The purpose of this article is to:
A.Â
Protect the public potable water supply of the City of Plattsburgh
from the possibility of contamination by isolating within its customers'
internal distribution system or its customers' private water system
such contaminations or pollutants which could backflow into the public
water supply system.
B.Â
Comply with the requirements of the New York State Sanitary Code
§ 5-1.31.
A.Â
AIR GAP SEPARATION
APPROVED CHECK VALVE
APPROVED DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY
APPROVED REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE
APPROVED WATER SUPPLY
AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY
CITY
CITY WATER SUPPLY
CONSUMER
CONTAMINATION
COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER
CROSS-CONNECTION
NONTOXIC SUBSTANCE
PERSON
PREMISES
PROTECTIVE DEVICE
SERVICE CONNECTION
SUPERINTENDENT
TOXIC SUBSTANCE
Terms defined. For the purpose of this article, unless it is plainly
evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, certain
terms used herein are defined as follows:
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, and in
no case less than one inch.
A check valve that seats readily and completely. It must
be carefully machined to have free-moving parts and assured watertightness.
The face of the closure element and valve seat must be bronze composition
or other noncorrodible material which will seat tightly under all
prevailing conditions of field use. Pins and bushings shall be of
bronze or other noncorrodible, nonsticking material and machined for
easy, dependable operation. The closure element (e.g., clapper) shall
be internally weighted or otherwise internally equipped to promote
rapid and positive closure in all sizes where this feature is obtainable.
An assembly of at least two independently acting approved
check valves, including tightly closing shutoff valves on each side
of the check valve assembly and suitable test cocks plus connections
available for testing watertightness of each valve.
A device incorporating two or more check valves and an automatically
operating differential relief valve located between the two checks,
two shutoff valves and equipped with necessary appurtenances for testing.
The device shall operate to maintain the pressure in the zone between
the two check valves less than the pressure on the public water supply
side of the device. At cessation of normal flow, the pressure between
the check valves shall be less than the supply pressure. In case of
leakage of either check valve, the differential relief valve shall
operate to maintain this reduced pressure by discharging to the atmosphere.
When the inlet pressure is two pounds per square inch or less, the
relief valve shall open to the atmosphere, thereby providing an air
gap in the device. To be approved, the devices must be readily accessible
for maintenance and testing and installed in a location where no part
of the device will be submerged.
Any water supply approved by or under the public health supervision
of a public health agency of the State of New York, the County of
Clinton or the City of Plattsburgh. In determining what constitutes
an "approved water supply," the Department of Public Health of the
State of New York (herein called State Health Department) shall have
the final judgment as to its safety and potability.
Any water supply on or available to the premises other than
the City water supply.
The City of Plattsburgh.
An approved water supply sold and delivered to consumers'
premises through the waterworks system of the City of Plattsburgh.
Any person to whom water is sold and furnished from the City
of Plattsburgh.
An impairment of the quality of the City water supply by
the presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic, radiological
or biological) to a degree which creates a hazard to the public health.
The Clinton County Health Officer, his assistants or authorized
deputies acting as, or any other person appointed as, Health Officer
of the County of Clinton.
Any unprotected connection between any part of the City waterworks
system used or intended to supply water for drinking purposes and
any source or systems containing water or substance that is not or
cannot be approved as safe, wholesome and potable for human consumption.
Any substance of a nonpoisonous nature that may create a
moderate or minor hazard to the water supply system.
Any natural person, firm, association, organization, partnership,
trust or association of persons, joint venture, corporation or company
and includes the United States, the State of New York, the County
of Clinton, any special purpose district and any officer or agent
thereof.
Integrated land area, including improvements thereon, undivided
by public thoroughfares or water distribution mains of the City of
Plattsburgh where all parts of the premises are operated under the
same management and for the same purpose.
Any of the following devices:
The terminal end of a service connection from the City water
supply at its point of delivery to the consumer. If a meter is installed,
"service connection" means the downstream end of the meter. No unprotected
takeoffs from the service line ahead of any meter or backflow protective
device located at the point of delivery to the consumer shall be permitted.
As used within Article II of this chapter, superintendent means the Building Inspector of the City of Plattsburgh. As used within Article III of this chapter, superintendent means the Superintendent of Water and Sewage of the City of Plattsburgh. Where the context in which the term "Superintendent" is used so suggests, the term includes any employee in the department of the Superintendent who is delegated the responsibility to administer or enforce this chapter.
[Amended by 12-20-1994]
Any substance (liquid, solid or gaseous), including raw sewage
and lethal substances, that when introduced into the water supply
system creates or may create a danger to the health and well-being
of the consumer.
B.Â
Word usage. "Shall" is mandatory; "may" is permissive.
A.Â
Auxiliary water supply. Each service connection from the City water
supply for furnishing water to premises having an auxiliary water
supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises
into the City water supply.
(1)Â
If the auxiliary water supply is handled in a separate piping system
with no known cross-connection, the City water supply shall be protected
by an approved double check valve assembly installed at the service
connection to the premises. When the auxiliary water supply may be
contaminated, the Superintendent may order the City water supply protected
by an air gap separation or an approved reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention device installed at the service connection.
(2)Â
If the auxiliary water supply is handled in a separate piping system
and cross-connections are known to exist between the City water supply
and the auxiliary water supply which cannot presently be eliminated,
the City water supply shall be protected by an approved reduced pressure
principle flow prevention device installed at the service connection
to the premises. When the auxiliary water supply may be contaminated,
the Superintendent may order the City water supply protected by an
air gap separation installed at the service connection.
B.Â
Toxic or hazardous substances under pressure. At the service connection
to any premises on which any material dangerous to health or toxic
substance in toxic concentration is or may be handled under pressure,
the City water supply shall be protected by an air gap separation.
The air gap shall be located as close as practicable to the water
meter, and all piping between the water meter and receiving tank shall
be entirely visible. If these conditions cannot reasonably be met,
the City water supply shall be protected with an approved reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention device which is acceptable
to both Superintendent and the County Health Officer.
C.Â
Toxic or hazardous substances not under pressure. At the service
connection to any premises on which any material dangerous to health
or toxic substance in toxic concentration is not handled under pressure
but is otherwise handled in such a manner as to constitute a cross-connection,
the City water supply shall be protected by an approved reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention device, unless such cross-connection
is abated to the satisfaction of the Superintendent and approved by
the County Health Officer.
D.Â
Nonhazardous substances. At the service connection to any premises
on which a substance that would be objectionable (but not necessarily
hazardous to health) if introduced into the City water supply is handled
in such a manner as to constitute a cross-connection, the City water
supply shall be protected by an approved double check valve assembly.
E.Â
Sewage treatment plants and pumping stations. At the service connection
to any sewage treatment plant or sewage pumping station, the City
water supply shall be protected by an air gap separation. The air
gap shall be located as close as practicable to the service connection,
and all piping between the service connection and receiving tank shall
be entirely visible. If these conditions cannot be reasonably met,
the City water supply shall be protected with an approved reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention device, provided that this
alternative is acceptable to both the Superintendent and the County
Health Officer. A final decision in this matter shall be made by the
State Health Department.
F.Â
Fire systems. At the service connection to any premises in which
a fire protection system is installed, the City water supply shall
be protected based on the water source and arrangement of supplies
in accordance with the following classifications:
(1)Â
Class I: direct connection from public water mains only; no pumps,
tanks or reservoirs; no physical connections from auxiliary water
supplies; no antifreeze or other additives of any kind; all sprinkler
drains discharging to atmosphere, dry wells or other safe outlets.
Protection shall consist of a double check valve assembly.
(2)Â
Class 2: same as Class 1, except booster pumps may be installed in
the connections from the street mains. Protection shall consist of
a double check valve assembly.
(3)Â
Class 3: direct connection from public water supply main, plus one
or more of the following: elevated storage tanks; fire pumps taking
suction from aboveground covered reservoirs or tanks; and pressure
tanks. Protection shall consist of a double check valve assembly.
(4)Â
Class 4: directly supplied from public mains similar to Classes 1
and 2, and with an auxiliary water supply on or available to the premises;
or an auxiliary supply may be located within 1,700 feet of the pumper
connection. Protection shall consist of an air gap or reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention device.
(5)Â
Class 5: directly supplied from public mains and interconnected with
auxiliary supplies, such as pumps taking suction from reservoirs exposed
to contamination, or rivers and ponds; driven wells; mills or other
industrial water systems; or where antifreeze or other industrial
water systems; or where antifreeze or other additives are used. Protection
shall consist of an air gap or reduced pressure principle backflow
prevention device.
(6)Â
Class 6: combined industrial and fire protection systems supplied
from the public water mains only, with or without gravity storage
or pump suction tanks. Protection shall be determined by the Superintendent
upon review of engineering drawings of the system.
G.Â
Pier and dock hydrants. At the service connection to any pier or
dock hydrant used for supplying vessels at piers or waterfronts, the
City water supply shall be protected by an approved reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention device.
H.Â
Lawn-sprinkling systems. At the service connection to any permanently
installed lawn-sprinkling system, the City water supply shall be protected
by an approved double check valve assembly. If the lawn-sprinkling
system handles liquid fertilizers or other chemicals, the City water
supply shall be protected by an approved reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention device.
A.Â
Consumer responsibility. It shall be the responsibility of each consumer
at his own expense to furnish, install and keep in good working order
and safe condition any and all protective devices required in this
chapter. The City shall not be responsible for any loss or damage
directly or indirectly resulting from or caused by the improper or
negligent installation, operation, use, repair, or maintenance of,
or interfering with, any protective device by any consumer or any
other person.
B.Â
Conflicts. Whenever two or more conditions exist on any premises
for the correction of which different protective devices are required
in this chapter, the consumer shall be required only to install the
protective device which, in the opinion of the Superintendent and
County Health Officer, affords the maximum protection to the City
water supply.
A.Â
The consumer on whose premises any protective device is installed
shall have each such device inspected annually. If successive inspections
disclose repeated failures in the operation of any device, the Superintendent
may require more frequent inspections. Each device shall be repaired,
overhauled or replaced at the expense of the consumer whenever it
is found to be defective. Records of such tests, repairs and overhauls
shall be kept and a copy of such records forwarded to the Superintendent
on an annual basis. The Superintendent shall have the duty of determining
that the inspections required herein are performed properly. If, following
demand therefor, the consumer fails to have any of the inspections
made as required herein or to make the above described records available,
the Superintendent shall have the right to inspect the device and
the consumer shall pay the cost thereof. The cost of any inspection
made by the Superintendent shall be included as a part of the next
ensuing municipal water bill presented to the consumer.
B.Â
The cost of inspections, including any separate fee or charge for
maintaining inspection records, shall be established by resolution
of the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh.
[Amended by Ord. No. 12-20-94; at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art.
I)]
A.Â
No water service connection shall be installed on the premises of
any consumer unless the City water supply is protected as required
by this chapter.
B.Â
Delivery of water to the premises of any consumer may be discontinued
by the Superintendent if any protective device required by this chapter
has not been installed, inspected, tested and maintained or is defective
or has been removed or bypassed.
C.Â
Delivery of water shall be discontinued immediately and without notice
to the consumer if the Superintendent or County Health Officer determines
that:
D.Â
Delivery of water shall not be resumed until any protective device
required by this chapter and approved by the Superintendent has been
properly installed or until conditions at the consumer's premises
causing the contamination or danger of contamination have been abated
or corrected to the satisfaction of the Superintendent or County Health
Officer.
E.Â
Except as provided in Subsection C, delivery of water shall not be discontinued until written notice thereof has been given to the consumer. The notice shall state:
(1)Â
The conditions or defects which must be corrected;
(2)Â
The manner in which the stated conditions or defects are to be corrected;
and
(3)Â
The date on or after which delivery of water will be discontinued,
and which shall not be less than 15 nor more than 90 days following
the date of delivery of mailing of the notice. The Superintendent
may grant the consumer an extension of an additional period not to
exceed 90 days if he determines the consumer has exercised due diligence
but has been unable to comply with the notice within the time originally
allowed.
F.Â
The notice shall be given by delivering the same to the consumer,
the manager or agent thereof, or to any person in charge of, or employed
in the place of business of the consumer; or if the consumer has no
place of business, then at the place of residence of the consumer
if known, or by leaving the notice as either the place of business
or the residence of the consumer. If the consumer cannot be found
and service of the notice shall be mailed, postage fully prepaid,
addressed to the consumer at the place of business or residence set
forth in the application of consumer for water service in the records
of the City.
G.Â
Once discontinued, delivery of water shall not be resumed until any
protection device required by this chapter and approved by the Superintendent
has been properly installed, or until the conditions at the consumer's
premises creating the need for a protective device have been abated
or corrected to the satisfaction of the Superintendent or the County
Health Officer.
H.Â
For the purpose of making any inspections of discharging the duties
imposed by this chapter, the Superintendent or County Health Officer
shall have the right to enter upon the premises of any consumer. Each
consumer, as a condition of the continued delivery to his premises
of water from the City water supply, shall be considered as having
stated his consent to the entry upon his premises of the Superintendent
and/or County Health Officer for the purposes stated herein.
All presently installed prevention devices which do not meet the requirements of this section but were approved devices for the purposes described herein at the time of installation and which have been properly maintained, shall except for the inspection and maintenance requirements under § 348-12 be excluded from the requirements of these rules so long as the Superintendent is assured that they will satisfactorily protect the City's water supply. Whenever the existing device is moved from the present location or requires more than minimum maintenance which constitutes a hazard to health, the unit shall be replaced by a backflow prevention device meeting the requirements of this article.