Section 10-4.1-18 - Cross-connection control and backflow prevention(a) No cross-connections shall be made without the written consent of the department.(b) It is unlawful for any person to make, maintain, or cause temporarily or permanently, any cross-connection that has a potential for backflow between their plumbing pipes or water fixtures and the department's water system. Existing cross-connections between the department's water system and any auxiliary water supply shall be eliminated or protected by means of an approved backflow prevention assembly. Cross-connection control and backflow prevention requirements for facilities and premises shall be in accordance to this subchapter.(c) The department may require installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly on the consumer's side of the meter at the consumer's expense before service will be provided. The department may provide for the installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly to homestead lots in the service area.(d) If uninterrupted water service is necessary, an additional backflow prevention assembly may be installed in an approved manner to ensure continued water service whenever inspection, testing and repair procedures is being performed on any one of these assemblies.(e) The backflow prevention assembly installed in accordance with these rules shall, unless otherwise approved by the department in writing, be located above ground and in a manner safe from flooding or submergence in water or other liquid, properly protected from external damage, freely accessible, and with adequate working room for inspections, testing, and repairing.(f) All backflow prevention devices shall be tested at least once annually and as often as required by the department where successive tests indicate repeated failure. Repairs, replacement of parts, or any other maintenance shall be made whenever deemed necessary by the department and at the expense of the consumer. The annual test shall be the responsibility of the consumer and shall be made in accordance with methods approved by the department. Upon request by the department, the consumer shall present an affidavit certifying that there are no cross connections of the type prohibited under this rule on the premises or describing in detail all nonconforming connections or installations.(g) Records of tests, repairs, parts, and inspections shall be made on forms prescribed by the department and furnished to the department. Failure of the consumer to properly test and submit the records may, at the option of the department, result in termination of service or the department making the tests, repairing and replacing any equipment, and charging the cost to the consumer.(h) When a backflow prevention assembly fails in service, the consumer shall notify the department. Repairs are the responsibility of the consumer. A certified general tester shall perform the testing. Backflow prevention assembly test forms shall be completed and sent to the department for confirmation that the device has been properly repaired and functions as required. Inspection and approval by the department shall be conducted before the device is put back into operation.(i) When the department encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the department's water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the department shall terminate water service at the premises immediately. Written notice shall be given to the consumer after water service termination.(j) For other situations requiring backflow protection where there is not apparent and immediate hazard to the water supply, the department may terminate water service to a consumer's premises after proper notification has been sent.(k) Conditions relative to the installation and maintenance of cross-connection control and backflow prevention referred to in this section shall be subject to change to meet changing requirements of federal, state, and county laws, ordinances, and rules.[Eff 6/25/2021] (Auth: HHC Act §222) (Imp: HHC Act §221)