§ 25-141. Determining degree of hazards.

The following types of facilities or services have been identified as having a potential for backflow of non-potable water into the public water supply system. An approved backflow prevention device, as specified in this section according to the degree of hazard present, shall be required on all such services. An approved device that provides a higher level of protection will also fulfill the requirement for backflow prevention. Facilities or services not listed below are required to install approved backflow prevention devices; however, the appropriate device shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. If the degree of hazard cannot be determined (due to confidential activities, unknown connections, etc.) a reduced pressure principle assembly (RP) shall be required as a minimum.

The following devices are listed in the order of least protection to most protection:

DC = Dual Check Valve (Provided by SRU with standard meter service, two (2) inches or less)

DCVA = Double Check Valve Assembly (includes test assemblies)

RP = Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (includes test assemblies and dump port)

AG = Air Gap

A.

Low hazard: Any activities described in this sub-section are classified as a low hazard unless the activity includes a use clearly identified as a higher hazard. These activities shall have a minimum of a dual check (DC) installed at the meter service. A dual check (DC) is provided by SRU with standard meter service, two (2) inches and less:

1.

Single-family residential homes.

2.

Two-family residential homes (duplexes).

3.

Multi-family residential units.

4.

Office buildings.

5.

Retail stores with one (1) or two (2) tenants.

6.

Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs with no fixed water line.

B.

Moderate hazard: Any activities described in this subsection are classified as a moderate hazard unless the activity includes a use clearly identified as a higher hazard. These activities shall have a minimum of a double check valve assembly (DCVA):

1.

A four-story building that does not contain a severe hazard.

2.

Beauty shops/barber shops.

3.

Convenience stores (without gas/fueling pumps).

4.

Industrial or manufacturing facilities (that do not include a severe hazard).

5.

Retail stores with three (3) or more tenants.

6.

Restaurants, bakeries, commercial kitchens with no water-supplied fire suppression system.

7.

Warehousing (typically with only rest rooms).

8.

Fire sprinkler systems without booster facilities or chemical additives.

C.

Severe hazard: Any activities described in this subsection are classified as a severe hazard. These activities shall have a minimum of a reduced pressure principle assembly (RP):

1.

Booster pump (a system in current use or designed for future installation).

2.

Building with five (5) stories or fifty (50) feet above ground level.

3.

Connection of a non-potable water use, (cooling towers, auxiliary water supply, used water, etc.) to a potable water supply.

4.

State-permittable private water distribution system.

5.

Tank or reservoir filled by water from the public water supply.

6.

The following is a list of facilities, activities and processes which includes, but is not limited to, the uses/conditions requiring the installation of an RP:

Automotive service bays

Campgrounds, RV parks

Canneries, packing houses, and rendering plants

Chemically contaminated water systems

Commercial car-wash facilities

Commercial greenhouses

Dairies and cold storage plants

Embalming facilities

Fire sprinkler systems with a booster facility or chemical additives

Private fire hydrants and stand pipes

Hospitals

Industrial facilities that utilize water in their industrial process

Laundries/dry cleaners

Lawn care companies (with on-site chemical storage)

Irrigation taps (including irrigation taps for residential properties)

Medical buildings, sanitariums, morgues, mortuaries, autopsy facilities, nursing and convalescent homes, medical clinics, dental offices

Manufactured home parks, mobile home parks

Manufacturing plants that utilize water in their manufacturing process

Oil and gas production, storage or transmission properties(including gas/fueling pumps)

Pest control (exterminating and fumigating)

Photo labs

Radioactive materials or substances — plants or facilities handling

Schools and colleges with chemistry labs or similar facilities

Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs with fixed water line (permanent air gap recommended)

Truck wash facilities

Veterinary clinics and hospitals

Wastewater treatment plants and lift stations

D.

Imminent hazard: If it has been determined a customer's private water system has an imminent hazard (an actual threat of contamination to the public water system that could cause serious illness or death), such condition shall be mitigated immediately in accordance with subsection 25-139(f).

E.

Modification of degree of hazard: Any consumer/customer making a modification that may change the degree of hazard shall notify the meter services supervisor or his/her designee before any modification is made. If the meter services supervisor or his/her designee determines that such modification requires a different backflow prevention device, the new device shall be installed before the modification is made.

(Ord. No. 2007-11, § 1, 4-3-07; Ord. No. 2013-27, § 1, 6-4-13)