Chapter 6.60
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL
Sections:
6.60.030 General prohibition of cross-connections.
6.60.040 Cross-connection protection requirements.
6.60.050 Backflow prevention devices.
6.60.070 Administrative procedures.
6.60.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is (1) to protect the public water supply against actual or potential contamination by isolating within the premises, contaminated water which may occur because of some undiscovered and/or unauthorized cross-connection on the premises; (2) to eliminate existing connections between drinking water systems and other sources of water which are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption; (3) to eliminate cross-connections between drinking water systems and sources of contamination; (4) to prevent the making of cross-connections in the future. These regulations are adopted pursuant to the State of California Administrative Code, Title 17 - Public Health entitled "Regulations Relating to Cross-Connections."
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), 3-27-89)
6.60.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(a) "Air-gap separation" ("AG") means a physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel. The air-gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the flood rim of the vessel, and in no case less than one-inch.
(b) "Approved backflow prevention device" means devices which have passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated its competency to perform such tests to the California Department of Health Services.
(c) "Approved water supply" means any water supply whose potability is regulated by a state or local health agency.
(d) "Auxiliary supply" means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the approved water supply.
(e) "AWWA standard" means an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association ("AWWA").
(f) "Backflow" means a flow condition, caused by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source. Back-siphonage is one cause of backflow. Back pressure is the other cause.
(g) "Contamination" means a degradation of the quality of the potable water by any foreign substance which creates a hazard to the public health or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.
(h) "Cross-connection" means any unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome, and potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.
(i) "Double check valve assembly" or "double check valve device" ("DC") means an assembly of at least two independently acting check valves including tightly closing shutoff valves on each side of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the watertightness of each check valve.
(j) "Health agency" means the California Department of Health Services.
(k) "Local health agency" means the county or city health authority.
(l) "Person" means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.
(m) "Premise" means any and all areas of a customer’s property which are served or have the potential to be served by the public water system.
(n) "Public water system" means a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption which has five or more service connections or regularly serves an average of twenty-five individuals daily at least sixty days out of the year.
(o) "Reclaimed water" means a wastewater which as a result of treatment is suitable for uses other than potable use.
(p) "Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device" means a device incorporating two or more check valves and an automatically operating differential relief valve located between each pair of the two or more check valves, a tightly closing shut-off valve on each side of the check valve assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks for testing.
(q) "Service connection" refers to the point of connection of a user’s piping to the water supplier’s facilities.
(r) "Water supplier" means the person who owns or operates the approved water supply system.
(s) "Water user" means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply system.
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), 3-27-89)
6.60.030 General prohibition of cross-connections.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation at any time to make or maintain or cause to be made or maintained, temporarily or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross-connection between plumbing pipes or water fixtures being served with water by the city of South Gate and any other source of water supply or to maintain any sanitary fixtures or other appurtenances or fixtures which by reason of their construction may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the city and/or the service of water pipes or fixtures of any consumer of the city.
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), 3-27-89)
6.60.040 Cross-connection protection requirements.
(a) General Provisions.
(1) Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited.
(2) Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the city will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention device by and at his or her expense for continued service or before a new service will be granted.
(3) Wherever backflow protection has been found necessary on a water supply line entering a water user’s premises, then any and all water supply lines from the city’s mains entering such premises, buildings, or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention device. The type of device to be installed will be in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
(b) Where Protection Required.
(1) Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises into the public water system unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional source by the city, and is approved by the public health agency having jurisdiction.
(2) Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance is handled in such fashion as may allow its entry into the water system shall be protected against backflow of the water from the premises into the public system. This shall include the handling of process waters and waters originating from the city water system which have been subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality.
(3) Backflow prevention devices shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having (A) internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the state or local health department and the city, or (B) 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 cross-connections exist.
(c) Type of Protection Required.
(1) The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the approved water supply shall be determined by the director of public works, or his delegate, taking into consideration the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer’s premises. The type of protective device that may be required (listed in order of an increasing level of protection) includes:
(A) Double check valve assembly;
(B) Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device;
(C) Air-gap separation.
The water user may choose a higher level of protection than required by the city. The minimum types of backflow protection required to protect the approved water supply, at the user’s water connection to premises with varying degrees of hazard, are given in Table 1. Situations which are not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the city or health agency.
(2) Two or more services supplying water from different street mains to the same building, structure, or premises through which in interstreet main flow may occur, shall have at least a standard check valve on each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property side of the respective meters. Such check valve shall not be considered adequate if backflow protection is deemed necessary to protect the city’s mains from pollution or contamination; in such cases the installation of approved backflow devices at such service connections shall be required.
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), Appendix I, 3-27-89)
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Degree of Hazard |
Minimum Type of Backflow Prevention |
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(a) Sewage and Hazardous Substances. |
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(1) Premises where the public water system is used to supplement the reclaimed water supply. |
AG. |
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(2) Premises where there are wastewater pumping and/or treatment and there is no interconnection with the potable water system. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump. |
AG. An RP may be provided plants in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and city. |
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(3) Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no connection with the potable water system. |
AG. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and city. |
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(4) Premises where hazardous substances are handled in any manner in which the substances may enter a potable water system. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump. |
AG. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and city. |
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(5) Premises where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides are, or can be injected . |
RP. |
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(b) Auxiliary Water Supplies. |
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(1) Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply which is interconnected with the public water system. |
AG. An RP or DC may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and city. |
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(2) Premises where is an unapproved auxiliary water supply and there are no interconnections with the public water system. |
RP. A DC may be provided in lieu of an RP if approved by the health agency and city. |
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(c) Fire Protection Systems. |
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(1) Premises where the fire system is directly supplied from public water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply on or to the premises (not interconnected) |
DC. |
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(2) Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply. |
AG. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and city. |
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(3) Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps which take suction from the private reservoirs or tanks are used. |
DC. |
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(d) Dockside Watering Points and Marine Facilities. |
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(1) Pier hydrants for supplying water to vessel for any purpose. |
RP. |
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(2) Premises where there are marine facilities. |
RP. |
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(e) Premises where entry is restricted so that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or at sufficiently short notice to assure that cross-connections do not exist. |
RP. |
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(f) Premises where there is a repeated history of cross-connections being established or re-established. |
RP. |
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6.60.050 Backflow prevention devices.
(a) Approved Backflow Prevention Devices.
(1) Only backflow prevention devices which have been approved by the city shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the city’s potable water system.
(2) The city will provide, upon request, to any affected customer a list of approved backflow prevention devices.
(b) Backflow Prevention Device Installation. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Section 7603, Title 17 of the California Administrative Code. Location of the devices should be as close as practical to the user’s connection. The city shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention device.
(1) Air-Gap Separation. The air-gap separation shall be located on the user’s side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade and be entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point between the service connection and the air-gap separation. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two supply inlet pipe diameters, but in no case less than one inch, above the flood rim of the receiving tank.
(2) Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device. The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be installed, on the user’s side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. The device shall be installed in a horizontal position and a minimum of twelve inches above grade and not more than thirty-six inches above grade measured from the bottom of the device and with a minimum of twelve inches side clearance. The device shall be installed so that it is readily accessible for maintenance and testing. Water supplied from any point between the service connection and the RP device shall be protected in a manner approved by the city.
(3) Double Check Valve Assembly. The approved double check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user’s connection and shall be installed above grade, if possible, and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If a double check valve assembly is put below grade it must be installed in a vault such that there is a minimum of six inches between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the device, so that the top of the device is no more than a maximum of eight inches below grade, so there is a minimum of six inches of clearance between the side of the device with the test cocks and the side of the vault, and so there is a minimum of three inches clearance between the other side of the device and the side of the vault. Special consideration must be given to double check valve assemblies of the "Y" type. These devices must be installed on their "side" with the test cocks in vertical positions such that either check valve may be removed for service without removing the device. Vaults which do not have an integral bottom must be placed on a three-inch layer of gravel.
(c) Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance.
(1) The owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow prevention devices are installed, shall have the devices tested by a person who has demonstrated their competency in testing of these devices to the city. Such competency shall be evidenced by presentation to the city of a valid certification from a Los Angeles County certification program or have demonstrated an equivalent competence to the satisfaction of the city and the local health agency. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. The city may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is determined to be necessary. No device shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. A report in a form acceptable to the city shall be filed with the city each time a device is tested, relocated, or repaired. These devices shall be serviced, overhauled, or replaced whenever they are found to be defective and all costs of testing, repair, and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.
(2) The city will supply affected water users with a list of persons acceptable to the city to test backflow prevention devices. The city will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and also supply users with necessary forms which must be completed each time a device is tested or repaired.
(d) Backflow Prevention Device Removal.
(1) Approval must be obtained from the city before a backflow prevention device is removed, relocated, or replaced.
(A) Removal. The use of a device may be discontinued and the device removed from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence to the city to verify that a hazard no longer exists or is not likely to be created in the future.
(B) Relocation. A device may be relocated following confirmation by the city that the relocation will continue to provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements. A retest will be required following the relocation of the device.
(C) Repair. A device may be removed for repair, provided the water use is either discontinued or the service connection completed and the device is returned to service or the service connection is equipped with other backflow protection approved by the city. A retest will be required following the repair of the device.
(D) Replacement. A device may be removed and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement device is installed. All replacement devices must be approved by the city and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), 3-27-89)
6.60.060 User supervisor.
At each premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the city, a user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. This user supervisor shall be responsible for the monitoring of the backflow prevention devices and for avoidance of cross-connections. In the event of contamination or pollution of the drinking water system due to a cross-connection on the premises the city shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the city of the user supervisor’s identity on, as a minimum, an annual basis and whenever a change occurs.
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), 3-27-89)
6.60.070 Administrative procedures.
(a) Program Responsibility.
(1) The city of South Gate’s director of public works shall be responsible for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of this cross-connection control program. The director shall have the authority to delegate the specific duties as set forth in this chapter to the appropriate public works division superintendent who shall then oversee the activities of a certified cross-connection control specialist in the performance of the required duties.
(2) The director of public works shall be further responsible for the maintaining of this cross-connection control program on a continuing basis in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations generally promulgated by the health agency and/or the local health agency. To accomplish this, said director shall cause, from time to time, modifications, additions or deletions to this chapter, which may be in the form of separate cross-connection control operating rules and regulations, such that the intent and purpose of the legislation responsible for this program may be successfully carried on.
(b) Water System Survey.
(1) The city shall review all requests for new services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the city upon request for review of possible cross-connection hazards as a condition of service for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention device is necessary to protect the public water system, the required device must be installed before service will be granted.
(2) The city may require an on-premises inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The city will transmit a written and/or verbal notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer which cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device which the city considers necessary.
(3) The city may, at its discretion, require a reinspection for cross-connection hazards of any premises to which it serves water. The city will transmit a written and/or a verbal notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer which cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device which the city considers necessary.
(c) Customer Notification—Device Installation.
(1) The city will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period of sixty days will be given to complete all corrective action required including installation of backflow prevention devices.
(2) A second notice will be sent to each water user which does not take the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice within the sixty-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week extension period to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the two-week period the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are taken.
(d) Customer Notification—Testing and Maintenance.
(1) The city will notify each affected water user when it is time for the backflow prevention device installed on their service connection to be tested. This written notice shall give the water user thirty days to have the device tested and the city will supply the water user with the necessary form to be completed and submitted to the city.
(2) A second notice shall be sent to each water user which does not have his or her backflow prevention device tested, as prescribed in the first notice, within the thirty-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to have his or her backflow prevention device tested. If no action is taken within the two-week period the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject device is tested.
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), 3-27-89)
6.60.080 Enforcement.
(a) Water Service Termination.
(1) General. When the city encounters water uses in violation of the provisions of this chapter which water uses represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the city shall institute the procedure for discontinuing the city water service.
(2) Basis for Termination. Conditions or water uses that create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following items:
(A) Refusal to install a required backflow prevention device;
(B) Refusal to test a backflow prevention device;
(C) Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention device;
(D) Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention device;
(E) Direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer line;
(F) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants;
(G) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxiliary water system;
(H) A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system.
(3) Water Service Termination Procedures.
(1) For conditions (A), (B), (C) or (D), the city will terminate service to a customer’s premises after two written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which it must be done. If no action is taken within the allowed time period water service may be terminated.
(2) For conditions (E), (F), (G) or (H), the city will take the following steps:
(A) Make a reasonable effort to advise the water user of its intent to terminate water service;
(B) Terminate the water supply and lock the service valve. The water service will remain inactive until correction of the violation(s) has been approved by the city.
(b) Criminal Sanctions. Any person, firm, or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail of the county of Los Angeles, for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment as the committing magistrate or judge may direct. Each such person, firm, or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for every day during any portion of which any violation of any provisions of this chapter, including any physical condition created in violation of this chapter, is permitted, continued, or committed by such person, firm or corporation, and shall be punishable therefor as provided for in this chapter.
(c) Declaration of Public Nuisance; Abatement. Any lot, street, alley, or other feature made the subject of this title, maintained contrary to the provisions hereof shall constitute a public nuisance, and may be abated as such in the same manner, and following the same procedures as are provided for the abatement of a violation of the provisions of Chapter 9.48 (Building and Property Maintenance) of this code, as same may be amended from time to time.
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), 3-27-89)
6.60.090 Severability.
(a) If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, or other competent agency, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this chapter, or any part thereof.
(b) If the application of any provision or provisions of this title to any person, property or circumstance is found to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective in whole or in part by any court of competent jurisdiction, or other competent agency, the effect of such decision shall be limited to the person, property or circumstances immediately involved in the controversy, and the application of any provision to other persons, properties and circumstances shall not be affected.
(Ord. 1797 § 1 (part), 3-27-89)