N.H. Admin. Code § Env-Dw 505.04 - Responsibilities of Department, Suppliers, Owners, and Inspectors

(a) Relative to cross-connections, the department shall:

(1) Establish and enforce rules to regulate cross-connections;

(2) Review inspection reports prepared pursuant to Env-Dw 505.05;

(3) Review and approve the cross-connection control program of each PWS, in accordance with Env-Dw 505.11; and

(4) Provide for the certification of backflow prevention device inspectors.

(b) Each supplier shall be responsible for the safety of the PWS under its jurisdiction.

(c) Relative to cross-connections, the supplier shall:

(1) Not allow any cross-connection at any point within the PWS unless approved pursuant to a permit specifically issued by the supplier for the cross-connection;

(2) Require any backflow prevention device installed in the system to be an approved backflow prevention device;

(3) When an application for a cross-connection permit is received, review the degree of hazard classification of the cross-connection, determine the proper backflow prevention device for the cross-connection, and designate that backflow prevention device on the cross-connection permit if it is issued;

(4) Require backflow prevention devices to:

a. Be installed where required;

b. Be tested for proper functioning upon completion of installation;

c. Be inspected and tested at least semi-annually in high degree of hazard situations and annually in low degree of hazard situations, or more frequently as required by the supplier; and

d. Meet applicable performance standards;

(5) Require a certified backflow prevention device inspector to perform all testing and inspection duties;

(6) Require the customer or property owner to repair, overhaul, or replace the backflow prevention device whenever it is found to be defective;

(7) Evaluate records of inspections, tests, repairs, and overhauling and retain the records for a period of at least 5 years;

(8) Establish a time for completion of necessary corrections or removal of actual or potential cross-connections, taking into consideration the degree of hazard involved and the time required to obtain and install the needed equipment;

(9) Ensure that necessary corrections are made by:

a. Requesting the owner of the cross-connection to voluntarily correct the deficiencies; and

b. Physically separating the PWS from the on-site piping system if proper protection has not been provided after a reasonable period of time following legal notification; and

(10) Deny water service to any premises where cross-connections exist until corrective action is taken, in accordance with the following:

a. Water service shall be discontinued for failure to test or maintain backflow prevention devices in a manner acceptable to the supplier; and

b. Water service shall be discontinued until corrections are made, if it is found that the backflow prevention device has been removed or by-passed or otherwise rendered ineffective.

(d) Relative to cross-connections, the supplier and the customer or property owner shall have joint responsibility to ensure that the backflow prevention devices installed at all cross-connections are tested and inspected as specified by these rules or more frequently if required by the supplier.

(e) Relative to cross-connections, the customer or property owner shall:

(1) Eliminate and disconnect any cross-connections that are maintained between the private system and the supplier's system, unless deemed necessary by the supplier and protected by an approved backflow prevention device suitable for the degree of hazard associated with the cross-connection;

(2) Have any backflow prevention device properly installed, operated and maintained;

(3) Comply with all provisions of any cross-connection permit and the supplier's cross-connection program;

(4) Apply for renewal of the cross-connection permit when required by the supplier;

(5) Protect the owner's water distribution or plumbing system by the installation of approved backflow prevention devices where appropriate and necessary; and

(6) Have inspections and tests performed during regular business hours.

(f) Relative to cross-connections, the certified backflow prevention device inspector shall:

(1) Make competent inspections and reports of the inspection and testing of backflow prevention devices on forms approved by the supplier having jurisdiction;

(2) Competently use all of the equipment necessary to properly test and inspect backflow prevention devices; and

(3) Perform the work and be responsible for the competency and the accuracy of all tests and reports.

Notes

N.H. Admin. Code § Env-Dw 505.04

(See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Dw 505) #10615, eff 6-1-14