No person shall maintain a cross-connection without an approved
backflow prevention device. Backflow prevention devices shall comply
with the provisions of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection (MDEP) Drinking Water Regulations 310 CMR Section 22.22
Cross Connections.
A.
Plan approval and initial inspection. The Superintendent shall approve
all plans for the installation of backflow prevention devices and,
after installation, shall perform the initial inspection and test
of the backflow prevention devices.
B.
Installation of backflow prevention. The owner, at its expense, shall
install backflow prevention devices, and the installation shall be
approved by the Superintendent. If continuous water service is necessary,
two approved backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a parallel
installation, so that water service will not be interrupted during
testing and maintenance operations. Backflow prevention devices shall
be installed in a horizontal position, three feet to four feet above
the floor, 12 inches from any wall, tightly closing shutoff valves
on either end, protected from freezing, flooding, mechanical damage,
and vandalism and shall be easily accessible for testing, inspection
and maintenance purposes. The Superintendent under certain circumstances
shall allow vertical installation of a backflow prevention device.
Installation of a backflow prevention device below grade in a pit
or chamber is prohibited.
C.
Subsequent testing. The Superintendent shall conduct annual and semiannual
tests and inspections of all approved backflow prevention devices
at the owner's expense, to ensure proper operating condition. Any
approved backflow prevention device failing a Superintendent test
and inspection shall be repaired by a licensed plumber or licensed
sprinkler fitter and shall be subsequently retested and reinspected
within 14 days of failure at the owner's expense to ensure proper
operating condition.
D.
Removal of backflow prevention devices. Removal of approved backflow
prevention devices is prohibited without prior notification to the
Superintendent by the property owner and subsequent approval by the
Superintendent.
A.
Right to enter. The Superintendent may enter properties served by
the City's water distribution system at all reasonable times for the
purpose of conducting routine, periodic surveys and investigations
for cross-connections and potential cross-connections within the property.
On request by the Superintendent, the owner shall furnish information
on water use practices within the property. Properties having or suspected
of having cross-connections in violation of this chapter may be inspected
regularly for backflow hazards.
B.
Notification. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,
investigations and inspections for the purpose of locating possible
cross-connections in violation of this chapter may be performed by
the Superintendent without prior notice to the owner.
A.
Prevention of cross-connections. The backflow of nonpotable water,
other fluids, gases or foreign materials into the City's water distribution
system or plumbing systems of properties served by the public water
system is prohibited. Public and private water mains, plumbing systems
and fire protection/suppressions systems supplied by the City's water
distribution system shall be protected against cross-connection and
backflow from any plumbing fixture or other equipment or appliance
capable of affecting the quality of the water supply. The Superintendent
shall determine the type of backflow prevention device utilized to
protect a cross-connection.
B.
Shutoff of water service. The Superintendent shall have the right
to shut off water service without prior notice to eliminate a cross-connection
or backflow condition where contaminants or pollutants are actually
in the process of or are suspected of entering the City's potable
water distribution system, or where there is, in the Superintendent's
judgment, the reasonable possibility that such contamination or pollution
will occur if the water service is not shut off. Under such conditions,
the water service shall remain shut off until the cross-connection
or backflow connection is eliminated, or the condition is remedied,
at the owner's expense, and the remedial work has been approved by
the Superintendent. For purposes of the Commission's Billing, Termination
and Appeal Regulations, a shutoff to eliminate a cross-connection
or backflow condition shall be treated as a customer plumbing emergency
under this chapter.
The owner shall be liable to the City and shall reimburse the
City for all penalties, fines and monetary judgments levied against
or imposed upon the owner as a result of the owner's violation of
any provision of this chapter.
