ARTICLE II. - WATER AND SEWER SERVICE SYSTEM
Part of the Code of Ordinances of Ridgeland, SC.
The text
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#
Sec. 34-21. - Director of public works; appointment; term; salary; duty.#
(a)
The council, with the advice of the administrator, shall appoint a director of public works who shall serve at the pleasure of the council. The salary of the director of public works shall be as fixed by the council from time to time.
(b)
The director of public works shall be responsible for the administration of the water and sewer divisions of the town. He shall carry out the policies of the council and town administrator as they may be established from time to time. The director of public works shall report to the town administrator in all matters affecting his department.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-22. - Mandatory connection with water and sewer mains.#
(a)
Every residence and other building open to the public and built after July 1, 1983, which is located within 250 feet of any water main or sewer collector line shall be connected thereto and shall utilize the same for potable water needs and for the disposal of wastewater, respectively. Violators of this section shall be notified by the town in writing and shall be given 20 calendar days to comply with this Code.
(b)
Every residence and other building built on or before July 1, 1983, which utilizes a well for its potable water needs, and/or a septic tank and drain field for wastewater disposal, and which is located within 250 feet of any water main or any sewer collection line, shall, in the event of failure of the well or the septic system, connect to the town's water or sewer line, as applicable. Violators of this section shall be notified by town officials in writing and shall be given 20 calendar days to comply with this Code.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-23. - Application for service.#
Before any water and/or sewer system for any building shall be laid or constructed, the owner of the property or his agent shall complete a written application on a form provided by the town at the town hall requesting service. At the time the request is made, the applicant shall provide detailed plans of the proposed system and pay a tap fee and impact fees as may be determined by the council from time to time. Filing the application shall constitute agreement to allow the building inspector or a member of the town's water/sewer department to inspect the work in progress and to make changes requested by these personnel.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-24. - Installation of water/sewer lines.#
(a)
The town will install water/sewer lines and a water meter to properties described under section 34-22 as specified in this section. For the purposes of this section, the term "service line" means serving a single account only. The cost of labor, material, a water meter for up to a two-inch water service and/or a four-inch sewer connection to extend an appropriate line from the transmission/collector line to the property line or 50 feet, whichever is less, shall be deemed to be included in the tap fees. The cost for labor and materials for lines in excess of 50 feet or water meters in excess of two inches are an additional charge.
(b)
The town may agree to install new transmission/collector lines for new projects after conducting a cost analysis. The town's extension of the lines will terminate at the external property line of the project for which service is needed. The internal continuation of lines is at the expense of the developer. Internal transmission/collector lines must be constructed meeting the town's requirements and quality control. The differential in cost between lines required for service to or within a project and lines needed by the town to meet future requirements not associated with the project desiring service shall be borne by the town. All lines and appurtenances must be deeded to the town, and appropriate easements must be granted and recorded prior to the town accepting such lines for operation and maintenance. Tap fees and impact fees must be paid before any work can be authorized under this section.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-25. - Excavation for pipe laying.#
All ditches or trenches opened for the purpose of laying pipes for connection with sewer mains, whether on private premises or across streets or sidewalks, shall be carefully and compactly closed and filled after the pipes are laid and all paving disturbed in connection with the work is skillfully and carefully repaired and restored. It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision of this section.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-26. - Required connections with sanitary sewer.#
Within 60 days after the installation of a sanitary sewer line available for service to any premises, the owner or occupant of any improvement on the premises shall be required to connect the improvements with the sanitary sewer line only for disposal of sewerage from the improvements, unless, prior to installation of the sanitary sewer line, the improvements were connected with a septic tank meeting the requirements of the state board of health.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-27. - Right of entry for purpose of making inspections.#
The town authorities shall be permitted to enter the premises of any water user as well as the premises served by any sanitary sewer line, at all reasonable times, to inspect or examine water and sewer pipes, their connections and the use of water on the premises.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-28. - Emergency regulation of water consumption.#
Upon a determination by the council that the water supply may prove inadequate for the comfort and convenience of the citizens, the council is authorized and empowered to limit the use of the water supply by any person, firm or corporation to the hours and for the purpose as it may, in its discretion, deem advisable. The limited use shall remain in effect for the duration of the emergency period.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-29. - Limited use period; penalty for noncompliance.#
The limited use period, as provided for in section 34-28, shall take effect 48 hours after conspicuous posting of a proclamation stating the lawful purposes and hours of use of the water. Any firm, corporation, person or agent of such who shall violate the proclamation shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500.00 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 30 days; provided, however, that no person shall be subject to the penalty until the offender shall have been notified of the proclamation and afforded the opportunity to refrain from any further violation; but failure on the part of any such offender to comply after notice shall subject each offender to the penalty provided in this section for each offense against this section.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-30. - Destruction, defacement, and the like of water or sewer system.#
It is unlawful for any person to willfully destroy, break, injure or deface or in any other manner interfere with any of the water mains, sewers, fire hydrants, meter boxes, stopcocks, water troughs, water piping, public wells or pumps, or other fixtures of the waterworks system established and maintained by the town, or throw into the public wells or pumps any bricks, earth, stone, filth or other substances. It is also unlawful for any person to willfully destroy, break, injure, deface or in any other manner interfere with any house, fence, wells, street mains, sluice pipes or gate valves, or to place advertisements or placards on any property belonging to the waterworks or sewerage system.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-31. - Pollution of water supply; backflow prevention devices required.#
(a)
Polluting water unlawful. It is unlawful to defile or pollute the water in any pipe or reservoir connected with the water system of the town.
(b)
Backflow prevention devices.
(1)
Pursuant to the state department of health and environmental control's primary drinking water regulations, all facilities contained on the latest list of facilities requiring backflow prevention shall be required to install and maintain, at their own expense, approved backflow prevention devices to ensure the purity of the public water supply.
(2)
The backflow prevention devices shall be tested annually by a DHEC-certified tester. Test of existing backflow devices shall be completed and results furnished to the town no later than March 1, 1991, and annually thereafter by March 1.
(3)
Backflow testing may be performed by a DHEC-certified tester or by the town's certified testers. The choice as to the use of town personnel or a certified private tester shall be at the sole discretion of the customer.
(4)
The town shall provide notice to the customers with existing backflow devices of the test requirement at least 45 days in advance of the testing deadline. The notice shall contain a DHEC-supplied list of approved testers as well as a form requesting the town to perform the test.
(5)
A fee of $20.00 shall be assessed for each backflow device test performed by town staff and added to the next water bill. Should the test fail due to mechanical reasons, the town shall not be responsible for repairs. Repairs must be performed by a DHEC-certified contractor not affiliated with the town.
(6)
Failure to submit a request for the town to perform the test or submit certified test results by March 1, 1991, will result in the town performing the test at an increased rate of $40.00, which shall be incorporated in the next month's water bill.
(7)
Failure to take corrective action upon written notification of a failed backflow prevention test within 20 days shall result in the town taking enforcement action and/or the referral of the violation to DHEC, bureau of drinking water protection for enforcement action.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-32. - Illegal connection.#
It is unlawful to connect with or tap any water main or sewer main except with the specific authorization of an authorized employee and under his supervision.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-33. - Tampering with water meters.#
It is unlawful to tamper with or change any water meter without written permission of the proper authority.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-34. - Illegal reconnection.#
It is unlawful to reconnect service when it has been discontinued for nonpayment of a bill for service, until the bill has been paid in full, including the reconnection fee.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-35. - Tampering with appurtenances.#
It is unlawful to tamper with any manhole cover, filter, bed or other appurtenance of the system without written authority or direct supervision of the proper town employee.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-36. - Connection of illegal conductor.#
It is unlawful to connect or permit to remain connected any open gutter or rainwater conductor or cesspool with any sanitary sewer line or to discharge into the line, exhaust, steam or any liquid or substance which is liable to damage any part of the system or which is liable to obstruct the flow through the line at the disposal plant.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-37. - Use of toilet paper; obstruction of pipelines.#
It is unlawful to place in any water closet or allow to enter any soil pipe any paper other than what is commonly known as toilet paper or material or substance likely to block, obstruct or damage the pipeline or system or to dispose of any flammable, noxious or chemically active material harmful to life or property into the sewerage system.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-38. - Water connection; fees and deposit.#
(a)
For each new water connection to the system, the person or firm applying for water service shall pay a tap-in or cut-in fee.
(b)
All customers shall be required to pay a deposit for water and/or sewer service, the amount of which shall be determined from a schedule of deposit amounts approved by the town council.
(c)
The town shall hold the deposit for one year from the date of payment and refund the deposit without interest if the account shows no delinquent or past-due balances.
(d)
If at any time during that year for holding the deposit the account becomes delinquent or past-due, the year for holding the deposit starts over with the date of the last delinquency.
(e)
If an account has already had its deposit refunded and then becomes delinquent or past-due, the town shall demand another deposit from the customer. If the customer fails to pay the deposit, water and/or sewer service shall be suspended until such time as the customer pays the deposit and a service charge. The amount of the service charge shall be determined by the town. The town will hold the deposit for one year from date of payment, or until a year of service has been provided without delinquent or past-due balances on the account. At that time, the deposit shall be refunded without interest.
(f)
No deposits shall be refunded until all outstanding bills on an account for water and/or sewer service have been deducted.
(g)
In the instance of any type of individual unit rental or otherwise, where the space is intended for use by a single renter or party, the units shall have individual meters and shall pay a tap equivalent for each and regardless of size.
(h)
Water service will not be connected or reconnected to any property that is in violation of this Code.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-39. - Establishment of rates and fees.#
The town council shall establish a schedule of rates and fees to be charged to customers of the water and/or sewer system. This schedule shall be kept on file at town hall and shall be available for inspection during regular business hours.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-40. - Meters read; billing.#
All meters shall be read monthly. On or about the first day of each month, a bill shall be delivered to each customer showing consumption and charges. Deposit of the bill with the U.S. Postal Service shall be deemed delivery to the customer.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Secs. 34-41—34-68. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 2. - WATER CAPACITY FEE#
Sec. 34-69. - Application of fee.#
(a)
Effective as of July 1, 2005, any person or entity desirous of connecting to the town water distribution system shall pay a water capacity fee. This fee shall be paid prior to the actual connection to the town water distribution system, and the payment of the water capacity fee shall be in addition to all other existing connection fees. Provided, however, this water capacity fee shall not be assessed or apply to any lots that have been issued a DHEC final drinking water system construction approval to place in operation prior to July 1, 2005.
(b)
The water capacity fee shall be due and payable in full before the town will certify the allocation of any water capacity or notify the DHEC that the town water distribution system has the ability and is willing to serve the project.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-70. - Calculation of fee.#
(a)
The water capacity fee shall be calculated based on the average daily water flow of the customer multiplied by a per-gallon charge. The per-gallon charge shall be $1.25 per gallon of water for service within the town limits and shall be $2.50 per gallon for service outside the town limits.
(b)
The daily water usage amount for each residential unit is 400 gallons per day. All other daily water usage amounts (excluding residential units) shall be determined by multiplying 1.5 the estimated usage as listed in the SCDHEC's guidelines for unit contributory loading of wastewater for the given use of the applicant. The minimum capacity required for any unit of space other than residential shall be 300 GPD.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-71. - Appeals.#
All applicants subject to the assessment of a water capacity fee may appeal the daily water usage amount, and thus the water capacity fee. Provided, however, no appeal shall be heard until six months of historical data on the applicant's actual water usage amount is available. Adjustments in the daily water usage amounts are subject to the DHEC's concurrence. At no time shall the average daily usage for the purpose of establishing an adjusted assessment be lowered to less than the maximum potential flow.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-72. - Right to charge a supplemental water capacity fee.#
The town reserves the right to charge a supplemental water capacity fee if after six months of historical data on the actual water usage amount, it is established that the average daily water usage exceeds the estimated water usage flow by at least ten percent or a maximum of 100 gallons per day. The supplemental assessment shall be paid within 60 days of notice, or service shall be terminated. This supplemental assessment shall burden and run with the land and shall be paid by the actual land owner at the time the supplemental assessment is charged.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-73. - Water capacity for the benefit of the property and not the person.#
(a)
The water capacity reserved by the payment of the water capacity fee attaches to and is appurtenant to the property for which the application was made. Said water capacity is a benefit to the premises or land and is not the separate individual personal property of the individual. The capacity shall transfer automatically with the land. As such, water capacity shall not be transferred or assigned to any additional property unless prior written consent and approval is given by the town.
(b)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the town may, at its sole discretion, purchase back from the landowner all unused or excess water capacity. The town's repurchase price shall be the same amount as the capacity fee that was initially paid.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-74. - Use of water capacity fee revenues.#
All water capacity fee revenues shall be deposited in a separate interest-bearing account for the sole purpose of upgrading, expanding or improving the capacity of the water system. Funds in the water capacity fee account shall not be expended without the approval of the town council.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Secs. 34-75—34-91. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 3. - CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POLICY MANUAL FOR THE TOWN#
Sec. 34-92. - Introduction.#
(a)
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) defines cross-connection as any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public water supply and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce into any part of the potable system any used water, industrial fluid, gas or substance other than the intended potable water which the system is supplied. Backflow can or may occur through or because of the following: bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices and other temporary or permanent devices.
(b)
The state primary drinking water regulation promulgated pursuant to S.C. Code 1976, § 44-55-30 through 44-55-60, R-61-58.7F cross-connection control also mandates that:
(1)
If bacteriological or chemical monitoring results, complaints from individuals, or sanitary surveys findings indicate the need, the department may require a public water supply to develop and carry out a program for the detection, elimination and prevention of cross-connections.
(2)
No person shall install, permit to be installed or maintain any cross-connection between a public water supply and any other water supply, sewer, or water line from any container or liquids unless an approved backflow prevention device is installed between the public water supply and the source of contamination.
(3)
Should the connection be between two approved public water supplies, common gate or check valves may be used, provided this has the approval of both suppliers of water and the department.
(4)
Should the connection be between an approved public water supply and to a service or other water supply not hazardous to health but not meeting the standards of the approved public water supply and not cross-connected within its system with a potentially dangerous water or liquid, any approved double-check valve assembly may be used.
(5)
Should the connection be between an approved public water supply and to a service or other water supply which has or may have any material in the water dangerous to health, or connected to any material dangerous to health that is or may be handled under pressure, or subject to negative pressure, protection shall be by air-gap separation. An approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device may be substituted for an air gap, provided this alternative is acceptable to the supplier of water and the department.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-93. - Overview.#
(a)
Technology has made it possible to deliver safe drinking water of high quality to the distribution systems of public water supplies. However, to ensure safe water at the customer's tap, it is essential that physical cross-connections, which create actual or potential backflow possibilities, are eliminated from both the distribution systems and the plumbing systems of buildings. Where elimination is impractical, protection by the installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly becomes necessary.
(b)
The consumer's tap is actually the end of the water supply system and the beginning of the sewerage system. The line of separation is sometimes finely drawn and determines whether the water supply system is safe for human use. Backflow from secondary or unsafe water supplies into the public supply is recognized as a potential hazard wherever such supplies are interconnected.
(c)
Continued surveillance in a cross-connection control program is necessary because piping systems are constantly being installed, altered, or extended.
(d)
The objective of the cross-connection control policy is to protect the town's water supply, treatment facility and distribution system from contamination.
(e)
Under certain circumstances, atmospheric vents and relief valves on backflow preventers could allow the entry of aerosols, toxic fumes, or airborne solid particles into the system. Wherever there is a physical connection between a potable water system and a nonpotable environment, backflow may occur due to either backsiphonage or backpressure.
(f)
The term "backsiphonage" means backflow caused by negative or reduced pressure in the supply piping. Examples of backsiphonage are:
(1)
Line repair of a broken main that is lower than its service point. This will allow negative pressures to be created by water trying to flow to a lower point in the system.
(2)
Undersized piping if water is withdrawn from a pipe at a very high velocity, the pressure in the pipe is reduced and the pressure difference creates a situation which causes the water to flow into the pipe from the contaminated source.
(3)
Lowered pressure in the water main due to a high water withdrawal such as firefighting, water main flushing, or broken water main.
(4)
Reduced supply main pressure on the suction side of a water main booster pump.
(g)
Backpressure may cause backflow to occur whenever a potable system is connected to a nonpotable supply operating under a higher pressure by means of a pump, boiler, elevation difference, air or steam pressure, and so forth. There is a high risk that nonpotable water may be forced into the potable water system whenever these interconnections are not properly protected. Examples of cause of backpressure are:
(1)
Booster pump system designed without backflow prevention devices.
(2)
Connections with another system, which may at times have a higher system pressure.
(3)
Connections to boilers and other pressure systems with backflow.
(4)
Water stored in tanks or plumbing system which, by virtue of their elevations, would create sufficient pressure to cause backflow in pressure were lowered in the public system.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-94. - General policy.#
(a)
Purpose. The purpose of this policy is:
(1)
To protect town's public potable water supply from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within the customer's internal distribution system or the customer's private water system such contaminates or pollution that could backflow into town's water distribution system;
(2)
To promote the elimination or control of existing cross-connections, actual or potential, between the customer's in-plant potable water systems and nonpotable water systems, plumbing fixtures, and industrial piping systems; and
(3)
To provide for the maintenance of a continuing program for cross-connection control that will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of all potable water systems.
(b)
Responsibilities of cross-connection program. The responsibilities of town's cross-connection program are as follows:
(1)
To prevent contamination to the public water system due to backflow of contaminants or pollutants through the water service connection. This responsibility begins at the source and includes the entire water supply distribution system and ends at the user connections. If, in the judgement of the town, an approved backflow prevention assembly is required for the safety of the water system, the town shall give notice in writing to the customer to install such approved backflow prevention assembly at specific locations on their premises. The customer shall immediately install said assembly. Failure on the part of the customer to install, have tested, and maintain said assembly shall constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises until such requirements have been satisfactorily met.
(2)
To promulgate and enforce laws, rules, regulations, and policies necessary to carry out designated responsibilities.
(3)
To make inspections and determinations of the degree of hazard customers present to the town's system.
(4)
To make and maintain all necessary records in accordance with this policy.
(5)
To maintain a list of approved cross-connection prevention assemblies for use in the town's system.
(c)
Responsibility of water user. The water user has the primary responsibility to keep contaminants out of the potable water system. This responsibility begins at the user connection and includes any and all water distribution piping on the premises. If a cross-connection or a potential for a cross-connection exists, the water user, at the water user's expense, must install, have tested and maintain approved backflow preventers as required by the town's policy. In the event of accidental cross-connection to the town's water supply system, the user shall immediately notify the town and must confine further the spread of pollution or contamination within the user's premises.
(d)
Backflow prevention assembly installers. It is the responsibility of the installer of cross-connection prevention assemblies to make sure that each assembly is working properly. The assembly shall be tested when installed prior to the system being placed into service.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-95. - Bureau of water.#
June 15, 2005
To: Public Water System Officials, Cross-Connection Control Program Managers, SCDHEC (10) Recertification Stations, SCDHEC Certified Backflow Assembly Tester, EQC District Directors & Drinking Water Staff.
From: Amendments to the state primary drinking water regulations R. 61-58-7(F) Cross-Connection Control as of April 29, 2005.
In June of 2000, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) notified every public water system in the state that lawn irrigation sprinkler systems would be categorized as low hazard cross-connections unless chemicals or an unapproved auxiliary water supply was tied into the system. Since that time, the department has worked closely with public water systems in the state, a lawn irrigation sprinkler taskforce, and the general public to modify regulation regarding backflow prevention requirements for residential lawn irrigation sprinkler systems. With this in mind, the state primary drinking water regulations were amended to address backflow prevention requirements for residential lawn irrigation sprinkler systems. These regulations were published in the state register on April 29, 2005, and became effective on that date. A copy of the cross-connection control regulations R.61-5 8.7(F) is enclosed for your use. Listed below are the specific additions/changes the department would like to bring to your attention. If you manage a cross-connection control program, you need to determine which policy your public water system will adopt and implement to address all existing and future residential lawn irrigation sprinkler systems. R.61-58.7(F), paragraph (3), residential lawn irrigation systems. (3)(a). "Low hazard residential lawn irrigation systems. Each public water system which has low hazard residential irrigation systems directly or indirectly connected to their public water system must have a written low hazard residential lawn irrigation system cross-connection control policy. This policy must be documented in writing and must be approved by the governing body of the public water system. The policy must specify the minimum acceptable device for low hazard residential lawn sprinkler systems. The minimum acceptable device for low hazard residential lawn sprinkler systems is a residential dual check. If a water system specifies another backflow prevention assembly as the minimum acceptable protection for these cross-connections, the policy must be approved by the governing body of the public water system with due opportunity being provided for public comment and participation. The written policy must:" (i)
"Identify the type of backflow prevention device or assembly that is required to be installed on low hazard residential lawn irrigation system connections."
(ii)
"Establish a schedule for the required testing of double-check valve assemblies, or other testable assembly, if testable assemblies are designated by the policy as a minimum acceptable protection for low hazard residential lawn irrigation systems. The minimum testing frequency must be specified in the policy and appropriate records must be maintained to verify compliance with the established testing requirements."
(iii)
"Establish a schedule for the required change out of residential dual checks if these are the devices designated by the policy as minimum acceptable protection for low hazard residential lawn irrigation systems. The minimum change out frequency must be specified in the policy and appropriate records must be maintained to verify compliance with the established change out requirements."
(3)(b). "High hazard residential lawn irrigation systems. Any residential lawn irrigation system that includes chemical additions, or is also connected to another water source which is not an approved public water system, shall be considered a high hazard cross-connection and must meet the requirements of paragraph (4) below." (See regulations.)
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-96. - State primary drinking water regulations; cross-connection control.#
(a)
General.
(1)
All public water systems shall initiate and maintain a viable cross-connection control program. Such a program shall consist of:
a.
Locating and eliminating unprotected cross-connections.
b.
Maintaining records pertaining to the location of existing backflow prevention assemblies, type and size of each assembly and annual test results.
(2)
No person shall install, maintain or permit to be installed or maintained any cross-connection between a public water system and any other nonpublic water system, or a line from any container of liquids or other substances, unless an approved backflow prevention device or assembly is installed between the public water system and the source of contamination.
(b)
Low hazard cross-connections. A connection between an approved public water system and another water source not hazardous to health but not meeting the standards of the approved public water system and not cross-connected within its system with a potentially dangerous substance shall be considered a low hazard category cross-connection. At a minimum, an approved double-check valve assembly or pressure vacuum breaker must be installed on a low hazard cross-connection except as provided for in subsection (c) of this section.
(c)
Residential lawn irrigation systems.
(1)
Low hazard residential lawn irrigation systems. Each public water system which has low hazard residential irrigation systems directly or indirectly connected to their public water system must have a written low hazard residential lawn irrigation system cross-connection control policy. This policy must be documented in writing and must be approved by the governing body of the public hazard residential lawn sprinkler systems. The minimum acceptable device for low hazard residential lawn sprinkler systems is a residential dual check. If a water system specifies another backflow prevention assembly as the minimum acceptable protection for these cross-connections, the policy must be approved by the governing body of the public water system with due opportunity being provided for public comment and participation. The written policy must:
a.
Identify the type of backflow prevention device or assembly that is required to be installed on low hazard residential lawn irrigation system connections.
b.
Establish a schedule for the required testing of double-check valve assemblies, or other testable assembly, if testable assemblies are designated by the policy as minimum acceptable protection for low hazard residential lawn irrigation systems. The minimum testing frequency must be specified in the policy and appropriate records must be maintained to verify compliance with the established testing requirements.
c.
Establish a schedule for the required change out of residential dual checks if these are the devices designated by the policy as minimum acceptable protection for low hazard residential lawn irrigation systems. The minimum change-out frequency must be specified in the policy, and appropriate records must be maintained to verify compliance with the established change-out requirements.
(2)
High hazard residential lawn irrigation systems. Any residential lawn irrigation system that includes chemical addition, or is also connected to another water source which is not an approved public water system, shall be considered a high hazard cross-connection and must meet the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.
(d)
High hazard cross-connections.
(1)
A connection between an approved public water system and a service or other water system which has or may have any material in the water dangerous to health, or connected to any material dangerous to health, that is or may be handled under pressure, or subject to negative pressure, shall be considered a high hazard category cross-connection. Protection shall be by air-gap separation or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
(2)
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies shall not be installed in any location subject to possible flooding. This includes pits or vaults which are not provided with a gravity drain to the ground's surface that is capable of exceeding the discharge rate of the relief valve.
(e)
Fire sprinkler systems. Fire line sprinkler systems, except those in the high hazard category, shall be protected by an approved double-check valve assembly. High hazard fire sprinkler systems shall include, but not be limited to: antifreeze systems, foam systems, systems charged from or tied into ponds, lakes, streams or any water source other the approved public water supply. High hazard category fire sprinkler systems shall comply with the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.
(f)
Approved devices and assemblies. The department shall prepare and publish a list of backflow prevention assemblies approved by the department for use in the state, and this list shall be updated at least once annually.
(g)
Testing requirements. When double-check valve assemblies, pressure vacuum breakers, and/or reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies are installed to protect a public water system against the possibility of backflow from a customer's water service, routine testing of the assemblies shall be performed by a certified tester.
(1)
Each assembly shall be tested by a certified tester after installation and before use by the customer. Except as specified in subsection (c)(1)b of this section, each assembly shall be tested at least once annually by a certified tester.
(2)
The public water system is to receive a written report of the inspection and testing results for all assemblies tested within its distribution system. The report shall be submitted by the certified tester making the inspection and test.
(3)
All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested immediately after repairs of any kind are made to the assembly.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-97. - Low hazard residential lawn irrigation system cross-connection control policy.#
In compliance with the state mandate, the following is the town residential lawn irrigation systems cross-connection control policy. The town has adopted the low hazard residential lawn irrigation system cross-connection control policy. (1)
The minimum acceptable device for residential lawn irrigation sprinkler system is a residential dual check assembly.
(2)
The residential dual check assembly will have to be replaced every ten years.
(3)
It will be the customer's responsibility to purchase and have the residential dual check installed. The assembly must be installed in a separate, approved meter box and cover provided by the customer also.
(4)
All existing irrigation systems protected with a double-check valve assembly will still have to be tested annually.
(5)
Any existing double-check valve assembly that doesn't pass inspection and has to be repaired or replaced can be replaced by the customer with the residential dual check assembly.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-98. - Requirements.#
(a)
Water system.
(1)
The water system shall be considered as made up of two parts: the town's system and the customer's system.
(2)
The town's system shall consist of the source facilities and the distribution system, and shall include all those facilities of the water system under the complete control of the town, up to the point where the customer's system begins. This is normally the property valve, which is located at the property line/right-of-way.
(b)
Policy.
(1)
No water service connection to any premises shall be installed or maintained by the town unless the water supply is protected as required by state law and regulations and this cross-connection prevention policy. Service of water to any premises shall be discontinued by the town if a backflow prevention assembly required by this cross-connection control policy is not installed, tested, and maintained, or if it is found that a backflow prevention assembly has been removed, bypassed, or if an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises. Service will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected.
(2)
The customer's system should be open for inspection at all reasonable times to authorized representatives of the department of health and environmental control and town to determine where cross-connection or other structural or sanitary hazards, including violations of the regulation, exist. When such a condition becomes known, the town shall deny or immediately discontinue service to the premises by providing for a physical break in the service line until the customer has corrected the condition in conformance with state, county, town, or city statutes relating to plumbing and water supplies and the regulations adopted pursuant hereto.
(3)
An approved backflow prevention assembly shall be installed on each service line to a customer's water system at or near the property line or immediately inside the building being served, but, in all cases, before the first branch line leading off the service line. In the case of premises having internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled, or intricate plumbing and piping arrangements, or where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impractical or impossible to ascertain whether or not dangerous cross-connections exist, the town's water system shall be protected against backflow from the premises by installing an approved backflow prevention assembly in the service line.
(4)
The type of protective assembly required under subsection (b)(3) of this section shall depend upon the degree of hazard that exists as follows:
a.
In the case of any premises where there is water or substance that would be objectionable but not a hazard to health if introduced into town's water system, the town's water system shall be protected by an approved double-check valve assembly.
b.
In the case of any premises where there is any material dangerous to health that is handled in such a fashion as to create an actual or potential hazard to the town's water system, the town's water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap separation or an approved reduced pressure principal backflow prevention assembly. Examples of premises where these conditions will exist include sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping stations, chemical manufacturing plants, hospitals, mortuaries and plating plants.
(5)
Any backflow prevention assembly required herein shall be a model and size approved by the SCDHEC. The term "approved backflow prevention assembly" means an assembly that has been manufactured in M1 conformance with the standards established by the American Water Works Association titled:
a.
AWWA C510-89: Standard for double-check valve backflow prevention assembly; and
b.
AWWA C511-89: Standard for reduced-pressure assembly.
(6)
It shall be the duty of the customer/user at the premises where backflow prevention assemblies are installed to have certified inspections and operational tests made at least once a year by a certified tester. In those instances where the SCDHEC or the town deems the hazard to be great enough, certified inspections may be required at more frequent intervals. These inspections shall be at the expense of the water user. A copy of all reports shall be submitted to town with the original to be retained on-site.
(7)
Test of existing backflow devices shall be computed and results shall be submitted to town no later than May 1 of each year.
(8)
The town shall provide notice to the customers with backflow devices of the test requirement at least 45 days in advance of the testing deadline. A list of DHEC-approved testers will be provided to customers.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-99. - Inspections.#
(a)
Proposed construction. All new construction plans and specifications for commercial and industrial facilities shall be reviewed by the town to determine the degree of a possible cross-connections hazard. During this review, backflow prevention requirements in accordance with this policy will be determined.
(b)
New and existing facilities. In order to determine the degree of hazard to the town's water system, a survey will be made of the customer's presently-installed water system. This survey need not be a detailed inspection of the location of disposition of the water lines, but can be confined to establishing the water uses on the premises, the existence of cross-connections, the availability of auxiliary or used water supplies and the degree of hazard that the customer's system presents. On-site inspections are made of new or existing facilities, and should any assemblies or plumbing changes be required, a follow-up inspection will be made of the same facilities at a later date.
(c)
Right of entry.
(1)
Whenever it shall be necessary for the purpose of compliance or enforcement of this policy, the town's representative may enter upon any property or premises at a reasonable time for the purpose of:
a.
Inspection of any equipment or water lines.
b.
Sampling of any water suspected of any cross-connection.
(2)
The town and/or SCDHEC may enter upon the property at any hour under emergency circumstances to perform any investigation required to enforce this policy.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)
Sec. 34-100. - Noncompliance/enforcement procedures.#
(a)
Procedures. Noncompliance and enforcement procedures will fall into three categories:
(1)
Existing water customers who do not have a cross-connection control device in their system at present, but will be required to install such a device under this policy. Customers in this category, where contaminants on their property have been determined by the town to represent a health hazard to the public water system, will be required to take immediate corrective action upon notification. Customers will be required to install an approved backflow prevention assembly within 90 days of notification when the town has determined that a potential system hazard exists.
(2)
Any new water customer after the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived will be required to install an approved backflow prevention device prior to connection to the town's distribution system whenever town has determined that contaminants or pollution on the customer's property represents a hazard to the public water system.
(3)
Those existing water customers who have required backflow prevention devices in their system which do not meet the town's standards or have been found to be malfunctioning will be required to replace backflow prevention devices with assemblies that do meet town standards. Malfunctioning backflow prevention devices for low hazard conditions must be repaired or replaced by the customers with an approved backflow prevention device within 90 days after notification by the town. For high hazard sources, the malfunctioning backflow prevention device must be replaced or repaired immediately.
(b)
Termination of water service/reconnect fees.
(1)
Service of water to any premises will be discontinued by the town if a backflow prevention assembly is required by law, rules, or regulations; is not installed, tested, and maintained; or if it is found that a backflow prevention device has been removed or bypassed or if unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises and there is inadequate backflow protection at the service connections. Water service will not be restored until such conditions and defects are corrected.
(2)
Water services will be terminated for water customers who do not comply with this division. A written notice shall be served to the offending party that water service will be terminated within 30 days if the requirements of this policy are not met.
(3)
The water customer shall notify the town's field operations manager in writing within ten days to appeal termination action. The field operations manager shall convene a hearing within ten days of the receipt of the written notice (unless a later date is mutually agreed to) to hear the appeal of the water customer. Failure to appear will result in the termination of water service.
(c)
Legal action. After the evidence has been reviewed and a decision rendered with a copy to the customer, the town may terminate water service and/or pursue any available legal remedy.
(Ord. No. 01-2022, Att., 1-6-2022)