Grand Forks, British Columbia
· No. 1817
· adopted 2006-11-06
· summary & facts
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The Corporation Of The City of Grand Forks
BYLAW NO. 1817
A Bylaw to Establish a Cross Connection Control Program and Process
For the City of Grand Forks
WHEREAS, Provincial legislation requires water suppliers to establish regulations to
ensure provisions for the elimination and prevention of cross-connections between
their potable water and any non-potable sources.
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Grand Forks, in open meeting
assembled, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. CITATION
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Cross Connection Control Bylaw
No.1817, 2006"
2. DEFINITIONS
In this Bylaw:
2.1. "Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly" means a backflow preventer that is
designed to be tested and repaired in-line and to meet the design and
installation criteria requirements of the CSA standards B64.10-01 / Series-01
and the USC FCCCHR approval criteria.
2.2. "Authorized Agent" includes a Person, Firm or Corporation representing the
City of Grand Forks by written consent;
2.3."Backflow" The flow of water or other liquids, gases or solids from any source
back into the Customer's plumbing system or the City of Grand Forks
Waterworks System;
2.4. "Backflow Assembly Test Report" means a form provided by or approved for
use by the City of Grand Forks to be used when testing backflow assemblies
to record all pertinent information and test data;
2.5."Backflow Assembly Tester" means a person holding a valid certificate from
the American Water Works Association, British Columbia Section for testing
backflow prevention assemblies and approved by the City of Grand Forks;
2.6. "Backflow Preventer" means a mechanical apparatus installed in a water
system that prevents backflow of contaminants into the potable Waterworks
System;
2.7. "Building Inspector" means a person designated by the Council as a building
inspector for the City of Grand Forks to administer the building and plumbing
regulations.
2.8. "City" means the City of Grand Forks
2.9. "Commercial User" shall mean any user other than a residential user.
2.10. "Customer" means any person who is the Property Owner or agent for the
Property Owner of any premises to which water is supplied from the City of
Grand Forks Watenft/orks System, and also any person who is the occupier of
any such premises, and also any person who obtains water from a Fire
Hydrant or by any service from the Waterworks System;
2.11. "Contaminant" means any physical, chemical, biological or radiological
substance or matter in water which may render the water non-potable,
according to regulations of the Province of British Columbia Drinking Water
Protection Act & Regulations;
2.12."Cross Connection" means any actual or potential physical connection
whereby the City of Grand Forks Waterworks System is connected, directly or
indirectly, with any non-potable or unapproved private water supply system,
sewer, drain, conduit, well, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or any
other device which contains, or may contain contaminated water, liquid, gases,
sewage, or other waste, or unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable
of imparting contamination to the public water supply as a result of backflow;
2.13."Cross Connection Control Program" means the City of Grand Forks Cross
Connection Control Program and Guidelines which provide further reference
and direction, standard operating procedures, bulletins and other program
updates relevant to this bylaw;
2.14. "CSA" is the abbreviation for the Canadian Standards Association;
2.15. "Discontinue" means to terminate the arrangement between the City of
Grand Forks and the Customer for the supply of water and to Shut Off the
service pipe, disconnect it, or remove it;
2.16. "Fire Hydrant Use Permit" means a permit issued by the City of Grand Forks
for any Person requesting water from a Fire Hydrant for purposes other than
emergency fire protection;
2.17."Inspect" means an on-site review of the water use, facilities, meters, piping,
equipment, operating conditions and maintenance records for the purpose of
evaluating for conformity with the terms and conditions of this bylaw;
2.18."Property Owner" means the registered Property Owner of any lands and
premises within the City and shall, where applicable, include the executor or
administrator of an estate;
2.19."Person" includes a corporation, partnership or party or other legal
representative of a person to whom the context can apply according to law and
the singular includes the plural and the masculine includes the feminine;
2.20."Potable Water" means water that is fit for human consumption as defined in
the Drinking Water Protection Act and Regulations;
2.21 ."Premises" means any Real property and buildings on it;
2.22."Private Water System" means any privately owned pipe and fittings intended
for the delivery or distribution of water within a premise or to a property and
includes any domestic use, irrigation system, greenhouse and hydroponics
system, and any other use of water supplied by the City of Grand Forks
Waterworks System;
2.23. "Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly" a backflow preventer consisting of a
mechanically independent acting, hydraulically dependent relief valve located
in a chamber between two independently operating, force-loaded check
valves, the intermediate chamber pressure always being lower than the supply
pressure when there is a positive pressure on the supply side. The unit
includes properly located resilient-seated test cocks and tightly closing
resilient-seated shut-off valves at each end of the assembly. This device is
designed for use under continuous pressure.
2.24."Residential User" means any connection to the City of Grand Forks
Waterworks System from a building used exclusively for residential purposes
containing not more than two (2) residential units;
2.25."Shut Off' means to turn off the water supply by closing a City of Grand Forks
owned valve or by any other means approved by the City of Grand Forks;
2.26."Turn On" means to allow the flow of water by opening a City of Grand Forks
owned valve or by any other means approved by the City of Grand Forks;
2.27."Trustee" means the Trustee of the City of Grand Forks or any person
authorized by the Trustee to act on their behalf;
2.28. "USC-FCCHR" is the abbreviation for the "University of Southern California
Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research". A testing
and approval agency providing a list of approved backflow prevention
assemblies;
2.29. "TemDorarv Use Of the Citv of Grand Forks Fire Hvdrant And Application" a
water operations policy that outlines the guidelines to be followed when a
request is received for temporary use of fire hydrants;
2.30. "Used Water" means any potable water which is no longer in the water
distribution system including potable water that has moved downstream or
past the Water Connection (water meter) and/or the property line to the private
water system;
2.31. "Water Connection" means a connection of at least three-quarter inch pipe
connecting to a main supply line and extending to the property line for the
purpose of conveying water to the said property, and may or may not include a
water meter but shall include a shut-off valve;
2.32."Water Service" means works and services provided by the City and include;
2.32.1. supply of water for consumption or other use
2.32.2. water connection installation, repair or replacement
2.32.3. water main extension
2.33."Waterworks System" means all water pipes, fittings, valves, reservoirs,
pumps, treatment or purification facilities or fire hydrants within a right-of-way,
easements or property under the control of or title to the City;
3. WATER SUPPLY AND PRESSURE
3.1. The City of Grand Forks does not guarantee pressure or continuous supply of
water, or accept responsibility at any time for the maintenance of pressure in
its water mains or for increases or decreases in pressure. The City of Grand
Forks reserves the right at any and all times, without notice, to change
operating water pressure and to shut off the water supply for the purposes of
making repairs, extensions, alterations or improvements, or for any other
reason, or to increase or reduce pressure.
3.2. The City of Grand Forks, its officers, employees or agents shall not incur any
liability of any kind what so ever by reason of the cessation in whole or in part
of water pressure or water supply, or changes in operating pressures, or by
reason of the water containing sediments, deposits, or other foreign matter.
3.3. Where steam or hot water boilers or other equipment is fed with water by
pressure directly from the water system, the City of Grand Forks shall not be
liable for any injury or damage which may result from such pressure or from
lack of such pressure or any injury or damage resulting from the improper
installation of a backflow preventer.
4. INSPECTION
4.1 .The City of Grand Forks and/or a Building Inspector shall be entitled, at its
determination to:
4.1.1. Access the private water system located on private property at all
reasonable hours in order to carry out inspections and surveys of the
premises to determine the existence of connections or cross connections
prohibited by this bylaw and as stated in the City of Grand Forks Cross-
Connection Control Program.
4.1.2. Impose minimum standards that must be met and satisfied relating to the
type of backflow preventer and the installation and maintenance of the
same as specified by the City of Grand Forks Cross Connection Control
Program.
4.1.3. Inspect the type of backflow preventer, the installation and state of
maintenance and repair of the same;
4.2. No person shall fum on a water valve to provide water service to the
occupants of any newly renovated or constructed or reconstructed Premise(s)
until the private water system in such premise(s) has been inspected for Cross
Connections and approved by the Building Inspector and /or the City of Grand
Forks.
5. CONDITION OF SERVICE
5.1. Water Service supplied by the City of Grand Forks Watemorks System to a
Customer shall only be provided where, in the opinion of the City of Grand
Forks, the Waterworks System has been effectively protected from any actual
or potential cross connections existing at or within the Customer's private
water system.
6. CONTAMINATION
Subject to the provisions of this Bylaw:
6.1. No person shall create a cross connection by connecting, causing to be
connected, or allowing to remain connected to the City of Grand Forks
Watenworks System any device, piping, fixture, fitting, container, appliance or
any other chattel or thing which may under any circumstances allow non-
potable water, used water, wastewater or any chemical, liquid, gas or other
substance to enter the Waterworks System.
7. CROSS CONNECTIONS AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION
7.1. No person shall permit the introduction of any contaminant or foreign matter
whatsoever into any private water system that is connected to the Watenvorks
System.
7.2. Where the City of Grand Forks or Authorized Agent determines that there
exists a connection or cross connection prohibited by this Bylaw and/or the
City of Grand Forks Cross Connection Control Program, written notice may be
given to the Customer to correct the connection or cross connection at the
expense of the Customer within the time specified in the notice.
7.3. A Customer to whom notice has been given under this section shall correct the
connection or cross connection by installing an Approved Backflow Prevention
Assembly conforming to the CSA Standards B64.10-01/B64.10.1-01 or most
current edition, for the selection, installation, maintenance and field testing of
backflow preventers and as described in the City of Grand Forks Cross
Connection Control Program (Policy).
7.4. The Customer shall install a type of backflow pre venter commensurate to the
degree of hazard and that is approved by the City of Grand Forks on the
private water system at the location of the Water Connection from the
Waterworks System or other location(s) approved by the City of Grand Forks.
7.5. Notwithstanding anything contained herein if, in the opinion of the City of
Grand Forks, the configuration of any private water system which creates a
high risk of contamination to the Waterworks System, the Customer, shall
install on the private water system at the location of the Water Connection from
the Waterworks System an Approve Backflow Prevention Assembly, in
addition to any backflow preventers installed in the Customer's private water
system at the source of the potential contamination.
7.6. The failure to be sent a notice(s), or the failure to receive a notice(s), shall not
excuse the mandatory duty of the Customer or other responsible party to
comply with this Bylaw and/or the City of Grand Forks Cross Connection
Control Program and all other applicable bylaws.
7.7. Where any condition is found to exist which, in the opinion of the City of Grand
Forks, constitutes a cross connection with the Waterworks System, the City of
Grand Forks or Trustee shall either:
7.7.1. Shut off the water supply service(s) to the premises and notify the
Customer that an approved backflow prevention assembly(s) shall be
properly installed and tested at the expense of the Customer prior to the
water service(s) being turned on;
7.7.2. Give notice to the Customer to correct the cross connections) at the
expense of the Customer with in a specified period. If the notice is not
complied with, the City of Grand Forks may then discontinue water service
or services;
7.7.3. Install an approved backflow prevention assembly at the Water
Connection with all costs being charged to the Customer.
7.8. Any person whose water has been turned off pursuant to this Bylaw shall not
have the water from the City of Grand Forks Waterworks System turned on
until all requirements of the City of Grand Forks have been met and the
Customer has paid to the City of Grand Forks all costs associated with the
shut off/ turn on of water se/v/'ce, the cleanup of contamination and the
Customer's default under this section has been remedied.
8. TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES
8.1.The Custo/ne/-will provide to the City of Grand Forks within thirty (30) days of
initial installation, repair or relocation of an approved backflow prevention
assembly a backflow assembly test report from a certified Backflow Assembly
Tester confirming the following:
8.1.1. The installation date of the Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly;
8.1.2. The specific location of the assembly and what cross connection or
hazard it is intended to isolate;
8.1.3. The manufacturer, model, size and serial number of the backflow
presenter installed; and
8.1.4. That it is an approved backflow prevention assembly, installed correctly
and in proper operating condition.
8.2. Approved backflow prevention assemblies are required to be inspected and
tested by a certified Backflow Assembly Tester at least once in every twelve
(12) month period or more often if required by the City of Grand Forks.
8.3. Where a Customer fails to have an Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly
tested, the City of Grand Forks may notify the Customer that the backflow
assembly must be tested within ninety-six (96) hours, or within a specified
period. If the Customer fails to comply with such notice the City of Grand Forks
or Trustee shall discontinue the water service or services and may be subject
to penalties listed under this Bylaw.
8.4. Where there is a visible or other indication that a backflow preventer is
malfunctioning, it is the responsibility of the Customer to immediately notify the
City of Grand Forks, and further, to stop using the private water system until
the backflow preventer is replaced or repaired and re-tested. This includes but
is not limited to damage by: freezing, hot water, fire or otherwise due to
neglect.
9. COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION USE AND TURN ON
9.1. Where a cross connection exists between the City of Grand Forks Waterworks
System and a private water system, in addition to the general provisions stated
in this bylaw, the Customer shall also comply with the following:
9.1.1. No person except the duly authorized agents of the City of Grand Forks
shall turn on an agricultural irrigation system.
9.1.2. Prior to commencement of operation of the private water system in each
irrigation season, the Customer or any person operating a commercial or
agricultural irrigation system shall have the Approved Backflow Prevention
Assembly inspected and tested, at the Customer's expense, by a certified
Backflow Assembly Tester. A copy of the test report shall be provided to
the City of Grand Forks within thirty (30) days of completion of the test.
9.1.3. An Approved Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA) shall be
used whenever fertilizers, chemicals or any other substance detrimental to
health are introduced to a Private Water System.
10. TEMPORARY USE OF FIRE HYDRANTS
10.1. No person shall connect, cause to be connected, or allow to remain
connected, any piping, fixture, fitting, container or appliance to a Fire Hydrant,
stand pipe or any other temporary Water Connection:
10.1.1. In a manner which, under any circumstances, may allow water,
wastewater or any liquid or substance of any kind to enter the City of
Grand Forks Waterworks System; and
10.1.2. Without using an Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly which
has been approved and installed in accordance with the City of Grand
Forks Cross Connection Control Program; and
10.1.3. Without first obtaining a Fire Hydrant Use Permit.
10.2. Any person who violates this section will be refused access to water
service through the use of a Fire Hydrant or temporary Water Connection and
may be subject to penalties listed under this Bylaw.
11.AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLIES
11.1. No connection shall be installed or maintained whereby water from an
auxiliary water system may enter the Waterworks System or Customer's
private water system unless such auxiliary water system and the method of
connection and use of such system shall have been approved by the City of
Grand Forks
12. PENALTY SECTION
12.1. Every person who disobeys or fails to comply with any provision of this
Bylaw shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine
not exceeding Two Thousand Dollars ($ 2,000.00) or to imprisonment not
exceeding six (6) months, or both and if the offence is of a continuing nature,
to a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($ 500.00) for each day the
offence is continued.
Read a FIRST time this 16th day of October, 2006
Read a SECOND time this 16th day of October, 2006
Read a THIRD time this 16th day of October, 2006
FINALLY ADOPTED this 6th day of November, 2006
Mayor ^il/Crocf
o-L.
h/.4 '-M^-M^
City Clej^-'Lynne Bwc\)/
CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of "Cross Connection Control
Bylaw No. 1817,2006".
Clerk of the City Council of the
City of Grand Forks