Chapter 13.22
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL

Sections:

13.22.010    Purpose.

13.22.020    Responsibility.

13.22.030    High health cross-connection hazards requiring an approved reduced pressure backflow assembly or air gap.

13.22.040    Flushing sewers.

13.22.050    Use of privately owned backflow preventers on temporary connections.

13.22.060    Backflow preventer rental fee.

13.22.070    Installation and maintenance.

13.22.080    Notice to cease violation.

13.22.090    Penalty for continued violation.

13.22.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter, in conjunction with WAC 246-290-490, as now adopted or hereafter amended, is to protect the public water system from contamination via cross-connections. Controlling and preventing cross-connections is accomplished by either removing the cross-connection or installing an approved backflow preventer. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).

13.22.020 Responsibility.

A. Under the provisions of WAC 246-290-490, the purveyor’s (city water division) responsibility for cross-connection control shall begin at the water supply source, include all the public water treatment, storage, and distribution facilities, and end at the point of delivery to the consumer’s water system.

B. When, in accordance with this chapter, an approved backflow preventer is required for the safety of the city water system, the city water division shall ensure that cross-connections between the distribution system and a consumer’s water system are eliminated or controlled by the installation of an approved reduced pressure backflow assembly (RPBA) or air gap that provides premises isolation.

C. The city water division shall give notice in writing to the property owner when premises isolation protection is required.

D. Plans shall be submitted to the city water division for review and approval prior to the installation of any reduced pressure backflow assembly or air gap that provides premises isolation.

E. All approved backflow assembly and air gap installations required by the city water division shall be inspected by a state certified cross-connection control specialist from the city water division or employed by the city water division.

F. All reduced pressure backflow assemblies shall be tested by a Washington State certified tester on the city’s approved backflow assembly tester list prior to being placed in service. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).

13.22.030 High health cross-connection hazards requiring an approved reduced pressure backflow assembly or air gap.

In addition to Table 9 of WAC 246-296-490, all water tanker trucks, flush trucks, onboard tanks and all other vessels supplying water to construction equipment or activities shall require an approved reduced pressure backflow assembly or air gap. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).

13.22.040 Flushing sewers.

There shall be no direct unprotected connection between a fire hydrant or other potable water connection and any sanitary or storm sewer for the purpose of flushing. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).

13.22.050 Use of privately owned backflow preventers on temporary connections.

The proprietor of a privately owned backflow preventer shall submit a copy of the current (within the previous 12-month period) backflow assembly test performed by a Washington State certified tester on the city’s approved backflow assembly tester list prior to it being connected to the city water system. If an acceptable report showing passing results cannot be furnished, the assembly shall be retested in accordance with state and city regulations. Test reports shall be provided to the water quality specialist who administers the cross-connection control program. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).

13.22.060 Backflow preventer rental fee.

When backflow preventers are required by this chapter to protect the city’s water system and provided by the city for temporary connections, the rental fee shall be billed as follows:

A. The rental fee shall be $4.00 per day for the entire time that the renter has the backflow preventer, regardless of whether it is used or not;

B. Any damage to the backflow preventer while in the possession of the renter shall be itemized and included with the rental fee. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).

13.22.070 Installation and maintenance.

A. All costs associated with purchase, installation, inspections, testing (by Washington State certified tester), replacement, maintenance, parts, and repairs to backflow preventers are the financial responsibility of the property owner.

B. Backflow preventers, used for temporary connections, owned and rented out by the city will be tested and maintained by the city. These costs are included in the rental fee. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).

13.22.080 Notice to cease violation.

Any person, firm, or corporation found to be violating any provision of this chapter shall be served by the administrative authority with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for the satisfactory correction thereof. The offender shall, within the period of time stated in such notice, permanently cease all violations. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).

13.22.090 Penalty for continued violation.

Any person, firm, or corporation who continues any violation beyond the time limit provided for in SLMC 13.22.080 is deemed to have committed a civil infraction, and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a C-2 penalty and punishable as defined in Chapter 1.10 SLMC. Failure or refusal to comply shall also constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises until such requirements have been satisfactorily met. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2004).