Columbia Cross-connections ordinance (§ 27-57)

(a) Cross-connections include any physical connection between a potable water supply and any waste pipe, soil pipe, sewer, drain, or any unapproved source or system. Cross-connections include any potable water supply outlet which is submerged or can be submerged in waste water or any other source of contamination and any source or system that is, in the opinion of the director, based on the standards of the Missouri Division of Health, nonpotable, and through which backflow can occur to contaminate the department's system. Cross-connections include bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, and other temporary or permanent devices through which or because of which backflow can occur. Cross-connections may be direct or indirect. A cross-connection is direct when the department's water system is physically joined to a system containing unsafe water, sewage, or other waste that could contaminate the safe water system. A cross-connection is indirect when a source of contaminated water may be blown across, sucked, or diverted into the department's system.

(b) Unprotected cross-connections in the customer's water installation are not permitted. If an unprotected cross-connection is discovered, the department, after giving the customer no less than fifteen (15) days' notice of its intention, will discontinue service, unless the condition is corrected or an approved backflow prevention device is installed by and at the expense of the customer. If, in the opinion of the director, a real and serious threat to public health is posed, the department may discontinue service without notice.

(c) Service connections will not be made nor allowed to continue where there is, in the opinion of the director, a strong potential for hazardous cross-connections, unless the customer will install and maintain, at the customer's expense, a backflow prevention device approved by the department.

(d) Those facilities classified as actual or potential Class I backflow hazards (by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources or the director) shall be equipped, at a minimum, with an air gap separation or reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. Those facilities classified as actual or potential

Class II backflow hazards shall be equipped, at a minimum, with a double-check valve assembly.

The director, at the director's discretion, may require a device at other facilities dangerous to public health.

(e) Backflow prevention devices shall be approved by the director before installation by the customer and shall have been certified by a recognized testing laboratory acceptable to the director. Installation and initial testing shall be approved by the department.

(f) The customer shall install and maintain all backflow prevention devices in good working order and to make no piping or other arrangements for bypassing the devices. The customer shall permit access to the premises by the certified backflow prevention assembly tester, supplier of water and DNR representatives, at reasonable times and upon presentation of identification, for inspection of the customer water system or testing of backflow prevention assemblies installed in accordance with this ordinance.

(g) Periodic testing and inspection schedules shall be established by the department for all backflow prevention devices. Inspection intervals will not exceed the minimum requirements set out in the Rules of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. As a courtesy only, the department may send a reminder notice to customers with known backflow prevention devices.

(h) It shall be the responsibility of the customer to have each assembly inspected and tested by a properly certified and listed tester at the time of construction or installation and each year thereafter, no later than thirty (30) days after the anniversary of the original inspection test date. Backflow prevention assembly testers shall be certified through a Department of Natural Resources approved program and be listed with the department.

(i) Testers shall report to the supplier of water and the customer the results of inspections or tests conducted in compliance with applicable state regulations. Reports of tests shall contain the signature of the certified tester, attesting to the compliance or noncompliance of the assembly with established operational requirements. Reports shall be submitted to the department within thirty (30) days after performing the inspection or test.

(j) Testing, inspection, and overhaul of devices may be performed by department personnel when it is deemed in the interest of the department and other customers. The device owner will be charged not less than the actual cost for the testing and inspection, plus any cost for replacement or repair parts and other materials.

(k) A violation of any part of this section may cause the customer's water supply to be disconnected by the department.