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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDIV II) CH 1 Water Service: Section 23 - Non-Responsibility of District23-1 SECTION 23 NON-RESPONSIBILITY OF DISTRICT 23.01 INTERRUPTIONS OF WATER SERVICE District does not guarantee continuous delivery of water on demand. From time to time it may be necessary for the District to shut off the flow of water in any of its water systems. Except in emergencies, such stoppages will not be made without prior notice to the customers involved. District shall not assume any responsibility for loss or damages which may occur due to interruption of water service. 23.02 PRIVATELY-OWNED WATER LINES The District assumes no responsibility for the delivery of water through privately-owned pipelines or systems, nor shall it assume any responsibility for damages resulting from the operation of any such system even though water may be received from a district water distribution system. 23.03 WATER PRESSURE REGULATION A.Customer Responsibility. The District shall assume no responsibility for water pressure regulation within a customer's service area. The customer shall be responsible for providing adequate safeguard measures for the customer's water system wherever pressure regulation is necessary. B.Requirement for Installation in New Construction. Customers making application for water service for new construction for residential, commercial or industrial use shall be required to install an appropriate pressure regulation device for such service. 23.04 CROSS-CONNECTIONS AND BACKFLOW DEVICES State Regulations for Cross-Connections The California State Water Resources Control Board has issued regulations related to cross-connections, outlined in the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, for the purpose of safeguarding drinking water supplies by preventing backflow into public water systems. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation at any time to make or maintain, or cause to be made or main- tained, temporarily or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross-connection between plumbing pipes or water fixtures being served with water by the District water department and any other source of water supply; or to main- tain any sanitary fixtures or other appurtenances or fixtures 23-2 which, by reason of their construction, may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the District and/or the service of water pipes or fixtures of any consumer of the District. A.Definitions: For a complete listing, see the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Cross- Connection Control Policy Handbook. 1.Air-Gap Separation (AG): The term "air-gap separation" 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 top rim of the vessel, in no case less than one inch. 2.Approved Backflow Prevention Device: The term "approved backflow prevention device" shall mean devices which have passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated their competency to perform such test to the California Department of Health Services and the Otay Water District. 3.AWWA Standard: The term "AWWA Standard" means an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). 4.Backflow: The term "backflow" shall mean 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. 5.Cross-Connection: The term "cross-connection" as used in this Ordinance 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. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections. 6.Double Check Valve Assembly: The term "double check valve assembly" means an assembly of at least two independently acting check valves, including tightly closing shut-off valves, on each side of the check 23-3 valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the water tightness of each check valve. 7.Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP): The term "reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device" means a device incorporating two or more check valves and an automatically operating 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 for testing. 8.Reduced Pressure Detection Assembly (RPDA): Same as RP except as approved for fire services. 9.Service Connection: The term "service connection" refers to the point of connection of a user's piping to the Otay Water District facilities. B.General Provisions 1.Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited. 2.Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the District will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention device, by and at his/her expense, for continued services 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 District'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 Ordinance. C.Where Protection is Required 1.Each service connection from the District 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. 23-4 2.Each service connection from the District 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 includes commercial accounts, fire service accounts, irrigation accounts, multi-family dwellings, multi-story buildings, complex piping, and locations where the handling of process waters and waters originating from the District water system may be subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality. D.Type of Protection Required 1.The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the approved water supply shall be commensurate to the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer's premises. The type of protective device that may be required (listed in increasing levels of protection) includes: double check valve backflow prevention assemblies, reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies (RP), and an air-gap separation (AG). The water user may choose a higher level of protection than that required by the District. 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 Appendix D of the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook. Situations which are not covered in Appendix D shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the District. E.Approved Backflow Prevention Devices 1.Only lead-free backflow prevention assemblies which have been approved by the District shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the District's potable water system. 2.The District will provide to any affected cus- tomer, upon their request, a list of approved backflow prevention devices. F.Backflow Prevention Device Installation 23-5 1.Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Article 3 of the Cross- Connection Control Policy Handbook. Location of the devices should be as close as practical to the user's connection. The District shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention device. a.Air-gap Separation (AG) - 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 separa- tion. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two (2) pipe diameters of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the overflow rim of the receiving tank. b.Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP) - The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be installed on the user's side of the service connection at a distance consistent with the District's Standard Drawings and Specifications. The device shall be installed a minimum of twelve inches (12") but not more than twenty-four inches (24") above grade, measured from the bottom of the relief valve and with a minimum of twelve inches (12") side clearance, and twenty-four inches (24”) of clearance on the side of the assembly containing the test cocks. 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 District. Additionally, materials and installation shall at all times conform to water agency standards which can be found at www.sdwas.org. G.Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance 23-6 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 District and has been approved by the District. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation, or repair. The District 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 testing result submission, in a form acceptable to the District, shall be made 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.Initial testing after installation and subse- quent retesting shall at all times conform to water agency standards as outlined in www.sdwas.org. 3.The District will supply affected water users with a list of persons acceptable to the District to test backflow prevention devices. The District will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and will also supply users with the necessary testing information to be submitted each time a device is tested or repaired. 4.Existing double check valves and pressure vacuum breakers on median strip irrigation areas which function adequately may remain in place, however, as the District no longer recognizes such devices to be commensurate with the degree of potential hazard, failures of these devices will necessitate their replacement with a reduced pressure principal backflow prevention device (RP). H.Backflow Prevention Device Removal 1. Written approval must be obtained from the District before a backflow prevention device is 23-7 removed, relocated, repaired or replaced. a.Removal: The use of a device may be discontinued and device removed from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence to the District 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 District 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 until repair is completed and the device is returned to service, or the service connection is equipped with other backflow protection approved by the District. 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 and tested. All replacement devices must be approved by the District and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved. I. User Supervisor 1.At each premise where it is necessary, in the opinion of the District, 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 District shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor so appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the District of the user supervisor's required 23-8 information on an annual basis or whenever a change occurs. J. Administrative Procedures Water System Survey 1.The District shall review all requests for new services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the District 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 activated. 2.The District may require an on premise inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The District will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer who cannot or will not allow an on premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the District considers necessary. 3.The District may, at its discretion, require a reinspection for cross-connection hazards of any premise to which it serves water. The District will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer who cannot or will not allow an on premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the District considers necessary. K.Customer Notification - Device Installation and/or Repair (Corrective Action) 1.The District will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period of 30 days will be given to complete all corrective action required including installation of backflow prevention devices. 23-9 2.A second notice will be sent to each water user who does not take the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice within the 30 day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a 14 day period to take the required corrective action and will generate the assessment of a fee in accordance with Appendix A. If no action is taken within the 14 day period, the District may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are taken. 3.A third and final notice will be sent to each water user who fails to take the requisite corrective action detailed in the second notice within the 14 day period allowed. The third notice will indicate the date of service termination and will generate the assessment of a fee in accordance with Appendix A. 4.Only passing test results from a certified and District-approved tester/installer received electronically through the SwiftComply tester’s portal within the allotted time period will constitute compliance with the above require- ments. L. Customer Notification - Testing 1.The District will notify each affected water user when it is time for the backflow preven- tion device installed on their service connections to be tested. This written notice shall give the water user 60 days to have the device tested and will supply the water user with the necessary testing information to be used when submitting testing results to the District. 2.A second notice shall be sent to each water user who does not have their backflow preven- tion device tested as prescribed in the first notice within the 60-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user an additional 14 days to have their backflow prevention device tested and will generate the assessment of a fee in accordance with Appendix A of this Ordinance. If no action is taken 23-10 within the 14-day period, the District may terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject device is tested. 3.A third and final notice will be sent to each water user who fails to have their backflow prevention device(s) tested as required in the second notice within the 14-day period allowed. The third notice will indicate the date of service termination and will generate the assessment of a fee in accordance with Appendix A of this Ordinance. 4.Submittal of passing test results by a District approved tester, through the SwiftComply portal, within the allotted time period will constitute compliance with the above requirements. M. Water Service Termination A.General When the District encounters water uses that rep- resent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the District shall institute the procedure for discontinuing the District water service. A reconnection fee will be assessed in accordance with Appendix A. B.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: 1.Refusal to install a required backflow pre- vention device; 2.Refusal to test a backflow prevention device; 3.Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention device; 4.Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention device; 5.Direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer line; 23-11 6.Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants; 7.Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxil- iary water system; and/or 8.Any situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system. Additional remedies for failure to comply with cross- connection requirements are referenced in Section 72 of the Code of Ordinances and may be prosecuted as set forth in Section 73.01 of this Code. N.Water Service Termination Procedures The District has absolute discretion to determine the corrective action required and referenced in Sections 72 and 73 of this Code. 1.For conditions 1, 2, 3, or 4, the District will terminate service to a customer's premise after 2 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 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, the District will take the following steps: a.Make reasonable effort to advise the water user of intent to terminate water service; b.Terminate water supply and lock service valve. The water service will remain inactive until correction of violations has been approved by the District. O. Requirements for addition to or renewal on the Otay Water District list of approved backflow prevention device testers A.Each applicant desiring initial addition to or annual renewal on the District’s List of Approved Backflow Prevention Device Testers shall submit a fee in accordance with Appendix A. Fees must be made in an acceptable form of 23-12 payment to the District. Along with the fee, a current address and phone number must be furnished. Those applicants not meeting all qualifications specified herein will have current fees returned. B.Applicants shall hold a valid and current certification from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) California Nevada Section, American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA), American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE), University of Southern California Test Procedures (current edition) or from a certification program recognized by the San Diego County Health Department. Evidence of said certification shall be furnished to the District at the time of application, at the time of renewal, and at any time the District requests verification. Certification alone does not constitute District approval. C.Each applicant shall furnish evidence to show the availability of the necessary tools and equipment to properly test and/or repair such devices. Test kits shall be recalibrated annually and evidence of this shall also be provided with both the initial application and subsequent renewals. D.The tester shall be solely responsible for the competency and accuracy of all tests and reports prepared and submitted to the District. The list of approved testers will be furnished upon request to any District customer requiring such service. The testers listed will remain listed for a period of one year at which time they are subject to application for renewal. At the beginning of each year a grace period not to exceed ninety (90) days will be allowed for this process. Failure to renew within the grace period will constitute removal from the list. The District reserves the authority to revoke, suspend, or remove any tester from the list of authorized testers for improper conduct, testing, repairs, and/or reporting. 23-13 FEES A.A second notice for required corrective action will result in a service fee, per backflow device as outlined in Appendix A. B.A third notice (termination of service notice) will result in a service fee per backflow device followed by the assessment of a reconnection fee if such action is required as outlined in Appendix A. C.A reconnection fee per service is required for service to be resumed as outlined in Appendix A. D.Applicants for addition to the list of approved backflow prevention device testers in the Otay Water District will submit an initial filing fee and an annual renewal fee, as outlined in Appendix A. 23.05 WATER SERVICE FOR STEAM BOILERS Customers using District water to supply steam boilers are required to provide adequate storage of water for boiler use for a minimum period of 12 hours. 23.06 ELECTRICAL GROUND CONNECTIONS The connection of electrical ground wire to water pipes is prohibited. The District shall assume no responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from such a connection.