§ 44-58. Cross connections prohibited; backflow prevention devices.

(a)

Cross connections between the county water system and other water sources, systems, or equipment, including private wells, are hereby prohibited except as provided in subsection (b) of this section. As used herein, a prohibited cross connection shall mean:

(1)

A physical connection through which a supply of potable water could be contaminated or polluted; or

(2)

A connection between a supervised potable water supply (which is typically county-owned and operated) and an unsupervised water supply of unknown potability.

(b)

The county may permit interconnection to the county water system by other suppliers if:

(1)

Such other system is regularly examined as to its quality, and evidence is presented to the director, on such schedule as may be reasonably required, that the water in its bacteriological and chemical quality conforms with all requirements of the county water system, the DEP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;

(2)

The interconnected systems meet all DEP requirements; and

(3)

Suitable protective devices are installed in agreement with and under the supervision of the director at the account holder's meter, or at the property line of the account holder when a meter is not utilized, or at a location designated by the director. Suitable backflow protection devices consist of reduced pressure backflow preventers or other devices approved by the director.

(c)

Backflow prevention devices must meet design and performance standards of the AWWA and be approved by the director and shall be installed on all multifamily, commercial and industrial water service lines, irrigation meters and any potential source of contamination that receives county potable water, unless waived in writing by the director. Any improvement that has an irrigation meter shall install backflow preventers on the irrigation meter and on any other water servicing the improvement. Backflow preventers shall be installed between the meter and before any branch lines and shall be installed in the manner required by the state administrative code and shall also meet the requirements of the state plumbing code. There will be a valve at the account holder's side of the backflow prevention device. Installation and maintenance of the backflow preventer and valve are the responsibility of the property owner. Backflow prevention devices are required to be tested and certified to meet minimum standards, in order to protect public health. The test shall be accomplished by a certified backflow technician approved by the director. The device shall be tested at least annually and a written report submitted to the director. In addition to the other penalties provided by this article, failure of the account holder to comply with this section, including the annual testing and reporting requirements, may result in termination of service after ten days' notice. If the backflow is determined to be a hazardous situation, disconnection will be made immediately.

(d)

Upon discovery of a prohibited cross connection, the director shall either eliminate the cross connection by requiring installation of an appropriate backflow prevention device acceptable to the director or shall discontinue service until the contaminant source is eliminated.

(e)

Any user utilizing an irrigation system or reuse water must install a county-approved backflow preventer.

(f)

No person shall connect roof downspouts, exterior foundation drains, areaway drains, or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or building drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to the county sewer system.

(Ord. No. 2008-17, § 14, 5-27-2008)