city of houston backflow prevention requirements

Assemblies 2 and smaller may have reduced clearances as approved by the Water Quality Inspector. . A backflow prevention assembly tester that is . Premises-Isolation assemblies (those that directly protect the public water supply) must be installed on private property at the property line (service connection/point-of-delivery) on the centerline of the city water service, as it runs perpendicular from the right-of-way (R.O.W.). Assemblies larger than 2 (Includes 2 fire service DCDAs (see fire sprinkler information), only pre-cast vaults (Oldcastle Infrastructure or equivalent) that accommodate the installation criteria will be accepted. The following links provide valuable information that every tester should know. These devices prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the city's water system, and can also be found in place in many other municipalities in . Premises-Isolation assemblies must not be removed, replaced, or relocated without first contacting the Water Bureau Water Quality Inspection group. Upon completion of a premises-isolation backflow assembly installation, Portland Water Bureau Water Quality Inspection must be notified. Items can be submitted to our office . | Texas Veterans Portal For 1 and smaller assemblies, Carson Industries box #1419-18 is recommended or equivalent. Your water systems role begins with good system maintenance and sound operations. Backflow is the unintended flow of water from any domestic, industrial or institutional piping system into a drinking water supply system. Enter your requirements and local pros will bid on your service, providing a quote to complete your request. Planning, outreach and education, strategic, and technology projects. Maintenance requirements include regular testing based on the type of device being used. For this reason, all certified backflow prevention assembly testers are responsible for the accuracy of their field-testing and of their Test and Maintenance Reports. 4. The top and bottom rungs must be within 12 of the opening and floor, respectively. 10. 2. 5. 11. The only thing you pay for is your service booked through the platform. Backflow is a term in plumbing for an unwanted flow of water in The bore-sight drain must never be connected to a sewer of any kind, catch basins, sumps, or dry wells. Phone: 206-824-0375 Specific criminal history could negatively impact the ability to receive a TCEQ issued occupational license. All wiring from the touchpad to the bypass meter must be insulated 1 pair solid 22 AWG copper wires secured so as not to interfere with the operation and maintenance of the backflow assembly. ?H!H2@5H0 -.l>@Lu ut&30 c The Cross-Connection Control Subcommittee advises us in this effort. Underground piping requires a minimum 3 feet of cover and may also require a permit be taken out from the Fire Marshals office. All premises having more than one domestic water service. The relief-valve must be located 12 above the top of the vault drain opening. Vaults must accommodate 6-feet of vertical headroom or have hinged double door opening frame and covers that accommodate the entire lay length of the assembly. TCEQ regulations require that any alternate forms which vary from the official forms receive TCEQ approval prior to being placed in use. Copyright 2023 Houston Public Works. 3. Backflow prevention assembly requirements are determined by plumbing inspections performed at initial or remodel construction projects during the Building Permit Process. Touchpads or transmitters must be rigidly mounted and be serviceable. Articles, blogs, press releases, public notices, and newsletters. Refer to item #2 above for proper vault lid and frame & cover applications. Password (8+ characters) You may also apply directly on company website . A public water systems Cross-Connection Control Program is inspected during routine investigations made by our regional staff. 10. Wires must not encumber the vault opening or ladder. All backflow prevention assembly tester licenses require 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) to be eligible for renewal. Installations must be compliant with all applicable Title 21 and Title 28 criteria, and those stated herein. The simplest method to prevent backflow is to have your backflow The following are requirements of the program: The customer agrees to abide by the rules and regulations regarding cross-connection control and backflow prevention outlined in the TCEQ's Customer Service Agreement in order to establish a connection with the City of Longview's potable water supply. See item #2 above for more detailed information regarding vault lids and associated application criteria. Enter the appropriate project number into the field and click the Submit button. 5 Fax: 512-972-1260 Email Physical Address Glen Bell Service Center 3907 South Industrial Drive Manhole covers are not permitted. If you refuse to install, test and/or maintain a State or City-required backflow assembly, your water service may be terminated without further notice. You may also e-mail your question or comment to PDWS@tceq.texas.gov. %PDF-1.5 % Over the years, we've been providing top-quality plumbing services to customers all across the state of Texas. The City's Prevention of Backflow By-law 10-103 ensures that the City of Hamilton drinking water quality and distribution system is protected from each industrial, commercial, institutional or multi-residential property. {R/ONU1#>he I5ce;, Payable to: City of Pharr. These will allow for necessary clearance for ladders in single assembly installations. A Customer Service Inspection Certificate (CSI) is used to document the findings of a Customer Service Inspection. At least 6-feet of vertical headroom is required for all vault, chamber, enclosure, and basement installations. 1750 12 th Street Sarasota, Florida 34236. (Minimum Permit Fee is $91.05). Find more information related to vault lid and door applications under the section Additional installation requirements for vaults and enclosures. Effective against backpressure backflow and back-siphonage and may be used to isolate . Assemblies approved to be installed inside buildings or structures must be located at the water riser/supply pipe. The garden hose is the most common cross connection. Installing an approved backflow prevention assembly and testing it regularly helps protect the water supply from the dangers of cross contamination. Applications . All Double Check Detector Assemblies (DCDAs) and Reduced Pressure Detector Assemblies (RPDAs) required to be installed by the Portland Water Bureau must be equipped with a Water Bureau approved bypass meter and compatible touchpad. Title 21.24.040 requires access be granted to all premises for inspection of water piping, as described therein. For single & multiple assembly installations, refer to item #2 above to ensure proper ladder placement. SwiftQuote integrates with your municipality and uploads compliance records to the city on your behalf. Make sure that the end of your garden hose is never submerged in or connected to a nonpotable substance. | Texas Homeland Security It can occur when water use exceeds normal delivery capacity of the water supply (e.g., a nearby fire fighting or a water main or service pipe break). SwiftQuote stores your backflow service history and gives you instant access to your records. Join to apply for the ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATOR I/RC role at City of Houston. Fax - 941-365-4840 . Luckily, this is where it stopped: The worker mixing the pesticide realized the danger and alerted the utility workers, who closed the flush valve before the contamination reached the citys distribution line. Alternate locations may only be approved by the Water Bureau and must not conflict with any applicable Oregon Administrative Rule. Official Cross-Connection Control Program forms: Listed below are links to the official TCEQ Cross-Connection Control Program forms. Further, HWD does not assume or most obvious case, a toilet flush cistern and its water supply must City of Houston - Backflow Assembly & Test Report Form. regarding the abilities, performance or quality of service of the Site Help | Disclaimer | Site Policies | Accessibility | Website Archive | Our Compact with Texans | TCEQ Homeland Security is booked, canceled, or 2. 4. Nearby, city utility workers opened a flush valve, releasing a large flow of water from a water main. Where anti-freeze compounds, chemicals, gases, or any other additives are added to a fire sprinkler system, a Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA) will be required. Click Here for the requirements to register with the City of Houston as a backflow prevention assembly tester. Hours: M-F 7:00-4:00, Copyright 2016 Highline Water District |. The Portland Water Bureau will determine the degree of risk. If your property or business type is not included in the above list and you have a specific question about your legal requirements, please call 311 to have your inquiry directed to DEP. Copyright 2021 Hardin & Associates Consulting. A premises-isolation reduced pressure type backflow assembly is required to be installed on all water service connections as listed but not limited to: premises having private wells, water features (swimming pools), geothermal heating & cooling systems, hydronic heating systems, cooling towers, that have access to rivers, lakes, ponds and/or other water sources that can be connected to; are equipped with storage tanks, rainwater-harvesting (excluding those that simply capture rainwater in containers of less than 50 gallons and gravity-feed to landscape), storm-water or groundwater recovery and reuse systems and/or that use, or reuse treated wastewater (grey and/or black-water) on site. Under normal operation water flows from the City of Houston waterlines to the water customers. HVK%')dVe%X[oLWR=I Dtrtq3,Vg(&_[N?YG5P[IYH^h\z=d+k,IU%TgrtM%gNYc8-@OiGW.ili\B,|g6 ,~=z. There are no prerequisites for this course; however, to be considered for licensure by TCEQ as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, the participant must meet the TCEQ Qualifications for initial license. 2. As determined by the Water Bureau, part #8197, 36 X 36 or #8197-Double, 36 X 74 frame and covers may be required. Fire systems that incorporate the use of storage tanks must be equipped with a RPDA and are required to be installed at the service connection/point-of-delivery to the premises as outlined herein. 175 0 obj <> endobj The air-gap must never be less than 1. Other elevation criteria as stated herein will apply. Statewide Links: Texas.gov For parallel installations, the TEE shall be placed no more than the service pipe diameter, in inches, from the centerline (or outlet side) of the elbow installed on the riser. Assemblies installed directly on vertical subgrade risers, or off a riser which enters the space at less than one foot and necessitates the addition of a vertical run of pipe to be raised to observe the required 12 minimum elevation, must be approved for vertical installation. Austin Water administers a backflow prevention program in conjunction with federal, state and local codes to ensure backflow prevention devices are installed and maintained where backflow may be a risk. Permit must be obtained by a master plumber or irrigatorregistered with the City of Houston. Installation Inspection Request state. Depending on how long the backflow event lasts, the contamination could spread to the public drinking water system. 2002-2023 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/cross-connection, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/@@site-logo/TCEQ-logo-header.png. The riser/supply pipe location must meet location criteria as stated herein. Assemblies larger than 2 inches (includes 2-inch DCDAs) must maintain at least 4-inches clearance on the backside, 3 inches at both ends, not less than 12-inches underneath, 24-inches in front and 36-inches vertically above assembly body (this clearance may be reduced to accommodate a platform if approved by the Water Bureau inspector). 6. Ladder orientation must not impede clear access to the assembly and/or vault floor. Still, good water and time were wasted: As shown by the case histories of backflow incidents To become a City of Pharr registered tester, the following items must be submitted to our office: 1) A copy of your Backflow License (issued by TCEQ) 2) A copy of your Gauge Test Report / Calibration Test Kit. 13. All applicable RPBA installation criteria will apply. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. For example, these and other businesses would be required to install high-grade backflow prevention assemblies and have them tested by a certified tester annually: Another aspect of an effective CCC program is the customer service inspection (CSI). The drain must never be less than 12 above the flood elevation of a water source, swale or any other catchment subject to overflow/flooding. Approved Areas per TCEQ (click link for more details): Operating or maintaining a Public Drinking Water System, Installing or repairing residential, commercial, or industrial drinking water treatment equipment, Installing or repairing lawn irrigation systems, Performing activities requiring a Master or Journeyman Plumbing license, Testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies on fire suppression systems and lines. City of Temple Public Works Service Center, City of Webster Public Works Dept Service Center. 1002 Washington Ave., 4th Floor 3. 18. Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Registration Instructions List of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers Water Protection Hazard List Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies List Test and Maintenance Requirements Contact Info 512-972-1060 ext. How Cross-Connection and Backflow Can Lead to Contaminated Water, TCEQ's regulations for irrigation systems, database of licensed Customer Service Inspectors, Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Subcommittee, Table Listing Common Cross-Connection Hazards, Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control, Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, Guide to Cross Connection Protection Devices and Assemblies: Application and Selection, Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems. 2023. 0 Some public water systems have licensed staff who perform the CSIs and then bill the customer for the inspection. Splices must be made with 3M Scotchlok moisture resistant connectors, part number UR or UY or equivalent. Potential contamination can make extra protection necessary for landscape irrigation systems, spas, swimming pools, solar water heating systems, or even a bucket of soapy water being filled by a garden hose. Call 520-791-2650 if you would like more information. However, certain pressure variations in the public water supply can cause water to flow in the opposite direction. A minimum of a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) for premises-isolation must be installed on water services: If the water meter is 2-inches or larger. 15. Additionally, all piping for fire sprinkler system backflow assembly installations must be compliant with the local Fire code. Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. Foundations, footings, slabs and/or walls must be sleeved or core-drilled to accommodate code compliant riser/supply pipe entrance locations. 4. List of Testers Email Us Questions? 6. A premises-isolation RPBA must be installed on all water service connections that pose a risk to health. All tests, repairs, and maintenance must be performed by a City-approved certified tester. Individuals wishing to obtain a BPAT License, Individuals wishing to obtain continuing education credit, Individuals wishing to obtain a Plumbing Inspectors License, Individuals wishing to obtain information regarding backflow. For parking lot, driveway, loading dock applications and/or heavy commercial traffic applications, a minimum of EJ USA Inc. #8217, 36 X 36 or #8217-Double 36 X 74 frame and covers or equivalent must be used. Services entering at an elevation greater than 5-feet above-finished-floor (AFF) will require a permanent platform be installed. An approved airgap must be located directly below the relief valve orifice. Each TMR must include: BPA physical address and location on the premises i. To learn more, read Introduction to Cross-Connection Control In addition to this the tester is held accountable to not alter the design, material or operational characteristics of a backflow prevention assembly during repair or maintenance without prior consent of the City of Houston. If the available area is not able to accommodate the enclosure required (determined by the Bureau), the assembly must be installed on the water supply riser/supply pipe and conform to the AFF criteria as stated herein. Installations must be inspected by a Water Bureau Water Quality Inspector and will require that a Backflow Inspection Fee be paid. testers contained on this list. Providers are invited to offer quotes for work and can message you directly to understand the job specifics. However, certain pressure variations in the public water supply can cause water to flow in the opposite direction. There are more than 30,000 backflow prevention assemblies in use in the Tucson Water service area. Austin, 78744-1070 Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Report(, Customer Service Inspections: A Guide for Public Water Systems (TCEQ publication, Backflow Protection on Fire Prevention Systems (TCEQ publication, A Public Water System Guide to Preparing a Backflow-Incident Emergency-Response Plan (TCEQ publication, A Public Water System Guide to Responding to a Backflow Incident (TCEQ publication, Establishing and Managing an Effective Cross-Connection Control Program (TCEQ publication. We also coordinate meetings of the Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Subcommittee, a group of participants that meet to discuss issues related to cross-connection control and backflow prevention. See note below. Additional gauges can be certified for $70 per gauge. Sump pump discharge piping must meet vault drainage requirements as stated herein. A partiallisting of common cross-connection hazards: Individual copies of these publications are free: These manuals are available for purchase from their publishers: For more information, call our main Water Supply Division line, 512-239-4691, and ask for the Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program coordinator. Only 5/8x 3/4 Neptune T-10 positive displacement meters with high resolution registers are to be used. The Association of Contracting Plumbers of the City of New York, Inc. 535 8 th Ave, 17 th Floor New York, NY 10018 (212) 481-4580 Where it is possible for a fire sprinkler system to be connected to or be augmented by any auxiliary water source a RPDA will be required. 751 0 obj <> endobj Finding a reliable backflow tester doesnt have to be a risky or time-consuming process. The RPDA must be installed at the service connection/point-of-delivery to the premises as outlined herein and as defined by OAR Chapter 333-061-0020. The City of Hamilton began a 'Backflow Prevention Program' to protect your drinking water quality by making sure that the appropriate backflow prevention devices had been installed and inspected on private properties in the Hamilton area. %%EOF Backflow occurs when water from your property's plumbing flows backward into the City's water system. Back pressure is the result of a higher pressure in the system Above ground enclosure installations may have clearances less than those mentioned for vault installations, provided they are equipped with removable panels, doors and tops that create clearances equal to or greater than those described herein. Tablet PCs running Windows 10 must run Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise. We are available by phone, text, and email. All services considered non-potable and do not pose a risk to health. @rvk`1i)S8::Al0T h``XS~W23TV9lU4v The relief-valve must be located 12" above the top of the vault drain opening. Existingcustomers whenever there is a reason to suspect that a hazard or a source of contamination may be present. Premises-Isolation assemblies installed at an elevation greater than 5-feet measured to top of assembly body AFF, must be provided with a permanently installed platform. This is not a complete list of all certified testers in this state. Backflow Prevention Assembly Types. The touchpad must be accessible from the right-of-way. An individual may substitute one year of required experience with: 1 year of College credit (32 Semester Hours), 20 Hours of Approved Training in addition to the required 40-hour Training Course. endstream endobj 752 0 obj <. the reverse direction. CE hours are given for successful completion of TCEQ approved training courses. Existing customers that have hadsubstantial plumbing modifications. See OAR 333-061-0070, Section 14, which specifically addresses existing installations. To schedule an inspection, you will need the Permit Number, Job Address, and Inspection Code. If water service enters a building at an elevation (determined by the depth of city water service at the R.O.W.) The installation of a backflow assembly may alter system operating pressure, flow and/or influence other hydraulic functions. Vaults and enclosures must not contain loose fill materials or debris of any kind. Only approved Double Check Valve and Reduced Pressure type backflow assemblies, may be used for premises-isolation backflow protection. When a RPBA is installed in a vault or enclosure in a berm or hillside, a horizontal boresight drain to daylight must be provided. A Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) licensed Plumbing Inspector. forcing it into a clogged gutter, downspout, or sewer pipe to flush out the clog, connecting it directly to a hose-end sprayer to apply pesticide or fertilizer to your yard, connecting it to a soap-and-brush attachment to wash your car, boat, or siding, letting the end of the hose lie in a puddle or pool of water on the ground. g"`Q CL!s?gp\W80dpQ%0e8iF bS24IP s0 K S Mode is not supported. Upon installation of the Backflow Prevention device, please provide the following: a. Premises-Isolation Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA) installations requirements. Assemblies must be installed on private property at the property line (service connection/point-of-delivery as defined in OAR), on the centerline of the city water service as it runs perpendicular from the R.O.W. Be aware these forms must be submitted to the responsible water system for recordkeeping purposes. Technical information about how and where to install backflow prevention assemblies. 14. Mail the original Backflow Prevention Assembly Certified Test Report complete by a Tester from the City of Houston Certified Tester List to: City of Houston Water Production Section, 7000 Ardmore, Houston, TX 77054 ATTN: Tom Nguyen. . The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality requires that each be tested annually. Services supplying premises that are equipped with frost-free drain-back yard hydrants and/or Sanitary Yard Hydrants must be equipped with a RPBA. Schedule single and recurring services via the SwiftQuote Web App through any device. Water delivery relies on pressure; it always takes the path of least resistance as it travels through the water system from high to low pressure areas. All assemblies 2 and smaller (Excludes fire service assemblies, see information under fire sprinkler services) must be installed no more than 24 below finished grade. endstream endobj 68 0 obj <>stream A TSBPE-licensed plumber with a Water Supply Protection Specialist endorsement. No pressure testing is to be performed between a premises-isolation assembly and a Water Bureau valve in the right-of-way. For more information on protecting your water, contact the City's Backflow Prevention Inspector at (585) 428-6070 . How can backflow be prevented? Select the appropriate type of inspection and click the Submit button. In case the water main had been contaminated, the utility workers had to flush the citys distribution line, too. Existing services where water is being used for the sole purpose of facilitating temporary construction needs and does not pose a risk to health. 7. Touchpads not installed in vault doors or on a building face must be installed using the Brooks #37, 12 X 20 box w/T&R lid. Building, transportation, maintenance, and sewer projects. Backpressure backflow caused by downstream pressure that exceeds the upstream supply pressure in the drinking or public water systems due to a high pressure source. Can you always be this careful? 12. Each of these common uses of a garden hose sets up a cross connection: No doubt you can think of other examples. The water riser/supply pipe must be installed 12 from the foundation frontage wall to centerline of pipe on the centerline of the city water service as it runs perpendicular from the R.O.W. A moisture-proof light fixture will be required if adequate lighting is not available. Upon job completion, the provider uploads service details to SwiftQuote, and you can either pay online via credit card or offline directly to the provider. Fire sprinkler system piping will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis regarding sleeving. Reminders are automatically Bypass meters equipped with touch read register and touchpad or radio signal transmitters. Emergency: 206-824-0375 $31.95 for first three; $10.65 each additional. Fortunately, there are two inexpensive ways to solve this problem: As a homeowner, you may install and maintain your own irrigation system, but its still important to have a suitable backflow prevention assembly (BPA) in place and to be sure that it works properly. Requirements for backflow assemblies installed on fire sprinkler water services. TCEQ regulations are the minimum requirement. Backflow occurs due to a sudden change in pressure or a break in the water main. In each of these cases, if backflow happens, your households water lines could be contaminated. a list of State Certified All exposed piping inside enclosures must be insulated with commercially manufactured closed-cell pipe insulation or a heat source must be provided. A RPBA must always be installed 12 above finished grade or the 100-year flood-plain, whichever is greater and meet all applicable drainage requirements stated herein. haO9~i+Ek-UJ= a! Work must be completed prior to temporary or final occupancy being granted by a City of Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) Building Inspector. 9. A RPBA must be installed on domestic water services to mixed-use and multi-tenant premises. In the Contact us for more information. . Click Here for a copy of the COH Backflow Preventer Test Report and Maintenance Form. In addition to City Code Title 21 and Title 28, OAR 333-061-0070, Section 14, will apply to all existing premises-isolation backflow assembly installations. On this page: How Cross-Connection and Backflow Can Lead to Contaminated Water Definitions Cross-Connection Control Program. prevent backflow. Click Here to add a tester to your company. United States, Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Information, Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Registration Instructions, List of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers, Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies List. K/7tLb"bxOEuY# O>X}xww-[wZ|=m~8Y{&TXcSv>:.8gXq.ih/}^Mz]z>,NwUUC1->`}>TM;]~a^mvoOzm0P9CLN=MMdD,F?oil1jB).1xU]0SM^D7iLbas,=?W_OFZTum LAq0 d$jpwzcZ hdl%P+]/PGjS)EKafdm50jL:9~I^X#R. SUBJECT: Water Backflow Prevention Program (PW09087) - (City Wide) - Page 5 of 7 Hamilton. the system pressure has been increased by accept any responsibilities for the actions or performance of such Yes! All rights reserved. 103 St. Philip Street PO Box B (29402) Charleston, SC 29403 Directions. Enter your license number (digits only) and scheduling PIN.

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