HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 1903AN ORDINANCE Or I Ar U1 I f lar
UPDATE _ SUPPLY.• • • BACKFLOW
CALIFORNIAPREVENTION STANDARDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 17 OF THE
•r OF REGULATIONS
The City Council of the City of Burlingame does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Factual Background and Findings.
WHEREAS, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 17 requires the City of
Burlingame as a water purveyor to protect the Public Water Supply System from
potential and actual contamination; and
WHEREAS, Burlingame's current water supply cross -connection and backflow
prevention standards were last updated in 2002; and
WHEREAS, in order to protect the water supply from potential and actual
contamination and to comply with State regulations, the City must update its current
standards; and
WHEREAS, a recent survey of the Burlingame Water Supply System by the
California Department of Public Health Services identified that Burlingame's water
supply cross -connection standards need to be updated in compliance with the current
CCR, Title 17; and
WHEREAS, Public Works Department staff has jointly worked with the California
Department of Public Health Service and San Mateo County Health Department to
update Chapter 15.04 of the Burlingame Municipal Code for compliance with CCR, Title
17.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME
DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 2. Chapter 15.04 of the Burlingame Municipal Code is amended to be in
compliance with CCR, Title 17 as follows:
a) Section 15.04.020 of Chapter 15.04 is deleted;
b) Section 15.04.050 of Chapter 15.04 is completely replaced with a new section
and shall read as follows:
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the Cross -Connection Control Program
implemented by the City of Burlingame Public Works Department to protect the
public water supply against actual or potential contamination through cross -
connection and backflow.
The scope of the Cross -Connection Control Program includes all of the elements
necessary to ensure compliance with the California Code of Regulations, Title
17, Public Health Sections 7583 through 7605. The City of Burlingame partners
with the San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Division to implement
the majority of the scope of this program, including compliance with required
program personnel certifications, surveying of residential, industrial and
commercial user facilities for potential cross -connection hazards, designation of
appropriate backflow preventers, requirements for testers and testing of backflow
prevention assemblies, and maintenance of records.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
The following definitions describe those terms and phrases that are pertinent to
the various elements of a cross -connection control program:
3.1 Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly
The term "Approved Backfl
ow Prevention Assembly" shall mean
assemblies listed, and installed as prescribed, on the most current List of
Approved Backflow Prevention assemblies, published by the University of
Southern California Foundation for Cross -Connection Control and
Hydraulic Research (USC Foundation), and meet any additional
requirements deemed necessary by the City or Environmental Health.
3.2 Approved Water Supply
The term "approved water supplymeans any local water supply whose
potability is regulated by a State or Local Health Agency.
3.3 Auxiliary
Water Supply
The term "auxiliary water supply' means any water supply on or available
to the premises other than the approved water supply as delivered by the
water purveyor to the service connection.
3.4 AWWA
The term "AWWA" is an acronym for the American Water Works
Association.
3.5 Backflow
The term "backflow" shall mean a flow conon, caused by a differential
in pressure, which causes the flow of water or other liquid, 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.
3.6 Backflow Preventer
An approved assembly or means designed to prevent backflow.
3.6.1 Air Gap. The unobstructed vertical distance through the free
atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet
conveying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, receptor or other
assembly and the flood level rim of the receptacle. These vertical
physical separations must be at least twice the diameter of the
water supply outlet, never less than 1 inch.
3.6.2 Reduce Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly. This
assembly consists of two independently acting approved check
valves together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically
independent pressure differential relief valve located between the
check valves and below the first check valve. These units are
located between two tightly closing resilient -seated shutoff valves
as an assembly and equipped with properly located resilient -
seated test cocks.
3.6.3 Double Check Valve Assembly. This assembly consists of two
internallY loaded check valves, either spring-loaded or internally
weighted, installed as a unit between two tightly closed resilient -
seated shutoff valves and equipped with properly located resilient -
seated test cocks.
3.6.4 Double Check Valve Detector Assembly. This assembly is a
specially designed backflow assembly composed of a line -sized -
approved double check valve assembly with a bypass containing a
water meter and an approved double check valve assembly. The
meter shall register accurately for only very low rates and is used to
show unauthorized usage or leaks in the customers system.
3.6.5 Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly. This assembly contains one
or two independently operated
spring
loaded check valves and an
independently
operated spring
loaded
air inlet valve located on the
discharge side
of the check or
checks.
It also includes two tightly
closing shutoff
valves on each
side of
the check valves and
equipped with
properly located
resilient
-seated test cocks.
3.6.6 Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker Assembly. This assembly contains
an air inlet valve, a check seat and an air inlet port(s). A shut off
valve immediately upstream may be an integral part of the
assembly, but there shall be no shutoff valves or obstructions
downstream. The assembly shall not be subject to operating
pressure for more than twelve (12) hours in any twenty-four (24)
hour period.
3.6.7 Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker. This device is permanently attached to
a hose Bibb and acts as an Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker.
3.7 Customer or Responsible Party
The Customer or Responsible Party is the person that either has applied
for water service from the City, or owns or controls water piping or fixtures
served by the City water supply. The terms customer and responsible
party have the same meaning within this ordinance.
3.8 Contamination
The term "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.
3.9 Pollution
The term "pollution" shall mean an impairment of the quality of the water
to a degree which does not create a hazard to the public health, but,
which does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of
such waters for domestic use.
3.10 Cross -Connection
The term "cross -connection" as used in this document 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.
3.11 Person
The term "person" means an individual, corporation, company, association,
partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.
3.12 Facility
The term "facility" means any and all areas on a water user's property
which are served or have the potential to be served by the public water
system.
3.13 Public Water System
The term "public water system" means a system for the provision to pipe
water to the public for human consumption that has five or more service
connections or regularly serves an average of 25 individuals daily at least
60 day out of the year.
3.14 Service Connection
The term "service connection' refers to the point of connection of a
facility's piping to the water supplier's facilities, usually considered the
point at the outlet from the water meter.
3.15 Water Supplier
The term "water supplier" means the person who owns or operates the
approved water supply system.
3.16 Water User
The term "water user" means any person obtaining water from an
approved water supply system.
3.17 City
Unless otherwise specified, the term "City" shall refer to the City of
Burlingame Department of Public Works - Water Division or San Mateo
County Environmental Health working as a partner to the Water Division.
3.18 Inspection Tag
"Inspection Tag"
means
acurrent-calendar-year backflow tag
purchased
from San Mateo
County
Environmental Health.
3.19 Cross -Connection Control Program Specialist
The term "cross -connection control program specialist" means a person
certified by AWWA, or an approved equivalent certifying entity, to
evaluate the hazards inherent in supplying a customer's water system.
3.20 Cert
ified Tester
The term "certified tester" means a person certified by AW WA or an approved
equivalent certificate and certified by San Mateo County Environmental Health
Services to perform backflow prevention assembly testing.
4.1 Authority
City of Burlingame Department of Public Works is the Administrative
Authority for the Cross -Connection Control Program. The authority to
administer this program comes from State of California, Title 17; State of
California, Public Utilities Commission Rule 16c; and State of California,
Department of Public Health Services (and any successor agencies).
4.2 Program Administrator
The program administrator for the Cross -Connection Control Program in
the City of Burlingame is the Public Works Superintendent or his/her
designee. The City also partners with the San Mateo County
Environmental Health Services Division through an agreement to
implement portions of the program, as allowed by California Health and
Safety Code. However, the City is ultimately responsible for the
implementation of the program.
5.0 APPROPRIATE BACKFLOW PROTECTION
5.1 New Construction, Remodels and Tenant Improvements
5.1.1 Residential, Single -Family and Duplexes Only
A. Domestic Water —The City may require an Approved
Backflow Prevention Assembly to be installed on the
customer's facility, as close as possible to the service
connection. The assembly shall be a Reduced Pressure
Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RPP) or a
Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) as determined by the
City. If it is determined that a backflow prevention
assembly is required, the customer may also need to
install a thermal expansion tank in accordance with the
California Plumbing Code,
B. Irrigation System —The City requires an Approved Backfl
ow
Prevention Assembly to be installed on the customer's
facility on the branch line serving an Irrigation system. The
assembly shall be a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB),
Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly
(RPP), or Atmospheric Pressure Vacuum Breaker (AVB) as
determined by the City.
C. Fire Suppression System -All facilities with an installed fire
suppression system must have an Approved Backflow
Prevention Assembly, excluding flow-through fire systems,
on the branch line serving the fire suppression system. The
assembly shall be a Double Check Valve Assembly (DC)
or as determined by the City. Flow-through fire protection
systems shall be constructed with approved potable water
piping and materials.
5. 1.2 Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Multi -Family
A. Domestic Water— The City may require an Approved
Backflow Prevention Assembly to be installed on the
customer's facility, as close as possible to the service
connection. The assembly shall be a Reduced Pressure
Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RPP) or a
Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) as determined by the
City. If it's determined after a survey, that a backflow
prevention assembly is required, the customer may also
need to install a thermal expansion tank in accordance
with the California Plumbing Code.
B. Irrigation System —The City requires an Approved
Backflow Prevention Assembly to be installed on the
customer's facility, as close as possible to any irrigation
system service connections or on any irrigation branch
line. The assembly shall be a Pressure Vacuum Breaker
(PVB), Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention
Assembly (RPP) or Atmospheric Pressure Vacuum
Breaker (AVB) as determined by the City.
C. Fire Suppression System -All facilities with an installed fire
suppression system must have an Approved Backflow
Prevention Assembly. The assembly shall be a Double
Check Valve Detector Assembly (DCDA) and installed
according to City standard specifications and drawings,
and this Ordinance. The assembly must incorporate a City -
supplied bypass water meter at customer's cost which is
also protected with an approved double check valve
assembly.
5.2 Existing Service Connection
When it is determined in a survey by a City or Environmental Health
cross -connection control program specialist that an actual or potential
cross connection or backflow condition is present on an existing facility,
the installation of an appropriate backflow preventer shall be required.
Should an existing backflow prevention assembly be in place that does
not meet the City's installation requirements, does not comply with this
ordinance, or does not provide adequate protection with the degree of
hazard found on site, the assembly shall be replaced or upgraded as
required by the City, at the expense of the customer or responsible party.
6.0 SURVEYS
6.1 Identification of Survey Candidates
The City may identify specific industries that might pose an actual or
potential backflow hazard to the public water supply. Some of these
industries are identified from common lists of industries where cross -
connections are likely to be found, as provided by the State of California,
the USC Foundation, and other recognized organizations. From these
lists, specific facilities in the City's service area may be identified by
directories, mailing lists, associations, & business licenses.
6.2 Survey
Surveys may take the form of office surveys or field surveys. Office
surveys may include determination of facility hazards based on business
type or known water use on the facility. Office surveys could also include
evaluation of responses to mailed or on-line surveys.
Field surveys may include evaluation of water use by observations made
from public or private areas not on the subject facility, or physical
inspection on all or a portion of the facility. When possible, a request to
survey the facility shall be made at least 24 hours in advance, and a date
and time agreed upon with a responsible party. Should the request to
survey be denied by a responsible party, notice shall be sent to the
customer or responsible party directing installation of the appropriate
backflow assembly, at the water meter, based on best available
knowledge of the water use and potential hazards at the facility.
During the survey many factors are considered to determine if activities or
water use on facility are or could be a potential hazard to the public water
supply. Factors that may be considered include:
1. Alternative sources of water on site (auxiliary water supplies).
2. Piping configurations on site.
3. Uses of water on site.
4. Types of water using equipment.
5. Condition of water using equipment.
6. Complexity and elevations of plumbing on site, and the
potential for alterations of that system.
7. Storage and use of hazardous materials on site.
All the factors found and recorded during the survey shall be considered in the
determination of the degree of potential hazard (degree of hazard) to the public
water supply. This information shall be considered in the determination of the
appropriate backflow preventer. The customer or responsible party shall be
informed of the requirement to provide backflow protection and the type of
backflow prevention assembly required in accordance with Title 17 of the California
Regulations Related to Drinking Water or the direction of the County Health
Officer.
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed
in accordance with Title
17 of
the California Code of Regulations,
Section 7603,
the City's Standard
Specifications, and the most recent
edition of the
USC Foundation manual.
Any
deviation from these requirements shall require the City's approval. Unless
otherwise permitted by the City, all backflow preventers shall be installed on the
customer's or responsible party's facility.
7.1 Air -Gap Separation (AG)
The Air -gap separation shall be located as close as practical to the user's
connection and all piping between the user's connection and the receiving
tank shall be entirely visible unless otherwise approved.
7.2 Double Check Valve Assembly (DC)
A double check valve assembly and double check valve detector
assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve inches (12") above grade
and not more than thirty-six inches (36") above grade measured from the
bottom of the assembly in a manner where it is readily accessible for
testing and maintenance.
7.3 Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RPP)
A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall be
installed a minimum of twelve inches (12") above grade and not more than
thirty-six inches (36") above grade measured from the bottom of the
assembly, and with a minimum of twelve inches (12") side clearance in a
manner where the assembly is readily accessible for testing and
maintenance.
7.4 Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
A pressure vacuum breaker check valve assembly shall be installed a
minimum of twelve inches (12") above all downstream piping and flood
level rims of receptors and in a manner where it is readily accessible for
testing and maintenance.
7.5 Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
An atmospheric vacuum breaker check valve assembly shall be installed
a minimum of six inches (6") above all downstream piping and flood level
rims of receptors and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing
and maintenance.
7.6 Backflow Prevention Assembly Enclosures
A backflow prevention assembly enclosure, cage or locked bag may be
required by the City to be installed at the customer's expense, to combat
against tampering, vandalism or theft. The City may require that any
enclosure, cage or locked bag be secured to a concrete slab and securely
locked.
Any deviation of installation from the descriptions provided shall require the City's
approval prior to installation. All backflow prevention assembly installations shall
be inspected by the City to ensure compliance with all relevant Statutes,
Regulations, Ordinances, and City requirements.
8.1 Responsibility
As per the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, the City shall assure
that adequate maintenance and periodic testing of backflow prevention
assemblies are provided by the customer or responsible party, to ensure
the proper operation of the assemblies. Therefore, the City declares that
the customer or responsible party is ultimately responsible for the
installation, testing, and maintenance of all required backflow prevention
assemblies on or related to the customer's facility.
8.2 Certified testers
No person shall test and/or make reports on backflow prevention
assemblies to comply with this chapter unless he or she possesses a
current certification issued by the San Mateo County Environmental
Health Services Division as defined in County Ordinance Code.
8.3 Frequency of Testing
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a Certified Tester
immediately after they are installed, relocated or repaired and not placed in
service unless they are functioning as required. All backflow prevention
assemblies shall be tested at least annually or more frequently if
determined to be necessary by the City or Environmental Health, in
accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, and San Mateo
County Ordinance Code. Exception is 8.4.1.A
8.4 Fire Suppression System Backflow Preventer Testing
8.4.1 Single -Family and Duplex Residential
A. Single -Family and Duplex Residential (SFDR) fire
suppression systems with an installed backflow prevention
assembly shall be tested upon installation only, unless
otherwise required by the City. After completion of
successfully testing the assembly, the #1 and #2 shut off
valves shall remain in the open position and the handles
removed. The handles shall be stored in the spare head
box. SFDR fire suppression system backflow assemblies
are not required to be tested annually because of the low
degree of hazard.
Commercial, Industrial, Multi -Family
A. Commercial, industrial, multi -family fire suppression
system backflow preventers must be tested annually by a
certified tester.
If an existing fire suppression system backflow assembl;^ is
located in a vault, and has adequate physical clearance to
test, it is considered "existing non -conforming" and
approved for testing.
C. If an existing assembly fails the field test, the assembly
must be repaired or replaced with an appropriate,
approved backflow prevention assembly, installed to
current City standards. If any failed assembly is currently in
a vault, the assembly must be relocated above grade, to
meet all current codes and City standards.
D. If an existing fire system does not have testable approved
backflow prevention assembly the City shall require that a
new appropriate assembly that meets all current codes be
installed at customer or responsible party expense.
9.0 PROCEDURES FOR TESTING AND INSPECTION
9.1 Testable backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested using current
USC Foundation test procedures.
9.2 When a backflow prevention assembly is inspected and has passed the
testing procedure, the certified tester shall immediately affix a numbered
inspection tag to the assembly purchased from the County of San Mateo
Environmental Health Services Division.
9.3 When a backflow prevention assembly fails the testing procedure, the
certified tester shall immediately affix a "Failed" inspection tag to the
assembly. Records of failed assembly tests shall be filed/submitted as
directed within ten (10) days. The "Failed" inspection tag shall remain
affixed to the assembly until the assembly is repaired, has passed the
testing procedures and has been affixed with a numbered inspection tag.
9.4 Certified testers are solely responsible to comply with applicable municipal
requirements for additional permits or licenses (i.e., local business license,
plumbing permit, etc.) to test or repair backflow prevention assemblies within
the City.
10.0 ENFORCEINENT
San Mateo County Environmental Health has the authority to take enforcement
action as allowed in the County Ordinance Code Relating to Backflow
Prevention, and as it applies to the agreement between the City and
Environmental Health. The City shall have the authority to enforce this chapter
as follows.
10.I Any person who violates any provision of this chapter, or bypasses or
renders inoperative any backflow prevention assembly installed under the
provisions of this chapter, shall be subject to fines as detailed in
Burlingame Municipal Code Chapter 1.12 — Violations of Code.
10.2 Failure to comply with any section of this chapter may be cause for the
discontinuance of water service by the City. The program administrator
shall give notice in writing of any violations of this chapter to the customer
or responsible party. If appropriate action is not taken within ten (10) days
after such notice has been mailed or delivered in person, the program
administrator may discontinue delivery of water. However, if the program
administrator or the health officer determines that the violation constitutes
an immediate threat to the public health or safety or to the integrity of the
public water system, the program administrator or the health officer may
discontinue delivery of water immediately without prior notice; in such an
instance, the program administrator or the health officer shall deliver
notice of discontinuance as soon as practicable to the property owner and
customer or responsible party. Delivery of water shall not be resumed
until all required corrective actions have been made and certified as
complete by the City or Environmental Health.
10.3 All costs incurred by the City for discontinuance of water service and all
fees associated with reinstating water service shall be paid by the
customer or responsible party. Costs incurred by Environmental Health
for inspections shall be paid by the customer or responsible party at the
rate set forth by San Mateo County Ordinance,
11.0 REPORTING
All reporting required by this chapter at the City shall be the responsibility of the program
administrator. This includes any reports to local, state, and federal regulatoryor health
agencies such as; California Department of Health Services, and San Mateo County
Environmental Health Services Division.
12.0 TRAINING OF PERSONNEL
12.1 Program Administrator
The Program Administrator of the Cross -Connection Control Program at
the City shall be a minimum of a supervisor capacity. He or she shall be a
Cross -Connection Control Program Specialist as defined in this chapter.
12.2 Cross -Connection Control Inspector and Tester
The City representative assigned to the inspection and survey of
consumers to determine if backflow prevention is warranted shall be a
Cross -Connection Control Program Specialist as defined in this chapter.
The City employee assigned to the testing of City -owned assemblies shall
be a certified Tester as defined in this chapter.
13.1 Assembly Records
Records of assembly type, size, manufacturer, installation date, location,
account number, customer or responsible party of record, and repair
history shall be kept electronically or in hard copy form. Assembly records
shall be kept for the life of the assembly by either the City or by
Environmental Health as appropriate.
13.2 Testing Records
Section 3.
Section 4.
Test results on all assemblies shall be kept electronically or in hard copy
form for a minimum of three years.
The Director of Public Works is hereby authorized to implement the
provisions of this Chapter in compliance with CCR Title 17.
The City Clerk is directed to publish this ordinance in the manner required
by law.
I, Mary Ellen Kearney, City Clerk of the City of Burlingame;ldo hereby
certify that the foregoing ordinance was introduced at a public hearing occurred at a
regular meeting of the City Council held on the 18th day of August, 2014, and adopted
thereafter at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 2nd day of September,
20141 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: BROWNRIGG, DEAL, KEIGHRAN, NAGEL, ORT
IZ
NOES: Councilmembers: NONE
ABSENT: Councilmembers: NONE f
z
Mary Ellen Kearney, City Clerk
Fees for water service installations shall be those provided from time to time by
resolution of the city council. The council shall also establish by resolution such other fees,
charges and procedures as may be necessary for the administration of water service. (Ord. 917 §
,(1970); Ord. 1026 § 1, (1974))
15.04.030 Installation of ffire protection service.
(a) All fire protection services are to be installed by the owner at his or her expense
with the required encroachment permit and inspection by the city public works department.
(b) A double check detector valve of a type approved by the city public works
department is required on all fire services and is to be furnished by the owner. Each building
with a fire protection service shall have its own separate fire connection with the city water main.
(c) A backflow prevention device, which shall be of a type approved by the director
of public works and the health officer, is required on buildings three (3) stories or more in height.
(Ord. 917 § 2, (1970); Ord. 1035 § 1, (1975); Ord. 1679 § 4, (2002))
The ownership
of this
water service installation
including the meter,
MIN
fiom main through the
meter
box shall be vested in the
..
15.04.030 Installation of ffire protection service.
(a) All fire protection services are to be installed by the owner at his or her expense
with the required encroachment permit and inspection by the city public works department.
(b) A double check detector valve of a type approved by the city public works
department is required on all fire services and is to be furnished by the owner. Each building
with a fire protection service shall have its own separate fire connection with the city water main.
(c) A backflow prevention device, which shall be of a type approved by the director
of public works and the health officer, is required on buildings three (3) stories or more in height.
(Ord. 917 § 2, (1970); Ord. 1035 § 1, (1975); Ord. 1679 § 4, (2002))
The ownership
of this
water service installation
including the meter,
and complete service
fiom main through the
meter
box shall be vested in the
city of Burlingame.
A credit for
the cost of the meter on an
existing
service being abandoned may be claimed
when a new larger
service replaces an existing
service.
(Ord. 917 § 2, (1970))
15.04.050— Cross -Connections and Backflow Standards
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the Cross -Connection Control Program
implemented by the City of Burlingame Public Works Department to protect the public
water supply against actual or potential contamination through cross -connection and
backflow.
2.0 SCOPE
The scope of the Cross -Connection Control Program includes all of the elements
necessary to ensure compliance with the California Code of Regulations, Title if,
Public
Health Sections 7583 through 7605. The
City of Burlingame partners with
the
San
Mateo
■.
wgsl
• ■
• �■
15.04.050— Cross -Connections and Backflow Standards
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the Cross -Connection Control Program
implemented by the City of Burlingame Public Works Department to protect the public
water supply against actual or potential contamination through cross -connection and
backflow.
2.0 SCOPE
The scope of the Cross -Connection Control Program includes all of the elements
necessary to ensure compliance with the California Code of Regulations, Title if,
Public
Health Sections 7583 through 7605. The
City of Burlingame partners with
the
San
Mateo
■.
• ■
• �■
15.04.050— Cross -Connections and Backflow Standards
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the Cross -Connection Control Program
implemented by the City of Burlingame Public Works Department to protect the public
water supply against actual or potential contamination through cross -connection and
backflow.
2.0 SCOPE
The scope of the Cross -Connection Control Program includes all of the elements
necessary to ensure compliance with the California Code of Regulations, Title if,
Public
Health Sections 7583 through 7605. The
City of Burlingame partners with
the
San
Mateo
County Environmental Health Services Division to implement the majority of the scope of
this program, including compliance with required program personnel certifications,
surveying of residential, industrial and commercial user facilities for potential cross -
connection hazards, designation of appropriate backflow preventers, requirements for
testers and testing of backflow prevention assemblies, and maintenance of records.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
The following definitions describe those tenns and phrases that are pertinent to the
various elements of a cross -connection control program:
3.1 Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly
The term `Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly" shall mean assemblies listed,
and installed as prescribed, on the most current List of Approved Backflow
Prevention assemblies, published by the University of Southern California
Foundation for Cross -Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC
Foundation), and meet any additional requirements deemed necessary by the City
or Environmental Health.
3.2 Approved Water Supply
The term "approved watersupply"means any local water supply whose potability
is regulated by a State or Local Health Agency.
3.3 Auxiliary Water Supply
The term "auxiliary
water supply" means any water supply on or available to the
premises other than the approved water supply as delivered by the water
purveyor to the service connection.
The term `;4WWA" is an acronym for the American Water Works Association.
3.5 Backflow
The term `backflow" shall mean a flow condition, caused by a differential in
pressure, which causes the flow of water orotherliquid, 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.
3.6 Backflow Preventer
An approved assembly or means designed to prevent backflow.
3.6.1
Air Gap. The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere
between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet conveying water to a
tank, plumbing fixture, receptor or other assembly and the flood level rim
of the receptacle. These vertical physical separations must be at least
twice the diameter of the water supply outlet, never less than 1 inch.
3.6.2
Reduce Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly. This
assembly consists of two independently acting approved check valves
together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent
pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves and
below the first check valve. These units are located between two tightly
closing reslllent-seated shutoff valves as an assembly and equipped with
property located resilient -seated test cocks.
3.6.3
Double Check Valve Assembly. This assembly consists of two internally
loaded check valves, either spring-loaded or internally weighted, installed
as a unit between two tightly closed resilient -seated shutoff valves and
equipped with properly located resilient -seated test cocks.
3.6.4
Double Check Valve Detector Assembly. This assembly is a specially
designed backflow assembly composed of a line -sized -approved double
check valve assembly with a bypass containing a water meter and an
approved double check valve assembly. The meter shall register accurately
for only very low rates and is used to show unauthorized usage or leaks in
the customers system.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly This assembly contains one or two
independently operated spring loaded check valves and an independently
operated spring loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the
check or checks. It also includes two tightly closing shutoff valves on each
side of the check valves and equipped with properly located resilient -
seated test cocks.
3.6.6 Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker Assembly This assembly contains an air
inlet valve, a check seat and an air inlet port(s). A shut off valve
immediately upstream may be an integral part of the assembly, but there
shall be no shutoff valves or obstructions downstream. The assembly
shall not be subject to operating pressure for more than twelve (12) hours
in any twenty-four (24) hour period.
3.6.7 Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker. This device is permanently attached to a hose
bibb and acts as an Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker.
3.7 Customer or Responsible Party
The Customer or Responsible Party is the person that either has applied for
water service from the City, or owns or controls water piping or fixtures served by
the City water supply. The terms customer and responsible party have the same
meaning within this ordinance.
3.8 Contamination
The term "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.
3.9 Pollution
The term `pollution" shall mean an impairment of the quality of the water to a
degree which does not create a hazard to the public health, but, which does
adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of such waters for
domestic use.
3.10 Cross -Connection
The term "cross -connection" as used in this document 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.
3.11 Person
The term `person"means an individual, corporation, company, association,
partnership, municipality, public utilily, or other public body or institution.
3.12 Facility
The tern `facility" means any and all areas on a water user's property which are
served or have the potential to be served by the public water system.
3.13 Public Water System
The term `public water system"means a system for the provision to pipe water to
the public forhuman consumption that has five or more service connections or
regularly serves an average of 25 individuals daily at least 60 day out of the year.
3.14 Service Connection
The term "service connection"refers to the point of connection of a facility's
piping to the water supplier's facilities, usually considered the point at the outlet
from the watermeter.
3.15 Water Supplier
The term "watersupplier means the person who owns oroperates the approved
water supply system.
3.16 Water User
The term "wafer user" means any person obtaining water from an approved
water supply system.
3.17 City
Unless otherwise specified, the term "City" shall refer to the City of Burlingame
Department of Public Works - Water Division or San Mateo County
Environmental Health working as a partner to the Water Division.
3.18 Inspection Tag
"Inspection Tag" means acurrent-calendar-year backflow tag purchased from
San Mateo County Environmental Health.
3.19 Cross -Connection Control Program Specialist
The term "cross -connection control program specialist" means a person certified
byAWWA, oran approved equivalent certifying entity, to evaluate the hazards
inherent in supplying a customer's water system.
3.20 Certified Tester
The term "certified
tester' means a person cerf�ed by AWWA or an approved
equivalent certificate and cert�ed by San Mateo County Environmental Health
Services to perform backflow prevention assembly testing,
4.0 ADMINISTRAT/ONOFPROGRAM
4.1 Authority
City of Burlingame Department of Public Works is the Administrative Authority for
the Cross -Connection Control Program. The authority to administer this program
comes from State of California, Title 17; State of California, Public Utilities
Commission Rule 16c; and State of California, Department of Public Health
Services (and any successor agencies).
4.2 Program Administrator
The program administrator for the Cross -Connection Control Program in the City
of Burlingame is the Public Works Superintendent or his/her designee. The City
also partners with the San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Division
through an agreement to implement portions of the program, as allowed by
Califomia Health and Safety Code. However, the City is ultimately responsible for
the implementation of the program.
5.® APPROPRIATE BACKFLOW PROTECTION
5.1 New Construction, Remodels and Tenant Improvements
5.1.1 Residential, Single -Family and Duplexes Only
A. Domestic Water— The City may require an Approved Backflow
Prevention Assembly to be installed on the customer's facility, as
close as possible to the service connection. The assembly shall
be a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly
(RPP) ora Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) as determined by
the City. If it is determined that a backflow prevention assembly is
required, the customer may also need to install a thermal
expansion tank in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.
8. Irrigation System —The City requires an Approved Backflow
Prevention Assembly to be installed on the customer's facility on
the branch line serving an Irrigation system. The assembly shall be
a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB), Reduced Pressure Principle
BackFlow Prevention Assembly (RPP), or Atmospheric Pressure
Vacuum Breaker (AVB) as determined by the City.
C. Fire Suppression System -All facilities with an installed fire
suppression system must have an Approved Backflow Prevention
Assembly, excluding flow-through fire systems, on the branch line
serving the fire suppression system. The assembly shall be a
Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) or as determined by the City.
Flow-through fire protection systems shall be constructed with
approved potable water piping and materials.
5.1.2 Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Multi -Family
A, Domestic Water— The City may require an Approved Backflow
Prevention Assembly to be installed on the customer's facility, as
close as possible to the service connection. The assembly shall
be a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly
(RPP) or a Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) as determined by
the City. If it's determined after a survey, that a backflow
prevention assembly is required, the customer may also need to
install a thermal expansion tank in accordance with the California
Plumbing Code.
8. Irrigation System —The City requires an Approved Backflow
Prevention Assembly to be installed on the customer's facility, as
close as possible to any irrigation system service connections or
on any irrigation branch line. The assembly shall be a Pressure
Vacuum Breaker (PVB), Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow
Prevention Assembly (RPP) or Atmospheric Pressure Vacuum
Breaker (AVB) as determined by the City.
C. Fire Suppression System -All facilities with an installed fire
suppression system must have an Approved Backflow Prevention
Assembly. The assembly shall be a Double Check Valve Detector
Assembly (DCDA) and installed according to City standard
specifications and drawings, and this Ordinance. The assembly
must incorporate a City -supplied bypass water meter at
customer's cost which is also protected with an approved double
check valve assembly.
5.2 Existing Service Connection
When itis determined in a survey by a City or Environmental Health cross -
connection control program specialist that an actual or potential cross connection
or backflow condition is present on an existing facility, the installation of an
appropriate backflow preventershall be required. Should an existing backflow
prevention assembly be in place that does not meet the City's installation
requirements, does not comply with this ordinance, or does not provide adequate
protection with the degree of hazard found on site, the assembly shall be
replaced or upgraded as required by the City, at the expense of the customer or
responsible party.
6.0 SURVEYS
6.1 Identification of Survey Candidates
The City may identify specific industries that might pose an actual or potential
backflow hazard to the public water supply. Some of these industries are
identified from common lists of industries where cross -connections are likely to
be found, as provided by the State of California, the USC Foundation, and other
recognized organizations. From these lists, specific facilities in the City's service
area may be identified by directories, mailing lists, associations, & business
licenses.
6.2 Survey
Surveys may take the form of office surveys or field surveys. Office surveys may
include determination of facility hazards based on business type or known water
use on the facility. Office surveys could also include evaluation of responses to
mailed or on-line surveys.
Field surveys may include evaluation of water use by observations made from
public or private areas not on the subject facility, or physical inspection on all or a
portion of the facility. When possible, a request to survey the facility shall be
made at least 24 hours in advance, and a date and time agreed upon with a
responsible party. Should the request to survey be denied by a responsible party,
notice shall be sent to the customer or responsible party directing installation of
the appropriate backflow assembly, at the water meter, based on best available
knowledge of the water use and potential hazards at the facility.
During the survey many factors are considered to determine if activities or water
use on facility are or could be a potential hazard to the public water supply.
Factors that may be considered include:
1. Alternative sources of water on site (auxiliary water supplies).
2. Piping configurations on site.
3. Uses of water on site.
4. Types of water using equipment.
5. Condition of water using equipment.
6. Complexity and elevations of plumbing on site, and the potential for
alterations of that system.
7. Storage and use of hazardous materials on site.
All the factors found and recorded during the survey shall be considered in the
determination of the degree of potential hazard (degree of hazard) to the public water
supply. This information shall be considered in the determination of the appropriate
backflow preventer. The customer or responsible party shall be informed of the
requirement to provide backflow protection and the type of backflow prevention assembly
required in accordance with Title 17 of the California Regulations Related to Drinking
Water or the direction of the County Health Officer.
Backflow prevention assembliess a e installed in accordance with Title 17 of the
California Code of Regulations, Section 7603, the City's Standard Specifications, and
the most recent edition of the USC Foundation manual. Any deviation from these
requirements shall require the City's approval. Unless otherwise permitted by the City,
all backflow preventers shall be installed on the customer's or responsible party's facility.
7,1 Air -Gap Separation (AG)
The Air -gap separation shall be located as close as practical to the user's
connection and all piping between the user's connection and the receiving tank
shall be entirely visible unless otherwise approved.
7.2 Double Check Valve Assembly (DC)
A double check valve assembly and double check valve detector assembly shall
be installed a minimum of twelve inches (12') above grade and not more than
thirty-six inches (36') above grade measured from the bottom of the assembly in
a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance.
7.3 Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RPP)
A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall be installed a
minimum of twelve inches (12') above grade and not more than thirty-six inches
(36') above grade measured from the bottom of the assembly, and with a minimum
of twelve inches (12') side clearance in a manner where the assembly is readily
accessible for testing and maintenance.
7.4 Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
A pressure vacuum breaker check valve assembly shall be installed a minimum
of twelve inches (12') above all downstream piping and flood level rims of
receptors and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and
maintenance.
7.5 Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
An atmospheric vacuum breaker check
valve assembly shall be installed a
minimum of six inches (6') above all downstream piping and flood level rims of
receptors and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and
maintenance.
7.6 Backfl
ow Prevention Assembly Enclosures
A backflow prevention assembly enclosure, cage or locked bag may be required
by the City to be installed at the customer's expense, to combat against
tampering, vandalism or theft. The City may require that any enclosure, cage or
locked bag be secured to a concrete slab and securely locked.
Any deviation of installation from the descriptions provided shall require the City's
approval prior to installation. All backflow prevention assembly installations shall be
inspected by the City to ensure compliance with all relevant Statutes, Regulations,
Ordinances, and City requirements.
8.1 Responsibility
As per the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, the City shall assure that
adequate maintenance and periodic testing of backflow prevention assemblies
are provided by the customer or responsible party, to ensure the proper
operation of the assemblies. Therefore, the City declares that the customer or
responsible party is ultimately responsible for the installation, testing, and
maintenance of all required backflow prevention assemblies on or related to the
customer's facility.
8.2 Certified testers
No person shall test and/or make reports on backflow prevention assemblies to
comply with this chapter unless he or she possesses a current certification
issued by the San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Division as
defined in County Ordinance Code.
8.3 Frequency of Testing
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a Certified Tester immediately
after they are installed, relocated or repaired and not placed in service unless they
are functioning as required. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested at
least annually or more frequently if determined to be necessary by the City or
Environmental Health, in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title
17, and San Mateo County Ordinance Code. Exception is 8.4.1.A
8.4 Fire Suppression System Backflow Preventer Testing
8.4.1 Single -Family and Duplex Residential
A. Single -Family and Duplex Residential (SFDR) fire suppression
systems with an installed backflow prevention assembly shall be
tested upon installation only, unless otherwise required by the
City. After completion of successfully testing the assembly, the #1
and #2 shut off valves shall remain in the open position and the
handles removed. The handles shall be stored in the spare head
box. SFDR fire suppression system backflow assemblies are not
required to be tested annually because of the low degree of
hazard.
8.4.2 Commercial, Industrial, Multi -Family
A. Commercial, industrial, multi -family fire suppression system
backflow preventers must be tested annually by a certified tester.
8. If an existing fire suppression system backflow assembly is
located in a vault, and has adequate physical clearance to test, it
is considered "existing non -conforming" and approved for testing.
C. If an existing assembly fails the field test, the assembly must be
repaired or replaced with an appropriate, approved backflow
prevention assembly, installed to current City standards. If any
failed assembly is currently in a vault, the assembly must be
relocated above grade, to meet all current codes and City
standards.
D. If an existing fire system does not have testable approved
backflow prevention assembly the City shall require that a new
appropriate assembly that meets all current codes be installed at
customer or responsible party expense.
9.0 PROCEDURES FOR TESTING AND INSPECTION
9.1 Testable backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested using current USC
Foundation test procedures.
9.2 When a backflow prevention assembly is inspected and has passed the testing
procedure, the certified tester shall immediately affix a numbered inspection tag
to the assembly purchased from the County of San Mateo Environmental Health
Services Division.
9.3 When a backflow prevention assembly fails the testing procedure, the certified
tester shall immediately affix a "Failed" inspection tag to the assembly. Records
of failed assembly tests shall be filed/submitted as directed within ten (10) days.
The "Failed" inspection tag shall remain affixed to the assembly until the
assembly is repaired, has passed the testing procedures and has been affixed
with a numbered inspection tag.
9.4 Certified testers are solely responsible to comply with applicable municipal
requirements for additional permits or licenses (i.e., local business license, plumbing
permit, etc.) to test or repair backflow prevention assemblies within the City.
San Mateo County Environmental Health has the authority to take enforcement action as
allowed in the County Ordinance Code Relating to Backflow Prevention, as it applies to
the agreement between the City and Environmental Health. The City shall have the
authority to enforce this chapter as follows.
10.1 Any person who violates any provision of this chapter, or bypasses or renders
inoperative any backflow prevention assembly installed under the provisions of
this chapter, shall be subject to fines as detailed in Burlingame Municipal Code
Chapter 1.12 - Violations of Code.
10.2 Failure to comply with any section of this chapter may be cause for the
discontinuance of water service by the City. The program administrator shall give
notice in writing of any violations of this chapter to the customer or responsible
party. If appropriate action is not taken within ten (10) days after such notice has
been mailed or delivered in person, the program administrator may discontinue
delivery of water. However, if the program administrator or the health officer
determines that the violation constitutes an immediate threat to the public health
or safety or to the integrity of the public water system, the program administrator
or the health officer may discontinue delivery of water immediately without prior
notice; in such an instance, the program administrator or the health officer shall
deliver notice of discontinuance as soon as practicable to the property owner and
customer or responsible party. Delivery of water shall not be resumed until all
required corrective actions have been made and certified as complete by the City
or Environmental Health.
10.3 All costs incurred by the City for discontinuance of water service and all fees
associated with reinstating water service shall be paid by the customer or
responsible party. Costs incurred by Environmental Health for inspections shall
be paid by the customer or responsible party at the rate set forth by San Mateo
County Ordinance.
11,0 REPORTING
All reporting required by this chapter at the City shall be the responsibility of the program
administrator. This includes any reports to local, state, and federal regulatory or health agencies
such as; California Department of Health Services, and San Mateo County Environmental
Health Services Division.
12.1 Program Administrator
The Program Administrator of the Cross -Connection Control Program at the City
shall be a minimum of a supervisor capacity. He or she shall be a Cross -
Connection Control Program Specialist as defined in this chapter.
12.2 Cross -Connection Control Inspector and Tester
The City representative assigned to the inspection and survey of consumers to
determine if backflow prevention is warranted shall be a Cross -Connection
Control Program Specialist as defined in this chapter. The City employee
assigned to the testing of City -owned assemblies shall be a certified Tester as
defined in this chapter.
13.0 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
13.1 Assembly Records
Records of assembly type, size, manufacturer, installation date, location, account
number, customer or responsible party of record, and repair history shall be kept
electronically or in hard copy form. Assembly records shall be kept for the life of
the assembly by either the City or by Environmental Health as appropriate.
13.2 Testing Records
Test results on all assemblies shall be kept electronically or in hard copy form for
a minimum of three years.
Design details, methods and materials for construction of water services over two (2)
inches in diameter within public property are not specified in this code. Such details, methods
and materials shall conform with specifications for the construction of such work as are compiled
by the city engineer. Such specifications may be changed from time to time at the option of the
city engineer but such changes shall in no way affect the validity of regulations or requirements
contained herein. (Ord. 1035 § 2, (1975))
NOTE: This publication is meant to bean aid to the stc0ofthe CDPHDrinking Water Program and
cannot be relied upon by the regulated community as the State of California's representation of the law.
The published codes are the only officialrepresentation of the law. Refer to the published codes—in this
case, 17 CCR and 22 CCR ivheneverspeciftc citations are required Statutes related to CDPH's drinking
water -related activities are in the Health & Safety Code, the Water Code, and other codes.
(DIVISION 1. STATE DEPARTMENT OF REALTH SERVICES
CHAPTER 5. SANITATION (ENVIRONMENTAL)
SUBCHAPTER I. ENGINEERING (S TARS)
GROUP 46 DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES
Awhcle 1. General
175834 pefinitionsa
lit addition to the definitions in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code, the
following terms are defined for the purpose of this Chapter:
(a) "Approved Water Supply" is a water supply whose potability is regulated by a
State of local health agency.
(b} '°Auxiliary Water Supply" i5 any water supply other than that received from a
public water system.
(c) "Au -gap Separation (AG)" is a physical break between the supply line and a
receiving vessel.
- C (d) "AW WA Standard" is a�a official standard developed and approved by the
American Water Works Association (AWWA),
(e) "Cross -Connection'" is an unprotected actual or potential connection between.a
pMUM wrier 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,
(f) "Double Check Valve Assembly (DC)" is an assembly bf at least two
independently acting check valves including tightly closing shut-off valves on each side
of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the watertightness of each
check valve.
(g) "Health Agency" means the California Aepartment of Health Services, or the local
health officer with respect to a small water system.
(h) "Local Health Agency" means the county or city health authority.
(i) "Reclaimed Water" is a wastewater which as a result of treatment is suitable for
uses otherthan potable use.
Last ttpdaied July I, 2014 from Z'tttes 17 and 22 California Code o, fRegulaflons
California Regtalaticns Related to Drinking Plater
NOTE: This publication is meant to be an aid to the stglf of the CDPHDrinking Water Program and
cannot be relied upon by the regulated community as the Slate of California's representation ofthe.law,
The published codes are tate only official representation of the law. Refer to the published codes—in this
case, 17 CCR and 22 CCK—whenever specific citations are required Statutes related to CDPH's drinldng
wafer -related activities are in the Health & Sgfety Code, the Water Code, and other codes.
(j) "Reduced Pressure principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP)" is a backflow
preventer incorporating not less than two check valves, an automatically operated
differential relief valve located between the two check valves, a tightly closing shut-off
valve on each side of the check valve assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks
or testing.
(k) "User Connection" is the point of Connection of a user's piping to the water
supplier's facilities.
(1) "Wator Supplier" is the person who owns or operates the public water system.
(nt} "Water User" is any person obtaining wator from a public water supply.
§7S$4.12esponsibll►ty and scope of program.
The water supplier shall protect the public water supply from contamination by
implementation of a cross -connection control program. The program, or any portion
thereof, may be implemented directly by the water supplier or by means of a gontract
with the local health agency, or with another agency approved by the health agency. The
water supplier's cross -connection control program shall for the purpose of addressing the
requirements of Sections 7585 through 7605 include, but not be limited to, the following
elements:
(a) The adoption of operating rules or ordinances to implement the cross -connection
program.
(b) The conducting of surveys to identify wafer Usor premises where cross -
connections are likely to occur,
(c) The previsions of backflow protection by the water user at the user's connection or
within the user's premises or both,
MI The
provision of at toast one persan trained in cross -connection control to carry .
out the cross -connection program,
(e) The establishment of a procedure or system for
testing backflow preventers; and
(t) The maintenance of records of locations, tests, and repairs of backflow
preventers.
§7585. )Gvaluation
of hazard.
The water supplier shall evaluate rho degree of potential health hazard to the publio water
supply which may be created as a result of conditions existing on a user's premises. The
water supplier, however, shall not be responsible for abatement of cross -connections
which may exist within a user's premises, As a minimum, the evaluation should consider:
the existence of cross -connections, the nature of materials handled on the property, the
probability of a backflow occurring, the degree of piping system complexity and the 16
Last updated July 1, 2014 from Titles 17 and 22 California Code of Regulations
California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
NOTE: This publication is meant to bean aid to the staff ofthe CDPHDrinking Water Program and
cannot be relied upon by the regulated community as the State of California's representation of the law,
nii published codes are the only ofjlciat representation of the law. Refer to the published codes—in this
case, 17 CCR and 22 CCR—whenever specific citations are required. Statutes related to CDPA's drinking
water -related activities are in the Health & Safety Code, the Water Code, and other codes.
potential For piping system modification. Special consideration shall be given to the
premises of the following types of water users:
(a) Premises where substances harmful to health are handled under pressure in a
manner which could permit their entry into the public water system. This includes
chemical or biological process waters and water from public water supplies which have
deteriorated in sanitary quality.
(b) Premises having an auxiliary water supply, unless the auxiliary supply is accepted
as an additional source by the water supplier and is approved by the health agency.
(c} Premises Yhat have internal cross -connections that are not abated to the satisfaction
of the water supplier or the health agency.
(d) Premises whore amss-Connections are likely to occur and entry is restricted so that
cross -connection inspections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or at sufficiently
short notice to assure that Bross -connections do not exist.
(e) Premises having a repeated history oFcross-connections being established or re-
establiished.
§7586. User stapervlsor.
The health agency and water supplier may, at their discretion, require an industrial water
user to designate a user supervisor when the water user's premises has a multipiping
system that convey various types of fluids, some of which may be hazardous and where
changes in the piping system are frequently made. The user supervisor shall be
responsible for the avoidance of cross -connections during the installation, operation and
maintenance of the water user's pipelines and equipment.
Article 2. Protection of Wrrtet' System
§7601. Approval of backflow preventers.
Backflow preventers required by this Chapter shall have passed laboratory and field
evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated
tlteir competency to perform such tests to the Department.
§7602. Construction of backflow preventers.
(a) Air -gap 5eparatian. An Air -gap separation (AG) shall be at least double the
diameter of the supply pipe, measured vertically from the flood rim of the receiving
vessel to the supply pipe; however, in no case shall flus separation be less than one inch.
(b) Double Check Valve Assembly. A required double
check valve assembly (DC)
shall, as a minimum, conform to the AW WA Standard C506-78 (R$3}adopted on
January 28, 1978 For Double Check Valve Type Backflow Preventive Devices which is
herein incorporated by reference.
Last updated JuPy 1, 2014 from Titles 17 and 22 California Code ofRegudations
California Regula&ons Related %a Drinking Wafer
NOTE: This publication is meant to bean aid to the stqffbfthe CDPHDrinking Water Program and
cannot be relied upon by the regulated community as the State of Ca4fornia's representation ofthe law.
The publisbed codes are the only official representation of the law. Refer to the published codes—in this
case, 17 CCR and 22 CCR—whenever speck citations are required. Statutes related to CDPH's drinking
water-related actividies are in the Health & Safety Code, the Water Code, and other codes.
(c) Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device. A required reduced
pressure principle baMow,prevention device (RP) shall, as a minimum, conform to the
AW WA Standard 0506-78 (11$3) adopted on January 28,1478 for Reduced Pressure
Principle Type Backflow Prevention Devices which is herein incorporated by reference.
§7603. Location of backflow preventers.
(a) Air-gap Separation. An air-gap separation shall be located as close as practical to
the user°s connection and all piping between the user's connection and the receiving tank
shall be entirely visible unless otherwise approved in writing by the water supplier and
the health agency.
(b) Double Check Valve Assembly. A double check valve assembly shall be located
as close as practical to the user's connectiodt and shall be installed above grade, if
possible, and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance.
(c) Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device. A reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention device shall be located as close as practical to the user's
connection and shall be installed a minimum of twelve inches (12") above grade and not
more than thirty-six inches (36") above grade measured from the bottom of the device
and with a minimum of twelve inches (12") side clearance.
X7604. Type of protection required.
The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the public water
supply shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer's
prcmises. The type of protective device that may be required (listed in an increasing level
of protection) includes: Double check Valve Assembly-(DC), Reduced Pressure Principle
Backflow Prevention Device-(RP) and an Air gap Separation-(AG). The water user may
choose a higher level of protection than required by the water supplier. The minimum
types of backflow protection required to protect the public water supply, at the water
user's connection to premises with various degrees of hazard, are given in Table 1.
Situations not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on a case-by�case basis and the
appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the water supplier or health
agency.
Zasd updated Tuly I, 2074 from Titles 17 and 22 California Code of Regulations
Califarnsa Regulatimrs Related to Drtnldng Water
NOT.C: This publication Is meant to bean aid to the staff of the CMI'Drinking Water Program and
cannot be relied upon by the regulated community as the State of California's representation of the law.
T he published codes are the only ofcial representation of the law. Refer to the published codes—in this
case, 17 CCR and 22 CCR whenever specific citations are required Statutes related to CDPH's drinking
water -related activities are in the Health & Safety Code, the Water Code, and other codes.
Degree of Hazard Minimum
Type of
Backflow
Prevention
(a) Sewage and Hazardous Substances
(1) Premises where there are waste water pumping and/or treatment AG
plants and there is no interconnection with the potable water system.
This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lilt
pump. A RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the
health agency and water supplier.
(2) Premises where bazardous substances are handled in any AG
manner in which the substances may enter the potable water system.
This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift
pump. A RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the
health agency and water supplier.
(3) Premises where there are irrigation systems into which RP
fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides are, or can be, injected.
(b) Auxiliary Water Supplies
(1) Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply AG
which is interconnected with the public water system. A RP or DC may
be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and
water supplier
(2) Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary RP water RP
supply and there are no interconnections with the public water system.
A DC may be provided in lieu of a RP if approved by the health agency
and water supplier.
(c) Recycled water
(1) Premises where the public water system is used to supplement AG
the recycled water supply,
(2) Premises where recycled water is used, other than as allowed in RP
paragraph (3), and there is no interconnection with the potable water
system.
(3) Residences using recycled water for landscape irrigation as part DC
of an approved dual plumbeduse area established pursuant to sections
60313 through 6031.6 unless the recycled water supplier obtains
approval of the local public water supplier, or the Department if the
water supplier is also the supplier of the recycled water, to utilize an
alternative backflowprotection plan that includes an annual inspection
and annual shutdown test of the recycled water and potable water
systems pursuant to subsection 60316(a).
(d) Fire Protection Systems
19
Last updated Judy 1, 2014-fi'am Titles 17 and 22 California Code of Regulations
California Regulations Related to Drfraldng Water
NOTE: This publication is meant to bean aid to the stgff ofthe CDPI-lDrinking Water Program and
cannot he relied upon by the regulated community as the State ofCal#brnia's representation of Phe law.
The published codes are the only official representation of the law. Refer to the published code"Ji this
case, 17 CCR and 22 CCR whenever specie citations are required. Statutes related to CDPH's drinldng
water -related activities are in the Health & Sgfety Code, the Water Code, and other codes.
(1) Premises where the fire system is dieaotly supplied from the DC
public water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply
on or to the promises (not interconnected).
(2) Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water AG
system and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply.
A RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health
agency and water supplier.
(3) Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water DC
system and where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps which
take suction from private reservoirs or tanks are used.
(4) Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water DC
system and where recycled water is used in a separate piping system
within the same building.
(e) Dockside Watering Points and Marine Facilities
(1) Pier hydrants for supplying water to vessels for any purpose. RP
(2) Premises where there are marine facilities. RP
(f) Premises where entry is restricted so that inspections far cross- RP
connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or at sufficiently
short notice to assure that do not exist.
(g) Premises where there is a repeated history of cross connections being RP
established or reestablished.
§7605.3'esting and maintenanoc of baekflnw preventersa
(a} The water supplier shall assure that adequate maintenance and periodic testing are
provided by the water user to ensure their proper operation.
{b) Bacicflowpreventers shall be tested by persons who have demonstrated their
competency in testing of these devices to the water supplier or health agency.
(a) Backflow proverrters shall be tested at least annually or more
frequently if
determined to bo necessary by the health agency or water supplier. When devices are
found to be defective, they shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with the provisions
of this Chapter.
(d) Backflow preventers shall
be testgd immediately after they are installed, relocated
or repaired and not placed in cervico unless they are functioning as required.
(e) The water supplier shall notify the water user when testing of backRow preventers
is needed. The notice shall contain the date when the tesk must be completed.
() Reports of testing and maintenance shall be maintained by the water supplier for
a
minimum of three years.
KE
Lasd updated July 1, 201 A from Tidies 17 and 22 California Code of Regulations
California Iteguladions Related to Drinking Water