§ 41-23. Inspection program.

(a)

The director may administer an inspection program to assure that backflow prevention devices are properly maintained and operated. The director in administering the inspection program may take into account the complexity and operating characteristics of the devices and the protection afforded the potable water system by the devices.

(b)

Each consumer shall cause all testing and inspections to be performed by a certified backflow prevention assembly technician who is approved by the director and registered with the city.

(1)

A certified backflow assembly technician may make application with the office of the director. The director shall determine whether an applicant is eligible for registration. Eligibility may be established upon certification as a backflow prevention assembly tester or technician upon successful completion of the state certification program directly related to backflow device certification. Registration may remain in force providing that the technician maintains eligibility for registration or registration is not revoked by the director for cause pursuant to this chapter. When re-certifying, the tester shall renew the registration with the director. If the certification remains expired for a period of one (1) year, the technician shall reestablish eligibility.

(2)

Each applicant certified as a backflow prevention assembly technician shall furnish evidence to show that he/she has available the necessary tools and equipment to properly test and certify such assemblies. The serial number of each test kit shall be on record with the city. Annually, the technician shall cause each recorded test kit to be tested for accuracy and calibrated to maintain a two (2) percent accuracy factor. The technician shall perform competent and accurate certifications of backflow prevention assemblies tested and submit complete reports of the testing to the director.

(3)

Backflow prevention assembly technicians shall register all test gauges to be used by them and their serial numbers. They shall list registered serial numbers of test gauges on tests and maintenance reports prior to submitting them to the director. The director may revoke a technician's registration for failure to register a serial number or to calibrate gauges annually. Certified technicians shall not change the design or operation characteristics of an assembly during repair or maintenance without prior approval of the director.

(4)

Registration fee. An applicant wishing to perform testing and inspections on backflow prevention assemblies shall produce documentation as required by the director and pay a registration fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per year. The fee applies to first-time registrants and renewals.

(c)

It is unlawful for any person to use, install, test, or maintain any backflow prevention device that does not have a functional test cock.

(d)

It is unlawful for any person to use, install, test, or maintain any backflow prevention device that does not have identification including the size, model number, and serial number at least one-fourth (¼) in height and of durable marking material on the device.

(e)

It is unlawful for any person to install a backflow prevention device without a plumbing permit

(f)

It is unlawful for any person to use, install, test, or maintain any backflow devices that does not prohibit water flow upon removal.

(g)

Should any consumer operate any system supplied by city water in violation of any provision of this article, the city may completely disconnect all service lines serving the system until it is in compliance with all applicable laws. The cost of disconnection and the estimated cost of reconnection shall be paid by the consumer before service is restored. If fire protection is being supplied by the noncompliant system, the city may provide necessary personnel to reconnect the system in case of an emergency. However, the owner is responsible for proper protection and liability in association with all cross-connection circumstances.

(Ord. No. 8140, § 1, 3-20-03; Ord. No. 2011-9287, § 1, 9-22-11)