the normal flow of the
City's water system, or the introduction of any foreign liquids, gases, or
substances into the City's water system.
(6) Backpressure shall mean any elevation of pressure in the downstream piping
system (by any means) above the supply pressure at the point of consideration
which would cause, or tend to cause, a reversal of the normal direction of flow
of water in the City's water system, or the introduction of fluids, mixtures or
substances from any source other than the intended source.
(7)
Backsiphonage shall mean the flow of water or other liquids, mixture or
substances into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply system from any
source, other than its intended source, caused by a sudden reduction of pressure
in the potable water supply system.
(8) Boresight or Boresight to daylight shall mean the provision of adequate drainage
for backflow prevention assemblies installed in vaults through the use of an
unobstructed drain pipe.
(9) City shall mean the City of Round Rock, Texas or its duly designated
representative.
2.
(10) Commercial establishment shall mean any property or location which is used for
the manufacture, production, storage, wholesaling or retailing of any good or
ware which is, or may be, placed in the flow of commerce, or any property or
location which is used for the provision of any service for compensation.
(11) Commission shall mean the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(TNRCC).
(12) Contaminants shall mean any foreign material, solid or liquid, not common to the
potable water supply which makes or may make the water unfit or undesirable
for human or animal consumption.
(13) Contamination shall mean the admission of contaminants into the potable
water supply system.
(14) Cross -connection shall mean any connection, physical or otherwise, between a
potable water supply system and any plumbing fixture or any tank, receptacle,
equipment or device through which it may be possible for any nonpotable, used,
unclean, polluted and/or contaminated water, or other substances, to enter into
any part of such potable water system under any condition or set of conditions.
(15) Cross -connection control device shall mean any device placed upon any
connection, physical or otherwise, between a potable water supply system and
any plumbing fixture or any tank, receptacle, equipment or device, which is
designed to prevent nonpotable, used, unclean, polluted and/or contaminated
water, or other substances, from entering into any part of such potable water
system under any condition or set of conditions.
(16) Degree of hazard shall mean the hazard classification that shall be assigned to all
actual or potential cross -connections.
(a) Health hazard means an actual or potential threat of contamination of a
physical or toxic nature to the public potable water system or the
consumer's potable water system that would be a danger to health.
(b)
High hazard means the classification assigned to an actual or potential
cross -connection that potentially could allow a substance that may cause
illness or death to backflow into the potable water supply.
(c) Low hazard means the classification assigned to an actual or potential
cross -connections that potentially could allow a substance that may be
objectionable but not hazardous to a person's health to backflow into the
potable water supply.
(d) Plumbing hazard means an internal or plumbing -type cross -connection in
a consumer's potable water system that may be either a pollutional or a
contamination -type hazard.
(e) Pollutional hazard means an actual or potential threat to the physical
properties of the water system or the potability of the public or the
consumer's potable water system but which would not constitute a health
r
or system hazard, as defined herein. Maximum degree of intensity of
pollution which the potable water system could be degraded under this
definition would cause a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or
could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances.
(t) System hazard means an actual or potential threat of severe danger to the
physical properties of the public or consumer's potable water supply or
of pollution or contamination that would have a detrimental effect on the
quality of the potable water in the system.
(17) Director shall mean the Director of the Public Works Department of the City of
Round Rock, Texas or his designee. The Director is vested with the authority
and responsibility for the implementation of an effective cross -connection control
program and for the enforcement of the provisions of this Section.
(18) Double check detector backflow prevention assembly or double check detector
or DCDA shall mean an assembly composed of a line -size approved double
check assembly with a bypass containing a specific water meter and an approved
double check valve assembly. The meter shall register accurately for very low
rates of flow.
(19) Double check valve backflow prevention assembly or double check assembly or
double check or DC shall mean an assembly which consists of two independently
acting, approved check valves, including tightly closing resilient seated shutoff
valves attached at each end of the assembly and fitted with properly located
resilient seated test cocks.
(20) Fireline Tester shall mean a tester who is employed by a state -approved fireline
contractor and is qualified to test backflow prevention assemblies on firelines
only.
(21) General Tester shall mean a tester who is qualified to test backflow prevention
assemblies on any domestic, commercial, industrial or irrigation service except
firelines.
(22) Mobile unit shall mean any operation which may have the potential to introduce
contaminants into a potable water system from a mobile source. These include,
but are not limited to, carpet -cleaning vehicles, water -hauling vehicles, street -
cleaning vehicles, liquid -waste vehicles, power -wash operations and pest -control
vehicles.
(23) Non-residential use shall mean water used by any person other than a residential
customer of the water supply and include all uses not specifically included in
"residential uses".
(24) Person shall mean any individual, partnership, association, corporation, firm,
club, trustee, receiver, utility district, and body politic and corporate.
(25) Point -of -use isolation shall mean the appropriate backflow prevention within the
consumer's water system at the point at which the actual or potential cross -
connection exists.
4.
(26) Potable water supply shall mean any water supply intended or used for human
consumption or other domestic use.
(27) Premises shall mean any piece of property to which water is provided, including
all improvements, mobile structures, and structures located on the property.
(28) Premises Isolation shall mean the appropriate backflow prevention at the service
connection between the public water system and the water user.
(29) Pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assembly or pressure vacuum
breaker or PVB shall mean an assembly which provides protection against
backsiphonage, but does not provide adequate protection against backpressure
backflow. The assembly is a combination of single check valve with an AVB and
can be used with downstream resilient seated shutoff valves. In addition, the
assembly must have suction and discharge gate valves and resilient seated test
cocks which allow the complete testing of the assembly.
(30) Public water system or water system shall mean any public or privately owned
water system which supplies water for public domestic use. The system will
include all services, reservoirs, facilities, and any equipment used in the process
of producing, treating, storing, or conveying water for public consumption.
(31) Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or reduced pressure
principle assembly or RP assembly or RP shall mean an assembly containing two
independently acting approved check valves together with a hydraulically -
operated, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located
between the check valves and below the first check valve. The assembly shall
include properly located resilient seated test cocks and a tightly closing resilient
seated shutoff valve the end of the assembly.
(32) Reduced pressure principal detector backflow prevention assembly or reduced
pressure detector or RPDA shall mean an assembly composed of a line -size
approved reduced pressure principle assembly with a bypass containing a specific
water meter and an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention
assembly. The meter must be capable of accurately registering very low rates
of flow.
(33) Regulatory authority shall mean the Director of the Public Works Department of
the City of Round Rock, or his designee, who is vested with the authority and
responsibility to administer this Section.
(34) Representative of the water system shall mean the Public Works Director of the
City of Round Rock, or his designee, who is vested with the authority to perform
cross -connection control duties which shall include, but are not limited to, cross -
connection inspections and water use surveys.
(35) Residential use shall mean water use of any residential customer of the water
supply and shall include, but is not limited to, single family dwellings, duplexes,
multiplex, housing and apartments where the individual units are each on a
separate meter; or, in cases where two or more units are served by one meter,
the units are full-time dwellings.
5.
(36) Service connection shall mean the point of delivery at which the water supplier
loses control of the water.
(37) Spill -resistant pressure vacuum breaker or SVB shall mean an assembly
containing an independently operating, internally loaded check valve and
independently operating, loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of
the check valve. This assembly must be equipped with a properly located
resilient seated test cock and tightly closing resilient seated shutoff valves
attached at each end of the assembly.
(38) Tester shall mean a person that is a certified backflow prevention assembly
technician approved by and registered with the City and the TNRCC.
(39) Thermal expansion shall mean heated water that does not have the space to
expand.
(40) TNRCC shall mean the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.
(41) Used water shall mean water supplied by a public water system to a water user's
system after it has passed through the service connection.
10.102 Right -Of -Way Encroachment.
No person shall install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly, or any part thereof,
upon or within any City right-of-way except as provided in this section.
(1) A backflow prevention assembly required by the City may be installed upon or
within any City right-of-way only if the owner demonstrates to the City's
satisfaction that there is no other feasible location for installing the assembly, and
installing it in the right-of-way will not interfere with traffic, utilities or any other
purpose for which the right-of-way exists. The person installing a backflow
prevention assembly must obtain express, written approval from the City
regarding the location, height, depth, enclosure, and other requisites of the
assembly prior to its installation.
(2) All permits and inspections required by any applicable code or regulation to
perform work in the right-of-way shall be obtained prior to the installation of the
backflow prevention assembly.
(3)
The assembly shall be installed below or flush with the surrounding grade except
when it is not practicable to install it in this manner. Any assembly or portion of
an assembly which extends aboveground shall be located no closer than eighteen
(18) inches to the face of any curb.
(4) The City shall not be liable for any damage done to or caused by an assembly
installed in a right-of-way. A person that installs an assembly in a City right-of-
way shall repair, clean up, and restore any and all streets, alleys, highways,
public thoroughfares, public utility easements, public ways, and other public
property within a reasonable time, not to exceed ten (10) days, after the
completion of the work, to as good or better condition as existed prior to the
6.
(5)
commencement of the work, and to the satisfaction of the Director of Public
Works.
A property owner shall, at the request of the City and at the owner's expense,
relocate a backflow prevention assembly which encroaches upon any City right-
of-way when such relocation is deemed necessary by the City.
(6) A person commits an offense if he/she fails to relocate a backflow prevention
assembly located in or upon any City right-of-way after receiving a written order
from the regulatory authority requesting such relocation.
10.103 Multiple Connections.
The owner of any premises requiring multiple service connections for adequacy of supply
and/or fire protection must install a backflow assembly on each of the additional service
lines to the premises. The type of assembly required will be determined by the degree
of hazard that may occur in the event of an interconnect between any of the buildings
on the premises.
10.104 Protection required: installation.
(1) The backflow prevention assembly protection which is required under this
Section shall be any of the duly authorized backflow prevention assemblies listed
in the Uniform Plumbing Code, or as determined by the regulatory authority.
Each backflow prevention assembly must be approved in writing by the
regulatory authority or his chosen representative in conjunction with the chief
building inspector of the City prior to installation. Failure to obtain such written
approval prior to installation of the backflow prevention assembly may result in
the backflow prevention assembly failing to meet final approval by the regulatory
authority. The regulatory authority shall determine the type and location of
backflow assembly to be installed within the area served by the City. An
assembly shall be required in each of the following circumstances, but the
regulatory authority is not limited to requiring the installation of a backflow
prevention assembly only in the following circumstances:
(a) The nature and extent of any activity on or near the premises, or the
materials used in connection with any activity on or near the premises,
or materials stored on or near the premises, may contaminate or pollute
the potable water supply.
(b) Premises having any one or more cross -connections identified or one or
more cross -connections present on the premises.
(c) One or more cross -connections are present on the premises and the cross-
connection(s) is (are) protected by an atmospheric vacuum breaker device
(AVB).
(d) Internal cross -connections are present that are not correctable.
(e) Intricate plumbing arrangements are present which make it impractical
to ascertain whether cross -connections exist.
7.
(f) There is a repeated history of cross -connections being established or re-
established on the premises.
(g) There is unduly restricted entry so that inspections for cross -connections
cannot be made with sufficient frequency to assure that cross -connections
do not exist.
(h) Materials are being used on the premises such that, if backflow should
occur, a health hazard may result.
(i) Installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly is deemed to
be necessary to accomplish the purpose of these regulations in the sole
judgement of the City.
(j) An appropriate cross -connection survey report form has not been filed
with the Public Works Department of the City of Round Rock after a
request by the City.
(k) A fire sprinkler system on the premises is connected to the city's water
system.
(1) All new construction if deemed necessary as a result of the customer
service inspection referred to in Subsection 10.110. The type of
assembly required shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard as
determined by the regulatory authority.
(m)
When a building is constructed on commercial premises, and the end use
of such building is not determined or could change, a reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention assembly must be installed at the service
connection that supplies water for public domestic use.
(n) Any used water return system is present on the premises.
(o) In the event a point -of -use assembly has not had the testing or repair
done as required by this Section, a premises isolation assembly will be
required.
(P)
(q)
If it is determined that additions or alterations have been made to the
plumbing system without obtaining proper permits, premises isolation
may be required.
All multistory buildings or any building with a booster pump or elevated
storage tank.
(r) Retrofitting will be required on all high hazard connections, and in
additional circumstances in which the city deems it necessary to retrofit.
(2) All backflow prevention assemblies installed after the effective date of this
Section shall be installed in a manner designed to facilitate ease of inspection by
the regulatory authority of the City. Any currently installed backflow prevention
assemblies that, in the opinion of the regulatory authority, are located in
8.
inaccessible locations, or where the tester is subjected to physical danger, shall
be relocated to location approved in writing by the regulatory authority.
10.105 Testing Of Assemblies.
(1)
(4)
(5)
The regulatory authority shall inspect and test, or cause to be inspected and
tested, all assemblies in each of the following circumstances:
(a) Immediately after installation;
(b) Whenever the assembly is relocated;
(c) A minimum of once a every twelve (12) months for assemblies that are
used in high -hazard applications. Assemblies that are used in non -hazard
applications must be tested a minimum of once every thirty-six (36)
months;
(d) Premises that have been vacated and unoccupied for twelve (12) months,
prior to reoccupancy;
(e) Immediately after repairs have been made to the assembly.
All assembly testing shall be performed by a certified backflow prevention
assembly tester approved by the regulatory authority.
Duly authorized employees of the City are authorized to enter any public or
private property at any reasonable time for the purpose of enforcing this Section.
Persons and occupants of premises which are provided water service by the City,
either directly or indirectly, shall allow the City or its representatives ready
access at all reasonable times to all parts of the premises for the purposes of
inspection, testing, records examination, or in the performance of any of their
duties. Where persons or occupants of premises have security measures in force
which would require proper identification and clearance before entry onto their
premises, the persons and occupants of the premises shall make necessary
arrangements with their security personnel so that upon presentation of suitable
identification, personnel from the City will be permitted to enter, without delay,
for the purposes of performing their responsibilities.
The City shall not be liable to any person for any damage to a backflow
prevention assembly that occurs during testing.
The regulatory authority may cause a water use survey to be conducted at any
commercial establishment located in the City which is served by a public water
supply or which provides water to the public. Upon determination by the
regulatory authority that the commercial establishment falls under the provisions
of this Section and requires a backflow prevention assembly, the regulatory
authority shall issue a notice to abate the condition or order the commercial
establishment to install the proper backflow prevention assembly.
(6) It is the responsibility of any person who owns or controls property subject to
this Section to have all assemblies tested in accordance with this Section.
Assemblies may be required to be tested more frequently if the regulatory
authority deems it necessary.
9.
(7)
All results from assembly testing by a certified backflow prevention assembly
tester shall be recorded, in writing, on a form that may be obtained by the tester
from the City for an established fee.
10.106 Thermal Expansion.
It is the responsibility of any person who owns or controls property subject to this
Section to eliminate the possibility of thermal expansion if a closed system has been
created by the installation of a backflow assembly.
10.107 Pressure Loss.
Any reduction in water pressure caused by the installation of a backflow assembly is not
the responsibility of the City. The City shall not be liable to any person for damages
resulting from any reduction in water pressure caused by the installation of a backflow
prevention assembly.
10.108 Residential Service Connections.
Any person who owns or controls any residential property which has been determined
to have an actual or potential cross -connection will be required to eliminate the actual or
potential cross -connection or have an approved backflow assembly installed in accordance
with this Section.
10.109 Responsibility of Persons Owning or Controlling Property.
Any person who owns or controls property subject to this Section is responsible for the
installation, testing and repair of all backflow assemblies on their property.
10.110 Customer Service Inspection.
(1) Pursuant to TNRCC water system regulations, a customer service inspection for
cross -connection control shall be completed by the regulatory authority prior to
providing continuous water service in each of the following circumstances:
(a) Water service to a newly constructed facility or previously nonexisting
premises;
(b) After any material improvement to building(s) or premises;
(c) Any correction or addition to the plumbing of any facility or premises
served by the City; or
(d) The regulatory authority deems it necessary.
(2) Permanent water service shall not be supplied to a newly constructed facility
until after the customer service inspection is completed.
10.111 Installation Guidelines And Requirements For Backflow Prevention Assemblies.
(1) The following requirements shall apply to the installation of all backflow
prevention assemblies.
10.
(a) Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with
State law, TNRCC Rules, this Section, and any other applicable law or
regulation. The assembly installer must obtain the required plumbing
permits and have the installation inspected by the regulatory authority.
(b) With respect to facilities where the regulatory authority requires a
backflow prevention assembly be installed at the point of delivery of the
water supply, the installation of the assembly must be made at a point
prior to any branch in the line. Such installation must be made on private
property within two (2) feet of the water meter. If deemed necessary, the
regulatory authority may specify other areas for installation of the
assembly. Assemblies that must be installed, or are located on, City
rights-of-way are the responsibility of the business or entity that the
water line is serving.
(c) All backflow prevention assemblies must be protected from damage
caused by freezing or other severe weather conditions.
(d) All backflow prevention assemblies shall be of a type and model
approved in writing by the regulatory authority prior to installation.
(e) All vertical installations of backflow prevention assemblies must have
prior written approval by the regulatory authority.
(f) Backflow prevention assemblies that are larger than 4 inches and installed
more than 5 feet above floor level must have a suitable platform for use
by testing, inspection, or maintenance personnel.
(g) Bypass lines are prohibited. Pipe fittings which could be used for
connecting a bypass line must not be installed on the premises.
(h) Lines should be thoroughly flushed prior to installation of a backflow
prevention assembly. A strainer with blowout tapping may be required
ahead of the assembly.
(i)
All facilities that require continuous, uninterrupted water service and are
required to have a backflow prevention assembly must make provisions
for the parallel installation of assemblies of the same type so that testing,
repair and maintenance can be performed without interrupting the water
service to the premises. The assemblies should be sized in such a manner
that either assembly, operating independently, will provide the maximum
flow required.
(j) The property owner assumes all responsibility for any damages resulting
from installation, operation, and/or maintenance of a backflow prevention
assembly. The owner shall be responsible for keeping all backflow
prevention assembly vaults reasonably free of silt and debris.
(k) Upon completion of installation, the regulatory authority shall be notified
by the owner of the premises, and all backflow prevention assemblies
must be inspected and tested. All assemblies must be approved in
11.
(1)
writing by and registered with the regulatory authority, and the owner of
the premises shall provide to the regulatory authority the date of
installation, manufacturer, model, type, size, and serial number of the
backflow assembly, and initial test report.
Requests for variances from the specifications and requirements of this
Section will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Any deviations from
this Section must have prior written approval of the regulatory authority.
(2) Upon written approval by the regulatory authority, reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention assemblies (RPs) may be utilized on premises where a
substance is handled that would be hazardous to health if introduced into the
potable water system. The RP is normally used in locations where an air gap is
impractical. The RP must be effective against both backsiphonage and
backpressure.
(a) RPs must be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served. Flow characteristics are not standard. The
manufacturer's specifications must be consulted for specific performance
data.
(b) Each RP assembly must be readily accessible for testing and maintenance
and must be located in an area where water damage to building or
furnishings would not occur in the event of a relief valve discharge. The
property owner assumes all responsibility for any damage caused by
water discharge from a RP assembly. An approved air gap shall be
located at the relief valve orifice of RP assemblies. This air gap shall be
at least twice the inside diameter of the incoming supply line as measured
vertically above the top rim of the drain and in no case less than one
inch (1"). An approved air gap funnel assembly may be used to direct
minor discharges away from the assembly; however, this assembly may
not be used to control flow in a continuous relief situation. Drain lines
to accommodate full relief valve discharge flow should be installed.
(c) No part of a RP assembly shall be submerged in water or installed in a
location subject to flooding. RPs must be installed above grade in well -
drained areas.
(d) RP assembly enclosures shall be designed for ready access and sized to
allow for the minimum clearances established below. Removable
protective enclosures should be installed on smaller RP assemblies.
Daylight drain ports must be provided to accommodate full pressure
discharge from the RP assembly.
(e) RP assemblies two (2) inches and smaller shall have at least six (6)
inches of clearance on both sides and on top of the assembly, and twelve
(12) inches of clearance below and behind the assembly. All RP
assemblies larger than two (2) inches shall have a minimum of twelve
(12) inches of clearance on the back side, twenty-four (24) inches of
clearance on the test cock side. The relief valve opening shall be at least
twelve (12) inches (plus nominal size of assembly) above the floor or
12.
highest possible water level. Headroom of sixty (60) inches is required
in vaults without a fully removable top. A minimum access opening of
thirty-six (36) inches in diameter is required on all vault lids.
(t) Vertical installation of RP assemblies is prohibited.
(g)
All RP assemblies must be tested in accordance with this Section. Tests
are the responsibility of the premises owner. The owner must notify the
regulatory authority upon the installation of any backflow prevention
assembly.
(3) Reduced pressure principle detector backflow prevention assemblies (RPDAs)
may be utilized in all installations requiring a reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention assembly and detector metering.
(a) RPDAs shall comply with the installation requirements applicable for
reduced pressure principle backflow assemblies (RPs).
(b)
Each line -size RP assembly and the bypass RP assembly must each be
tested for proper functioning. A separate test report for each assembly
must be completed by the certified tester.
(4) Double check valve backflow prevention assemblies (DCs) may be utilized on
premises where a substance is handled that would be objectionable but not
hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water system.
(a) DCs must be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served. The manufacturer's specifications must be
consulted for specific performance data.
(b) Premises where an uninterrupted water supply is critical must be
provided with two DC assemblies installed in parallel. DC assemblies
should be sized in such a manner that either assembly, operating
independently, will provide the maximum flow required.
(c) Each DC assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for
testing and maintenance. DCs may be installed below grade, providing
all test cocks are fitted with brass pipe plugs. All vaults shall be well
drained, constructed of suitable materials, and sized to allow for the
minimum clearances established below.
(d) DC assemblies two (2) inches and smaller shall have at least six (6)
inches of clearance below and on both sides of the assembly, and if
located in a vault, the bottom of the assembly, shall be not more than
twenty-four (24) inches below grade. All DC assemblies larger than two
(2) inches shall have a minimum clearance of twelve (12) inches on the
back side, twenty-four (24) inches of clearance on the test cock side, and
twelve (12) inches of clearance below the assembly. Headroom of sixty
(60) inches is required in vaults without a fully removable top. A
minimum access opening of thirty-six (36) inches in diameter is required
on all vault lids. "Y" pattern double check valve assemblies shall be
13.
(5)
installed so that the checks are horizontal and the test cocks face upward.
These clearance standards apply to all DC assemblies installed in vaults,
enclosures or meter boxes.
(e) Vertical installations of DCs are allowed only on sizes up to and
including four (4) inches and which also meet the following
requirements:
(i) Equipped with internally spring-loaded check valves;
(ii) Flow is upward through assembly;
(iii) Manufacturer states their assembly can be used in a vertical
position;
(iv) Approved by regulatory authority.
(f) All DCs must be tested in accordance with this Section. Tests are the
responsibility of the assembly and premises owner(s). The owner must
notify the regulatory authority upon the installation of any backflow
prevention assembly.
Double check detector backflow prevention assemblies (DCDA) may be utilized
in all installations requiring a double check valve assembly and detector
metering.
(a) DCDAs shall comply with the installation requirements applicable for
double check valve assemblies (DCs).
(b) Each line -size DC assembly and the bypass DC assembly must be tested
for proper functioning. A separate test report for each assembly must be
completed by the certified tester.
(6) Pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assemblies (PVBs) may be utilized
at point -of -use protection only and where a substance is handled that would be
objectionable but not hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water
system. PVBs protect against backsiphonage only and shall not be installed
where there is potential for backpressure contamination.
(a) Each PVB assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches
above the highest downstream piping.
(b) PVBs shall not be installed in any area subject to flooding or where
damage may occur from water discharge.
(c) Each PVB assembly shall be readily accessible for testing and
maintenance, with a minimum clearance of twelve (12) inches in all areas
immediately adjacent to the assembly.
(d) All PVBs must be tested in accordance with this Section. Tests are the
responsibility of the assembly and premises owner. The owner must
notify the regulatory authority upon the installation of any backflow
prevention assembly.
(7)
Spill resistant pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assemblies (SVBs)
may be utilized in all installations requiring a pressure vacuum breaker.
(a) SVBs shall comply with the installation requirements applicable for
pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assemblies (PVBs).
10.112 Air Gap Separation.
Air gap separations provide maximum protection from backflow hazards and may be
utilized in water systems situated on premises where a substance is present which would
be hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water system.
(1)
An air gap separation shall be at least twice the diameter of the supply pipeline
measured vertically above the top rim of the receiving vessel, and in no case less
than one (1) inch. If splashing is a problem, tubular screens may be attached or
the supply line may be cut at a 45° angle, and the air gap distance shall in such
case be measured from the bottom of the angle. Hoses shall not be used.
(2) Air gap separations shall not be altered in any way without prior written approval
from the regulatory authority, and must be accessible for inspection at all
reasonable times.
(3)
Side walls, ribs, or similar obstructions shall be spaced from the inside edge of
the spout opening to a distance greater than three (3) times the diameter of the
effective opening for a single, or to a distance greater than four (4) times the
effective opening for two (2) intersecting walls.
(4) In systems where there are three (3) or more side walls, ribs, or similar
obstructions extending from the water surface to or above the horizontal plane
of the spout opening in a manner other than specified in Subsection 10.112(3)
above the air gap shall be measured from the top of the wall.
(5)
The effective opening shall be the minimum cross-sectional area at the seat of the
control valve or the supply pipe or tubing which feeds the assembly or outlet.
If two (2) or more lines supply one (1) outlet, the effective opening shall be the
sum of the cross-sectional areas of the individual supply lines or the area of the
single outlet, whichever is smaller.
10.113 Fire Systems.
(1) An approved double check detector backflow prevention assembly (DCDA) or
reduced pressure detector assemblies (RPDA) shall be installed on fire sprinlder
systems comprised of piping material that is not approved for potable water use
and/or that does not provide for periodic flow-through during each twenty-four
(24) hour period, unless a variance has been granted in writing by the regulatory
authority. A (RPDA) must be installed if any solution or substance other than the
potable water may be introduced into the sprinkler system.
(2) Upon the approved installation of a DCDA or RPDA, a cross -connection test
report completed by a licensed fireline tester must be sent to the regulatory
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authority or his representative, and such report must include the information
required by this Section.
10.114 Responsibilities.
(1)
All property owners and persons in control of any premises shall comply with the
provisions of this Section. In the event of any changes to the plumbing system,
it is the responsibility of the property owners and persons in control of any
premises to notify the regulatory authority. All property owners and/or persons
in control of any premises are also responsible for the following:
(a) Payment of all costs associated with this Section and the purchase,
installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of the backflow prevention
assemblies required by this Section.
(b) To install and maintain all backflow prevention assemblies in accordance
with this Section and acceptable industry practices.
(c) All commercial establishments shall annually test, or cause to be tested,
all backflow prevention assemblies on the premises. Such tests must be
conducted by a certified cross -connection tester who is registered with
the City.
(d) Maintain all backflow prevention assemblies in proper working order at
all times, including making repairs as required to ensure the proper
functioning of the backflow prevention assemblies.
(e) Maintain all backflow prevention assemblies such that the assemblies
may be tested by a method that has been approved by the regulatory
authority.
(f) Each record related to backflow prevention assembly installation, testing
and repair shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of three
(3) years.
(g)
Apply for and obtain a building permit from the Building Official of the
City of Round Rock, Texas prior to commencing any work, including
testing of, on any backflow prevention assembly device.
(2) All certified backflow prevention assembly testers shall:
(a) Annually register with the regulatory authority, pay the required fee, and
provide the information required by this Section.
(b) Maintain testing equipment in proper working condition/calibration.
(c) Maintain the design or operation characteristics of an assembly.
(d) Ensure that devices are tested in compliance with accepted industry
practices, TNRCC regulations, and all other applicable laws and
regulations.
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(3)
(e) Enter the required testing data, including test gauge serial numbers, on
cross -connection test forms obtained from the regulatory authority.
(1) Report test results to the regulatory authority within thirty (30) days of
testing.
(g)
Provide a copy of the completed test report to the property owners
and/or persons in control of any premises subject to the testing
requirements of this Section.
(h) Maintain each testing and/or repair record for a minimum of three (3)
years.
(i) Apply for an obtain a building permit from the Building Official of the
City of Round Rock, Texas prior to commencing any work, including
testing of, on any backflow prevention assembly device.
The regulatory authority shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this
Section, state law, and regulations regarding cross -connections. The regulatory
authority shall inspect and initially test, or cause to be tested, all backflow
prevention assemblies installed pursuant to the requirements of this Section.
Permanent water service shall not be provided to new facilities until all backflow
prevention assemblies have been tested and are functioning properly. Except
in cases where the testing of backflow prevention assemblies must be delayed
until the installation of internal production or auxiliary equipment, the regulatory
authority shall not approve a certificate of occupancy until all backflow
prevention assemblies have been tested and are functioning properly.
10.115 Backflow prevention assembly tester registration required.
Persons desiring to be approved backflow prevention assembly testers within the City of
Round Rock must provide proof of TNRCC certification, and provide proof that their
testing equipment is able to maintain a calibration of plus or minus 0.2 psid accuracy.
10.116 Fees.
(1) All property owners and/or persons in control of a backflow prevention assembly
device shall pay a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each backflow
prevention assembly device each time the assembly is tested. If a property owner
and/or person in control of a backflow prevention assembly device fails to test
the device within thirty (30) days of the required testing date, the regulatory
authority may perform the test and assess a testing fee of one -hundred dollars
($100.00) for each separate backflow prevention assembly device on which the
regulatory authority performs a test.
(2) The regulatory authority shall assess a testing fee of one hundred dollars
($100.00) per each separate backflow prevention assembly on which the
regulatory authority performs a test. This fee applies to, but is not limited to, all
newly installed backflow devices. If a newly installed backflow prevention
assembly is deemed not to be working properly upon the initial inspection or
testing of the assembly, the property owners and/or persons in control of the
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premises must make necessary repairs and/or adjustments prior to retesting or
reinspection by the regulatory authority. A retest fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) will
be assessed for each retest performed by the regulatory authority.
10.117 Compliance for Lawn Irrigation or Sprinkler Systems.
All persons installing commercial and residential lawn irrigation or sprinkler systems
shall obtain a permit from the building inspection department of the City prior to making
such installations. The installation requirements must comply with standards for the
applicable device required by this Section. Interconnections of the potable water supply
with an alternate water source is prohibited. Appropriate backflow prevention devices
must be installed on the premises if any mechanical injection stations are used with the
irrigation or sprinkler system.
10.118 Mobile Units.
The connection of a mobile unit to any potable water system is prohibited unless such
connection is protected by an air gap or an approved backflow prevention assembly.
Prior approval and annual device testing of any air gap or backflow prevention assembly
must be obtained from the regulatory authority before connecting a mobile unit to any
potable water system. Testing fees shall be assessed in the amounts provided for in
Section 10.116, and shall be paid by the owner or operator of the mobile units prior to
any inspection or testing of the air gap or assembly.
10.119 Enforcement.
(1) Violations
(a) A person commits an offense if he fails to maintain a backflow
prevention assembly in compliance with this Section.
(b) A person commits an offense if he fails to comply with a repair order
issued by the regulatory authority.
(c) A person commits an offense if backflow from premises he owns,
controls, operates, or manages enters a public water supply system.
(d) A person commits an offense if he fails to pay any fees required by this
Section.
(e) A person commits an offense if he violates any provision of this Section.
(f) A person commits an offense if he reinstates water service to premises
discontinued or disconnected pursuant to the provisions of this Section,
except as directed by the regulatory authority.
(g) A person owning or in control of premises commits an offense if he
allows an unregistered tester to perform testing work on his premises.
(h) A person commits an offense if he tests a backflow prevention assembly
within the City without being registered with the regulatory authority.
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(i)
A person commits an offense if he tests a backflow prevention assembly
within the City without being certified by the TNRCC.
(2) Punishment for violations; other remedies.
(3)
(a) A person who violates any provision of this Section is guilty of a
misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine as provided in
Section 1.600 of this Code for a violation of an ordinance or regulation
governing public health and sanitation.
(b) In addition to proceeding under the authority of this Section, the City is
entitled to pursue any and all other criminal and civil remedies to which
it is entitled pursuant to authority granted by any other applicable laws,
regulations, or ordinances.
In addition to the penalties provided for by this Section the City is entitled to
impose penalties or fees provided for by other provisions of this Code for failure
to timely pay any bill, or portion thereof, for water and sanitary sewer services.
(4) A tester's registration may be revoked by the City if the regulatory authority
determines that the tester:
(a) Has falsely, incompletely, or inaccurately written assembly testing
reports;
(b) Has used inaccurate gauges;
(c) Has used improper testing procedures;
(d) Has created a threat to public health or the environment; or
(e) Has violated any other provision of this Section.
II.
A. All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or resolutions in
conflict herewith are expressly repealed.
B. The invalidity of any section or provision of this
ordinance shall not invalidate other sections or provisions
thereof.
C. The City Council hereby finds and declares that written
notice of the date, hour, place and subject of the meeting at which
this Resolution was adopted was posted and that such meeting was
19.
open to the public as required by law at all times during which
this Resolution and the subject matter hereof were discussed,
considered and formally acted upon, all as required by the Open
Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended, and
the Act.
Alternative 1.
By motion duly made, seconded and passed with an affirmative
vote of all the Council members present, the requirement for
reading this ordinance on two separate days was dispensed with.
READ, PASSED, and ADOPTED on first reading this day
of , 1998.
Alternative 2.
READ and APPROVED on first reading this the day
of ALIDAkk aA)L4 , 1998.
READ, APPROVED and ADOPTED on second reading this
the t j day of , 1998.
ATTEST:
E LAND, City Secretary
20.
CHARLES CULPE'PPER, Mayor
City of Round Rock, Texas
DATE: March 6, 1998
SUBJECT: City Council Meeting - March 12, 1998
ITEM: 9.B.1. Consider an ordinance amending Chapter 10 by adding Section
10.100, Code of Ordinances (1995 Edition), to prevent cross
connection contamination in the City's water system. A cross
connection is defined as any connection, physical or otherwise,
between a potable water supply system and any plumbing fixture
or any tank, receptacle, equipment or device through which it may
be possible for any nonpotable, used, unclean, polluted and/or
contaminated water, or other substances, to enter into any part of
such potable water system under any condition or set of
conditions. In order to prevent possible cross connections, a code
amendment is requested. This amendment discusses location,
required protection devices, testing, installation guidelines, and
tester requirements. Fees and enforcement is also outlined in the
Ordinance. Staff recommends approval. (Approved on first
reading February 26, 1998) (Second Reading) Staff Resource
Person: Jim Nuse, Public Works Director