Chapter 7.20
BACKFLOW PREVENTION
Sections:
7.20.010 Definitions.
7.20.020 Cross-connections declared unlawful.
7.20.030 Backflow prevention devices to be installed.
7.20.040 Private water supply systems.
7.20.050 Adoption of state regulations.
7.20.060 Abatement of unlawful cross-connections and installation of backflow prevention devices – Procedures.
7.20.070 Penalties.
7.20.010 Definitions.
A. “Backflow” means a flow, other than the intended direction of flow, of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances into the distribution system of a public water supply.
B. “Backflow prevention device” means a device approved by the state of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services or such other state department as has jurisdiction over the subject matter and by the American Water Works Association, used to counteract back pressure or prevent back siphonage into the distribution system of a public water supply.
C. “Cross-connection” means any physical arrangement whereby a public water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture or other device which contains or may contain contaminated water, sewage or other wastes or liquids of unknown or unsafe quality, which may be capable of imparting contamination to a public water supply as a result of backflow. [Ord. 1711 § 1, 1974].
7.20.020 Cross-connections declared unlawful.
The installation or maintenance of a cross-connection, which, in the opinion of the director of public works or his designee, will endanger the water quality of the potable water supply of the city of Edmonds, is unlawful. [Ord. 1711 § 1, 1974].
7.20.030 Backflow prevention devices to be installed.
Backflow prevention devices, when required to be installed in the opinion of the director of public works or his designated representative, shall be installed and maintained by the service customer on any service connection to the city of Edmonds water supply system where the backflow prevention devices are necessary for the protection of the city of Edmonds' water supply. [Ord. 1711 § 1, 1974].
7.20.040 Private water supply systems.
Use or operation of a private water supply system, contrary to the provisions of the ordinances of the city of Edmonds, or the laws of the state of Washington or the rules and regulations of the State Board of Health regarding public water supplies where the private system is served by the city public water supply is unlawful. [Ord. 1711 § 1, 1974].
7.20.050 Adoption of state regulations.
The community services director or his/her designee is hereby authorized to develop rules and regulations based upon and including the requirements of the rules and regulations of the State Board of Health regarding public water supplies and the protection of such supplies from contamination entitled “Cross-Connection Control Regulations in Washington State,” the provisions of WAC 246-290-490, and the American Waterworks Association, Pacific Northwest Second Edition of “Accepted Procedure and Practice in Cross-Connection Manual.” The provisions of the Washington Administrative Code, the rules and regulations of the Department of Health set forth in the Cross-Connection Control Regulations in Washington State and the previously referenced Accepted Procedure and Practice in Cross-Connection Manual are hereby adopted by this reference as fully as if herein set forth in full. Any additional rules and procedures necessary to implement such regulations shall be developed by the community services director or his/her designee as appropriate. Such rules and regulations shall be kept on file along with copies of the above referenced regulations and manuals in the office of the city engineer of the city of Edmonds. [Ord. 2956 § 1, 1993; Ord. 1711 § 1, 1974].
7.20.060 Abatement of unlawful cross-connections and installation of backflow prevention devices – Procedures.
Cross-connections declared in this chapter to be unlawful whether presently existing or hereinafter installed and/or services requiring backflow prevention devices and/or unlawful use or operation of a private water supply system served by the city public water supply are public nuisances and, in addition to any other provisions of this code or the ordinances of the city of Edmonds on abatement of public nuisances, shall be subject to abatement in accordance with the following procedure:
A. In the event that the director of public works or his designee determines that a nuisance as herein provided does exist, written notice shall be sent to the person in whose name the water service is established under the records of the city of Edmonds water division, or alternatively, a copy of such written notice shall be posted on the premises served.
B. The notice shall provide that the nuisance described herein shall be corrected within 30 days of the date the notice is mailed or posted on the premises.
C. In the event the nuisance is not abated within the prescribed time, water service to the premises shall be discontinued.
D. In the event that the nuisance, in the opinion of the director of public works or his designated representative, presents an immediate danger of contamination to the public water supply, service from the city water supply system to the premises may be terminated without prior notice; provided, however, notice will be posted on the premises in the manner heretofore provided at the time the service is terminated. [Ord. 1711 § 1, 1974].
7.20.070 Penalties.
In addition to the remedies set forth herein, any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the penalties as set forth in ECC 5.50.020. [Ord. 1711 § 1, 1974].