6.20.640 Administrative procedures.
(1) In order to carry out the provisions of the district cross connection control policies, rules and procedures set forth in this article, the district has an ongoing compliance program based upon but not limited to the following criteria: proper management of system connections; effective customer education; accurate recordkeeping and notification; development plan review and inspections of new connections; and periodic inspection of existing connections.
(2) Minimum Requirements.
(a) These district requirements are provided for clarification and any disagreement between the requirements listed below and requirements listed elsewhere in this article, the more restrictive shall govern.
(b) All nonresidential domestic water services shall be isolated from the public water system by an approved RPBA at the domestic service connection or at an alternate location acceptable to the district.
(c) Dedicated or common supply fire services shall be isolated from the public water system by an approved RPBA or RPDA at the service connection or at an alternate location acceptable to the district.
(d) Premises having an auxiliary water supply (such as an active well(s)) shall be decommissioned per WAC 173-160-381 prior to connecting to the district water system unless otherwise approved. If an auxiliary water supply is approved by the district, an RPBA shall be installed at the service connection.
(e) All commercial and multifamily services shall have an RPBA installed at the service connection.
(f) Nonresidential irrigation services shall be separately metered and shall have a minimum of an approved DCVA installed at the service connection. Irrigation systems that use chemical injection shall be isolated from the district’s water system by an approved RPBA at the service connection.
(g) Residential irrigation systems where compressed air is introduced shall have a minimum of an approved DCVA installed at the connection to the irrigation system, blow-out connection must be installed downstream of the DCVA (AVB systems are not adequate for protection of the public system where compressed air is introduced into the water system).
(h) Residential irrigation systems, which do not fall into the prior category, may have an approved PVBA installed on the system, or properly installed AVB for each zone. AVB installations are subject to periodic inspection by the district CCS.
(i) Premises with water features, ponds, pools, or fountains connected in any way to the district’s system shall install a district approved AG at the fill point to the water feature, regardless of any upstream backflow protection. AGs will be annually inspected by a Washington State-certified backflow assembly tester (BAT).
(3) Compliance Inspection of Existing Buildings, Structures, and Grounds.
(a) An ongoing inspection program has been established by the district to locate and address cross connection potential to the district’s system with priority given on the basis of risk to public health and is conducted as outlined below. The district CCS may perform additional inspections as needed.
(b) The district CCS periodically surveys residential meter routes, looking for irrigation systems, or signs thereof, responds to tips from customers, monitors locate requests, and uses other means with the goal that all connections to the district’s water system be in compliance with state and district regulations. The district relies on plan review and premises isolation procedures established in this article to properly protect the public potable water system from other hazards posed by commercial, fire, and multifamily connections. Systems without required cross connection protection, when identified, shall be brought into compliance by the owner.
(c) The district relies on annual test reports to ensure existing irrigation installations are in compliance. The district will endeavor to send notices of the deadline of required annual backflow assembly tests. It is the responsibility of the property owner to submit the annual backflow assembly test report in a timely manner (within 30 days) with or without notice from the district. Property owners who fail to provide annual test results certifying backflow assembly is in compliance with state and district regulations are identified and tracked until satisfactory compliance is achieved or water service is terminated. Noncompliance with reporting requirements may be subject to monetary penalties in accordance with Chapter 9.05 SLWSDC.
(d) The district shall respond to customer taste and odor complaints in a prompt and professional manner, understanding that these complaints may be indicative of possible contamination due to a temporary or continuing cross connection event with the public water system. Should a cross connection be identified, it will be tracked until satisfactory compliance is achieved or water service is terminated.
(4) Residential Education and Awareness.
(a) The district periodically sends educational pamphlets and/or bill stuffers to all of the water system customers. These include, but are not limited to, the following subjects:
(i) Home irrigation safety;
(ii) Residential fire sprinkler systems;
(iii) Health hazards associated with hose connections (chemical sprayers, radiator flush kits, etc.), utility sinks and other household dangers.
(b) The district also endeavors to provide informational handouts and presentations on cross connections at community events, school programs and with information at district headquarters.
(5) Registering of Certified Backflow Assembly Testers. The district maintains a list of Washington certified BATs to provide to customers. Persons or organizations wishing to be added to this list are required to provide the district with copies of the following:
(a) Proof of current certification by the state of Washington as a BAT for each person authorized to perform tests.
(b) Proof of current annual calibration for all testing equipment.
(c) Proof of current liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000.
(d) Any person providing backflow assembly testing service in the district service area must possess a current BAT certification, current test instrument calibration and all other licenses, permits or certifications required by law.
(6) Record Keeping and Tracking of Assemblies. The district meets the record keeping requirements of the state to allow effective monitoring and tracking of customer compliance with the annual backflow assembly testing requirements. Associated record keeping fees may be assessed in accordance with Chapter 9.05 SLWSDC. The following information on each backflow assembly shall be submitted electronically to the district through a designed portal, program, or service:
(a) Service address.
(b) Business name (if applicable).
(c) Specific location of each assembly.
(d) Initial inspection information for each location.
(e) Initial installation date.
(f) Water line size.
(g) Water pressure.
(h) Test results for all check valves.
(i) Assembly information (type of assembly, manufacturer, size, serial number, model, and date of test).
(j) Complete testing history (initial and final test results for each year with: pass/fail, test type, date, tester’s name and certification number).
(k) Hazard protected (downstream process).
(l) Repair history.
(m) Test kit information.
(n) Tester’s contact and certification information. [Res. 835 § 3 (Exh. 3), 2022; Res. 735 § 1, 2017.]