§ 98-406. Backflow prevention assembly requirement.

(a)

The backflow prevention assembly protection which is required under this ordinance shall be any of the duly nationally recognized and authorized backflow prevention assemblies listed in a State of Texas approved Plumbing Code, or as determined by the regulatory authority. Each backflow prevention assembly must have been approved by the regulatory authority prior to installation. Failure to obtain such approval prior to installation of the backflow prevention assembly may result in the backflow prevention assembly failing to meet final approval by the regulatory authority. The regulatory authority shall determine the type and location of a backflow assembly to be installed within the area served by the city. The assembly will be required in each of the following circumstances, but the representative is in no way limited to the following circumstances:

(1)

The nature and extent of any activity of the premises, or the materials used in connection with any activity of the premises, or materials stored on the premises, could contaminate or pollute the potable water supply.

(2)

Premises having one or more cross-connections.

(3)

Internal cross-connections are present that are not correctable.

(4)

Intricate plumbing arrangements that are present which make it impractical to ascertain whether cross-connections exist.

(5)

There is unduly restricted entry so that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency to assure that cross-connections do not exist.

(6)

Installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly is deemed to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of these regulations in the judgment of the city.

(7)

An appropriate cross-connection survey report form has not been filed with the public works/water utilities department of the city upon request of the city.

(8)

A fire suppression system that is connected to the city's water system.

(9)

A new construction, if deemed necessary in the customer service inspection. The type of assembly required will be determined by the degree of hazard.

(10)

When a building is constructed on commercial premises, and the end use of such building is not determined or could change, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly may be installed at the service connection that supplies water for public domestic use.

(11)

Any used water return system.

(12)

In the event a point-of-use assembly has not had the testing or repair done as required by this article, a premises isolation assembly will be required.

(13)

If it is determined that additions or alterations have been made to the plumbing system without obtaining proper permits, premises isolation may be required.

(14)

All multistory non-residential buildings or any building with a booster pump, or elevated storage tank.

(15)

Retrofitting will be required on all high hazard connections and wherever else the city deems necessary to retrofit.

(b)

All backflow prevention assemblies installed after the effective date of this article shall be installed in a manner designed to facilitate ease of inspection by the regulatory authority of the city or his chosen representative. Any currently installed backflow prevention assemblies which, are located in inaccessible locations, or where the tester is subject to physical danger, shall be relocated to approved locations following current national guideline standards.

(Ord. No. O-98-057-11, § 1, 1-11-99)