Article 7 - Cross Connection Control | Westchester Joint Water Works

Section 1. Definitions

A. Air Gap Separation means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of the receptacle. The differential distance shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe. In no case shall the air gap be less than 1 inch.

B. Acceptable Devices are those devices or assemblies found to be acceptable for containment control in New York State in accordance with the Department of Health requirements.

C. Backflow means a flow condition, induced by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids and/or gases into the distribution pipes of a public water supply from any source other than its intended source.

D. Containment means cross-connection control which isolates the customer's entire facility from the public water system so as to provide the protection necessary to prevent contamination of the public water supply in the event of backflow from the customer's facility.

E. Contamination means the presence in water of a substance that tends to degrade its quality.

F. Cross-Connection means a physical connection through which a water supply could be contaminated.

G. Double Check Valve Assembly, Acceptable means two single independently acting check valves, including tightly closed shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly and suitable connections for testing the watertightness of each check valve.

H. Reduced Pressure Zone Device, Acceptable means a minimum of two independently acting check valves, together with an automatically operated pressure differential relief valve located between the two check valves.

Section 2. Protection of the Public Water Supply

A. The customer shall be responsible to prevent potential contamination of the public water system of the Water Works by containment within his premises. The Water Works may order the installation of an acceptable air gap, reduced pressure zone device, double check valve assembly or equivalent protection device consistent with the degree of hazard posed by his service connection if it deems such installation necessary to protect the public water system from an existing or potential cross connection.

B. Customers required to install protective devices shall submit plans for their installation to the Water Works and, when required, to the New York State Department of Health for approval. A charge shall be made in accordance with Fee Schedule A for failure to comply with this requirement.

Section 3. Testing of Protective Devices

A. All protective devices shall be tested at least annually, and an original record of such tests shall be provided to the Water Works. Such tests shall be conducted by certified backflow prevention device testers. Incomplete or incorrectly completed test forms will be rejected. Where properly completed forms are not received in timely fashion, a charge shall be made in accordance with Fee Schedule I.

Section 4. Residential Underground Lawn Sprinklers

A. No residential underground lawn sprinkler shall be installed and/or placed into service until (1) an application for service is submitted to the Water Works together with plans indicating compliance with paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this section of the Rules and Regulations, and (2) a permit is issued to the customer by the Water Works granting permission to construct and use such a system. Non-conforming existing residential underground lawn sprinkler systems shall be considered in violation of these Rules and Regulations and/or the New York State Sanitary Code and, upon notice, such violations shall be corrected in accordance with Water Works policy as set forth in Fee Schedule A-2.2. See also Article 2 Section 8(e) for provisions relating to Underground Lawn Sprinkler Supplied from Domestic Service.

B. An approved vacuum breaker shall be installed on a loop extending at least twelve (12") inches vertically above at least one sprinkler head in each zone and twelve (12") inches above the surrounding ground.

C. The main control valve shall be installed so that it will operate when the various sections are out of service. An electrically controlled valve shall be used.

D. A weep hole shall be located in the distribution piping to reduce pressure in the line so that the vacuum breaker will open at least once each day. The weep hole shall be provided with satisfactory free drainage, be free of obstruction and be located at least twelve (12") inches below the vacuum breaker. A 1/16" brass tap may serve as the weep hole.

E. A double check valve assembly listed as acceptable by the New York State Department of Health shall be installed between the main valve and the vacuum breaker.