A. Any
backflow prevention assembly or backflow elimination method or backflow
prevention device shall be of the approved type and shall comply with the USBC.
B. General safeguards
1. The backflow prevention assembly or
backflow elimination method or backflow elimination device used shall depend on
the degree of hazard that exists or may exist. The safeguard shall ensure
maintenance of the distribution system water quality and its
usefulness.
2. The degree of
hazard, either high or low, is based on (i) the nature of the contaminant; (ii)
the potential of the health hazard; (iii) the potential method of backflow
(either by backpressure or by backsiphonage); and (iv) the potential effect on
waterworks structures, equipment, and appurtenances used in the storage,
collection, purification, treatment, and distribution of potable water. Table
630.1 shall be used as a guide to determine the degree of hazard for any
situation.
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Table 630.1
Determination of Degree of Hazard
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|
Cross-connections that meet or may meet the following
conditions shall be rated at the corresponding degree of hazard.
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|
High Hazard
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Low Hazard
|
|
The contaminant would be toxic, poisonous, noxious,
unhealthy, or of unknown quality.
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The contaminant would only degrade the quality of the
water aesthetically or impair the usefulness of the water.
|
|
A health hazard would exist.
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A health hazard would not exist.
|
|
The contaminant would disrupt the service of piped
water for human consumption.
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The contaminant would not disrupt service of piped
water for human consumption.
|
|
Backflow would be by either backpressure or
backsiphonage.
|
Backflow would occur by backsiphonage.
|
|
Examples: lawn irrigation systems, fire sprinkler
systems with chemical additives or antifreeze, sewage, used water, nonpotable
water, auxiliary water systems, and mixtures of water and other liquids, gases,
or other chemicals.
|
Examples: food residuals, coffee machines,
non-carbonated beverage dispensers, and residential fire sprinkler systems
constructed of materials designed for potable water flow.
|
3.
The USBC and the manufacturer's specifications shall be used to determine the
appropriateness of the backflow prevention assembly or backflow prevention
device application for containment.
C. Owners shall not allow the installation of
backflow prevention devices or backflow prevention assemblies with openings,
outlets, or vents that are designed to operate or open during backflow
prevention:
1. In areas subject to flooding
or in pits;
2. In areas with
atmospheric conditions that represent a contamination threat to the potable
water supply; and
3. In such a
manner as to be able to be bypassed.
D. Starting January 1, 2023, persons testing
and repairing backflow prevention assemblies and backflow prevention devices
shall be certified by a Commonwealth of Virginia tradesman certification
program (identified by DPOR as backflow prevention device workers). Until
January 1, 2023, persons testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies
and backflow prevention devices shall be qualified to perform such work as
demonstrated by possessing a certification or license from a local or state
agency having legal authority or shall possess a certificate of completion of
applicable vocational training acceptable to the owner.
Notes
12 Va. Admin. Code §
5-590-630
Derived from VR355-18-006.06 § 2.30, eff.
August 1, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 9, Issue 17, eff. June 23,
1993; Amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 01, eff. 10/10/2014; Amended,
Virginia
Register Volume 37, Issue 20, eff.
6/23/2021.
Statutory Authority: §§
32.1-12 and
32.1-170 of the Code of
Virginia.
