Cross Connection Policy

SECTION 1: PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is:

1. To protect the public water supply against actual or potential contamination that may occur within a water user’s premises because of some undiscovered or unauthorized cross connection on the premises;
2. To eliminate existing connections between drinking water systems and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption;
3. To eliminate cross-connections between drinking water systems and sources of contamination;
4. To prevent the making of cross-connections in the future.

These regulations are adopted pursuant to the State of California Administrative Code, Title 17 – Public Health entitled “Regulations Relating to Cross-Connections”. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation at any time to make or maintain or cause to be made or maintained, temporarily or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross-connection between plumbing pipes or water fixtures being served with water by the Association water system and any other source of water supply or to maintain any sanitary fixture or other appurtenances or fixtures which, by reason of their construction, may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the Association and/or the service of water pipes or fixtures of any consumer of the Association.

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

A. Air-Gap Separation: 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.

B. 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 tests to the California Department of Health Services.

C. Approved Water Supply: The term “approved water supply” means any water supply whose potability is regulated by a State or local health agency.

D. Auxiliary Supply: The term “auxiliary supply” means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the approved water supply.

E. AWWA Standards: The term “AWWA Standard” means an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

F. 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. Backsiphonage is one cause of backflow. Back pressure is the other cause.

G. 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.

H. 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. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered cross-connections.

I. 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 valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the watertightness of each check valve.

J. Health Agency: The term “health agency” means the California Department of Health Services, or the local health agency with respect to a small water system.

K. Local Health Agency: The term “local health agency” means the county or city health authority.

L. Person: The term “person” means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.

M. Premises: The term “premises” means any and all areas on a water user’s property which are served by the public water system.

N. Public Water System: The term” public water system” means a system for the provision of piped 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 days out of the year.

O. Reclaimed Water: The term “reclaimed water” means a wastewater which, as a result of treatment, is suitable for uses other than potable use.

P. Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device: 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 checks, a tightly closing shut-off valve on each side of the check valve assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks for testing.

Q. Service Connection: The term “service connection” refers to the point of connection of a user’s piping to the water supplier’s facilities.

R. Water Supplier: The term “water supplier” means the person who owns or operates the approved water supply system.

S. Water User: The term “water user” means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply system.

SECTION 3: CROSS-CONNECTION PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

A. General Provisions:

1. Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited.Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the Association will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention device by and at his expense for continued services or before a new service will be granted.
2. 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 Association’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.

B. Where Protection is Required:

1. Each service connection from the Association water system for supplying water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises into the public water system unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional source by the Association, and is approved by the public health agency having jurisdiction.
2. Each service connection from the Association water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance is handled in such fashion as may allow its entry into the water system shall be protected against backflow of the water from the premises into the public system. This shall include the handling of process waters and waters originating from the Association water system which have been subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality.
3. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having (a) internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the state or local health department and the Association, or (b) intricate plumbing and piping arrangements or where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impracticable or impossible to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist.

C. Type of Protection Required:

1. 
   The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the approved water supply shall commensurate with the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer’s premises. The type of protective device that may be required (listing 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 Association.
2. The minimum types of backflow protection required to protect the approved water supply, at the user’s water connection to premises with varying degrees of hazard are given in Table 1. Situations which are not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on a case by case basis and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the Association or health agency.

Table 1

TYPE OF BACKFLOW REQUIRED

Degrees of Hazard
Minimum Type of Backflow Prevention

SEWAGE AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Premises where the public water system is used to supplement the reclaimed water supply.
AG
Premises where there are wastewater pumping and/or treatment plants and there is no interconnection with 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 the Association.
AG
Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no interconnection with the potable water system. A RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the Association.
AG
Premises where hazardous substances are handled in any manner in which the substances may enter a potable water system. This does not include a single family residence that has a sewage lift pump. A RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the Association.
AG
Premises where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides are, or can be, injected.

AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLIES

Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply 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 the Association.
AG

Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply and there are no interconnections with the public water system. A DC may be provided in lieu of an RP if approved by the health agency and Association.
RP

Degrees of Hazard
Minimum Type of Backflow Prevention

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Premises where the fire system is directly supplied from the public water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply on or to the premises (not interconnected).
DC

Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water 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 Association.
AG

Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps which take suction from the private reservoirs or tanks are used.
DC

DOCKSIDE WATERING POINTS AND MARINE FACILITIES
DC

Pier hydrants for supplying water to vessels for any purpose.
DC

Premises where there are marine facilities.
RP

Premises where entry is restricted so that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient short notice to assure that cross-connections do not exist.
RP

Premises where there is a repeated history of cross-connections being established or re-established.
RP

2. Two or more services supplying water from different street mains to the same building, structure, or premises through which an interstreet main flow may occur, shall have at least a standard check valve on each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property side of the respective meters. Such check valve shall not be considered adequate if backflow protection is deemed necessary to protect the Association’s mains from pollution or contamination; in such cases the installation of approved backflow devices at such service connections shall be required.

SECTION 4: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES

A. Approved Backflow Prevention Devices:

1. Only backflow prevention devices which have been approved by the Association shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the Association’s potable water system.
2. The Association will provide, upon request, to any affected customer with a list of approved backflow prevention devices.

B. Backflow Prevention Device Installation:

Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Section 7603, Title 22 of the California Administrative Code. Location of the devices should be as close as practical to the user’s connection. The Association shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention device.

1. Air-Gap Separation (AG): The air-gap separation shall be located on the user’s side and as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade and be entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point between the service connection and the air-gap separation. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two (2) pipe diameters of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one (1) inch above the overflow rim of the receiving tank.
2. Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP): The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be installed on the user’s side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. The device shall be installed 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. 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 Association.
3. Double Check Valve Assembly (DC): The approved double check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user’s connection and shall be installed above grade, if possible, and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If a double check valve assembly is put below grade it must be installed in a vault such that there is a minimum of six inches (6”) between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the device, so that the top of the device is no more than a maximum of eight inches (8”) below grade, so there is a minimum of six inches of clearance between the side of the device with the test cocks and the side of the vault. Special consideration must be given to double check valve assemblies of the “Y” type. These devices must be installed on their “side” with the tests cocks in a vertical position so that either check valve may be removed for service without removing the device. Vaults which do not have an integrated bottom must be placed on a three-inch (3”) layer of gravel.

C. Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance:

1. The owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow prevention devices are installed, shall have the devices tested by a person who has demonstrated their competency in testing of these devices to the Association. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. The Association may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is determined to be necessary. No device shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. A report in a form acceptable to the Association shall be filed with the Association each time a device is tested, relocated, or repaired. These devices shall be serviced, overhauled, or replaced whenever they are found to be defective and all costs of testing, repair, and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.
2. The Association will supply affected water users with a list of persons acceptable to the Association to test backflow prevention devices. The Association will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and also supply users with the necessary forms which must be filled out each time a device is tested or repaired.

D. Backflow Prevention Device Removal:

1. Approval must be obtained from the Association before a backflow prevention device is removed, relocated, or replaced.
   
   

   Removal: The use of a device may be discontinued and the device removed from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence to the Association to verify that a hazard no longer exists or is not likely to be created in the future;

    

   Relocation: A device may be relocated following confirmation by the Association 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;

    

   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 Association. A retest will be required following the repair of the device; and,

    

   Replacement: A device may be removed and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement device is installed. All replacement devices must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.

SECTION 5: USER SUPERVISOR

At each premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the Association, 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 Association shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the Association of the user supervisor’s identity on, as a minimum, an annual basis and whenever a change occurs.

SECTION VI: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

A. Water System Survey:

1. The Association shall review all requests for new services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the Association upon request for review of possible cross-connection hazards as a condition of service for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention device is necessary to protect the public water system, the required device must be installed before service will be granted.
2. The Association may require an on-premise inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The Association will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection of his piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the Association considers necessary.
3. The Association may, at its discretion, require a reinspection for cross-connection hazards of any premise to which it serves water. The Association will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any water user who cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of his piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the Association considers necessary.

B. Customer Notification – Device Installation:

1. The Association will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing the corrective actions to be taken if any are required. A period of 60 days will be given to complete all corrective actions required, including installation of backflow prevention devices.
2. A second notice will be sent to each water user who does not take the required corrective actions prescribed in the first notice within the 60 days period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two week period to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the 2 week period the Association may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are taken.

SECTION 7: WATER SERVICE TERMINATION

A. General: When the Association encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the Association shall institute the procedure for discontinuing the Association water service.

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 prevention 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,
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 auxiliary water system,
8. A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system.

C. Water Service Termination Procedures:

1. For conditions 1, 2, 3, or 4, the Association 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 5, 6, 7, or 8, the Association will take the following steps:

   a. Make reasonable effort to advise 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 Association.

SECTION 8: SEVERABILITY

If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Policy, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Policy or any part thereof. The Board hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.

SECTION 9: EFFECTIVE DATE

This Policy effective April 2004.