city of houston backflow prevention requirements

the system pressure has been increased by . Permit and plans must be on site for inspection. We created a 101 guide to Backflow Prevention to help you protect your business. To become a City of Pharr registered tester, the following items must be submitted to our office: 1) A copy of your Backflow License (issued by TCEQ) 2) A copy of your Gauge Test Report / Calibration Test Kit. All wires running from the bypass meter to the touchpad must be in conduit. A RPBA must always be installed 12 above finished grade or the 100-year flood-plain, whichever is greater and meet all applicable drainage requirements stated herein. Fax the completed Plumbing Permit Application (CE-1020) to the Permits Office at 832-395-9621. 4 clearance is required between the wall and the bypass, 24 clearance in front, 12 underneath, 3 at both ends and 36 vertically above the assembly body. The riser/supply pipe must be installed 12 from the property frontage foundation wall to the centerline of pipe on the centerline of the city water service as it runs perpendicular from the R.O.W. An alternate assembly location may only be considered for retrofit applications and excludes new construction. There are no prerequisites for this course; however, to be considered for licensure by TCEQ as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, the participant must meet the TCEQ Qualifications for initial license. The proper backflow device protects the public water supply from possible contamination. HVK%')dVe%X[oLWR=I Dtrtq3,Vg(&_[N?YG5P[IYH^h\z=d+k,IU%TgrtM%gNYc8-@OiGW.ili\B,|g6 ,~=z. Upon completion of a premises-isolation backflow assembly installation, Portland Water Bureau Water Quality Inspection must be notified. A TCEQ-licensed Customer Service Inspector. All backflow prevention assembly tester licenses require 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) to be eligible for renewal. Click Here for a copy of the COH Backflow Preventer Test Report and Maintenance Form. 3. g"`Q CL!s?gp\W80dpQ%0e8iF bS24IP s0 K 3. Suite 100 Existing services where water is being used for the sole purpose of facilitating temporary construction needs and does not pose a risk to health. A public water systems Cross-Connection Control Program is inspected during routine investigations made by our regional staff. 1. Back siphonage is the result of supply pressure being lowered . ?H!H2@5H0 -.l>@Lu ut&30 c Where the touch-pad wire follows the path of other electrical wiring, shielded wire as described above must be used. FAX: 206-824-0806 17. 8. All horizontal and vertical runs of pipe prior to an assembly may be required to be sleeved with schedule-40 PVC pipe. All exposed piping inside enclosures must be insulated with commercially manufactured closed-cell pipe insulation or a heat source must be provided. Where it is possible for a fire sprinkler system to be connected to or be augmented by any auxiliary water source a RPDA will be required. Premises-Isolation assemblies (those that directly protect the public water supply) must be installed on private property at the property line (service connection/point-of-delivery) on the centerline of the city water service, as it runs perpendicular from the right-of-way (R.O.W.). is booked, canceled, or endstream endobj 176 0 obj <> endobj 177 0 obj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> endobj 178 0 obj <>stream ABPA Certification:If interested in ABPA certification, please contact us for more information. ABPA coordination needs to be scheduled in advance to ensure we have the appropriate number of proctors/monitors on site for the exam. Technical information about how and where to install backflow prevention assemblies. An approved rigidly mounted ladder, with an extension which extends 3 above the vault lid (Oldcastle Infrastructure Pull-Up Extension, Bilco LU-1 or equivalent) is required if the vault or chamber is 4 or greater in depth. When a RPBA is installed in a vault or enclosure in a berm or hillside, a horizontal boresight drain to daylight must be provided. Assembly installations that incorporate the use of a wye-strainer, the strainer drain valve must not be threaded or have provision that will allow for hose connections or other plumbed arrangements. Underground piping requires a minimum 3 feet of cover and may also require a permit be taken out from the Fire Marshals office. The water user/installer is responsible for ensuring minimum system operating requirements can be met. The simplest method to prevent backflow is to have your backflow assembly tested on an annual basis. Backflow occurs due to a sudden change in pressure or a break in the water main. When a RPBA is installed in an above ground enclosure, the enclosure drain must drain to finished grade and be able to discharge the full rated flow of the relief-valve. 15. A RPBA is required to be installed on all service connections to vending/food cart lots and lots having below grade drain back yard-hydrants. 13. If the Water Bureau determines the backflow potential warrants and the use does not pose a risk to health. Only assemblies approved by USC may be installed vertically. or the technical guidance. or drained down. When jobs are completed through SwiftQuote, the work order is automatically submitted to participating jurisdictions through SwiftComplys compliance software. Some Public Water systems may have more stringent requirements than the TCEQ. 6. Full opening double doors (Oldcastle Infrastructure 332P-2 or EJ USA Inc. #8127-Double or equivalent) can be used to obtain the 6-foot requirement but must encompass the entire lay-length of the assembly and must not encroach on required ladder clearances. endstream endobj startxref General Info (843) 727-7148. Please include Cross-Connection/Backflow Prevention in the subject line of your e-mail. For your convenience we provide a list of State Certified Backflow Assembly Testers in our area. Until testing showed authorities that the citys water was safe, they warned customers in the area not to drink it. For more information on protecting your water, contact the City's Backflow Prevention Inspector at (585) 428-6070 . We are a Houston Texas backflow testing and repair company with several testers in the field every day testing and repairing backflow preventers for a better customer service experience. Post your job request for free and match with local backflow testers in Houston. If you refuse to install, test and/or maintain a State or City-required backflow assembly, your water service may be terminated without further notice. The proposed installation of a RPBA in an area that may be subject to flooding must be reviewed and approved by Portland Water Bureau Water Quality Inspection prior to installation. The drain must never be less than 12 above the flood elevation of a water source, swale or any other catchment subject to overflow/flooding. (Minimum Permit Fee is $91.05) Admin fee 31.32 Valid Period 180 Days Processing Time 1 business day Nearby, city utility workers opened a flush valve, releasing a large flow of water from a water main. See item #2 above for more detailed information regarding vault lids and associated application criteria. assembly tested on an annual basis. A RPBA may required to be installed on any water service that is considered potable and provides for the use of water as a medium for purposes other than potable drinking water. Note: A Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA) is required to be installed where; storage tanks are provided, if the structure is considered a high-rise (requirement stated herein) if supplying marinas, moorages, premises having docks and piers, when rainwater-harvesting, storm-water and/or groundwater recovery and reuse systems are installed and/or that use, or reuse treated wastewater (grey and/or black-water). Apply in person at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002 or at one of the Satellite Offices. Applications . Mounting hardware must be of a type, whereby removal and reinstallation may be accomplished without damaging the unit. Tablet PCs running Windows 10 must run Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise. 1750 12 th Street Sarasota, Florida 34236. The addition of a PWS logo, with no further alterations, to the TCEQ official forms, TCEQ 20699 and TCEQ 20700, does not require submittal or approval of an alternate form. Find more information related to vault lid and door applications under the section Additional installation requirements for vaults and enclosures. Is the assembly installed in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and/or City's Uniform Plumbing Code? Splices must be made with 3M Scotchlok moisture resistant connectors, part number UR or UY or equivalent. Articles, blogs, press releases, public notices, and newsletters. Houston, TX 77002. Highline Water District (HWD) makes no representation regarding the abilities . Customer Service Inspection Certificate (. 7. They identify locations where the risk of cross connection is high and ensure that the proper measures are taken to minimize that risk. The Cross-Connection Control Subcommittee advises us in this effort. The relief-valve must be located 12 above the top of the vault drain opening. All rungs must have at least 7 of toe clearance, with the exception; if the top rung is at the same elevation as the opening the clearance may be no less than 2.5. You can choose anindividual service providers or select all the providers in their area. The platform will need to provide for 6-feet of vertical headroom. Technical assistance in the area of cross-connection control is offered to public water systems by staff from our central office. 3. Highline Water District (HWD) makes no representation 2. Installing an approved backflow prevention assembly and testing it regularly helps protect the water supply from the dangers of cross contamination. Required permits must be obtained and associated fees be paid prior to installing a premises-isolation backflow assembly. Typically, backflow prevention assemblies are required for plumbing system connections that contain industrial fluids or chemicals, irrigation systems, fertilizers, or auxiliary water sources (including reclaimed water). Touchpads must be compatible with these meters. Maintenance requirements include regular testing based on the type of device being used. Vault lids with hinged frame and covers (Oldcastle Infrastructure or equivalent): where applicable use Center-Offset frame and cover lids (Oldcastle Infrastructure or equivalent). Services supplying premises that are equipped with frost-free drain-back yard hydrants and/or Sanitary Yard Hydrants must be equipped with a RPBA. Mail the original Backflow Prevention Assembly Certified Test Report complete by a Tester from the City of Houston Certified Tester List to: City of Houston Water Production Section, 7000 Ardmore, Houston, TX 77054 ATTN: Tom Nguyen. To remove the pesticide from the water lines of the customer, utility workers flushed those lines. For this reason, all certified backflow prevention assembly testers are responsible for the accuracy of their field-testing and of their Test and Maintenance Reports. Backflow is the undesirable reverse flow of non-potable (non-drinkable) water or other substances that can contaminate the drinking or public water system due to a cross connection in the piping. | Texas Homeland Security For your convenience we provide Austin Water administers a backflow prevention program in conjunction with federal, state and local codes to ensure backflow prevention devices are installed and maintained where backflow may be a risk. Backflow is a term in plumbing for an unwanted flow of water in The simplest method to prevent backflow is to have your backflow 2002-2023 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/cross-connection, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/@@site-logo/TCEQ-logo-header.png. Kent, WA 98032 Assemblies larger than 2 (Includes 2 fire service DCDAs (see fire sprinkler information), only pre-cast vaults (Oldcastle Infrastructure or equivalent) that accommodate the installation criteria will be accepted. It is recommended when 2 and 1-1/2 Double Check Valve Assemblies (Excludes fire service assemblies, see information under fire sprinkler services) are installed below grade the Carson Industries plastic box #1730-18 be used or equivalent. In addition, $31.95 for first three; $10.65 each additional. All assemblies 2 and smaller (Excludes fire service assemblies, see information under fire sprinkler services) must be installed no more than 24 below finished grade. At least 6-feet of vertical headroom is required for all vault, chamber, enclosure, and basement installations. Glen Bell Service Center General Information Your water provider may have adopted additional codes or regulations which require. Backflow Assembly Testers in our area. When a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) or a Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA) is installed in a vault the following must be provided: 1. Please note that these forms are periodically updated so, for the most up to date version of the forms, please use the links on this page. The assemblies are to be installed no more than the pipe diameter in inches from the outlet side of the elbows off the Tee. 234 0 obj <>stream Vault/enclosure installations must be provided with adequate drainage and drains may not be connected to sewers of any kind, catch basins, below the flood rim of swales or riverbanks. sent directly to you and the We require water providers to meet standards to obtain, treat, and deliver water. Only approved Double Check Valve and Reduced Pressure type backflow assemblies, may be used for premises-isolation backflow protection. The water riser/supply pipe must be installed 12 from the foundation frontage wall to centerline of pipe on the centerline of the city water service as it runs perpendicular from the R.O.W. A Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) licensed Plumbing Inspector. 1. It can occur when water use exceeds normal delivery capacity of the water supply (e.g., a nearby fire fighting or a water main or service pipe break). 3) Annual registration fee of $100.00. 103 St. Philip Street PO Box B (29402) Charleston, SC 29403 Directions. 0 Cross Connection Control Backflow Tester Company List. Under normal operation water flows from the City of Houston waterlines to the water customers. To protect public health, our Cross-Connection Control (CCC) and Backflow Prevention Program is committed to helping you protect your drinking water system from potential contamination. For horizontal installations, and for assemblies which are not approved for vertical up installation, the riser must be equipped with a single 90-degree elbow and the assembly is to be no more than the pipe diameter in inches beyond the centerline (or outlet side of the) elbow to accommodate horizontal installations, excepting only the addition of a wye-strainer, flood control shut off valve or other, necessary appurtenance. SwiftQuote stores your backflow service history and gives you instant access to your records. Email. These devices prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the city's water system, and can also be found in place in many other municipalities in . Luckily, this is where it stopped: The worker mixing the pesticide realized the danger and alerted the utility workers, who closed the flush valve before the contamination reached the citys distribution line. These will allow for necessary clearance for ladders in single assembly installations. Backflow assemblies installed on water services that enter buildings with subgrade floors must conform to the following: Enter a building perpendicular to the centerline of the city water service and at an elevation as determined by the depth of the city water service at the R.O.W. All tests, repairs, and maintenance must be performed by a City-approved certified tester. May be installed in the concrete portion of the vault top, the touch pad must be easily accessible for replacement. This usually occurs in unvented heating systems, where This reversal of flow direction is known as backflow. A negative or reduced pressure in the supply piping causes backsiphonage much the same way as drinking through a straw. If the first upstream manhole is at a higher elevation due to the natural opography of the t area, an alternate method may be selected by the Utility's Development Services Department for the purpose of determining the feasibility of gravity connection. Providers are invited to offer quotes for work and can message you directly to understand the job specifics. City of Houston. 797 0 obj <>stream Position Overview. NEW: HAC is now offering free on site gauge certification to each registered student. For single & multiple assembly installations, refer to item #2 above to ensure proper ladder placement. However, certain pressure variations in the public water supply can cause water to flow in the opposite direction. Drawings must show property lines, building setbacks, identify street frontage, water main, service location and proposed backflow assembly type and location. The ladder must not encroach on the installation clearances for the type of assembly required. The touchpad must be accessible from the right-of-way. Only commercially manufactured prefabricated insulated outdoor enclosures will be approved. 751 0 obj <> endobj Installation Inspection Request Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. than in its supply, i.e. Schedule single and recurring services via the SwiftQuote Web App through any device. Premises-isolation backflow assemblies must be those approved by University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). 7. In no circumstance may the lower assembly be less than 12 AFF (measured to the lowest point on the assembly) and the higher assembly may not be installed above 5 AFF (measured to the top of the assembly body) unless an OSHA approved permanently mounted platform is installedthat meets the standards as outlined herein. 10. This could be caused by pumps, boilers or storage tanks. Touchpads or transmitters must be rigidly mounted and be serviceable. Backflow prevention assembly requirements are determined by plumbing inspections performed at initial or remodel construction projects during the Building Permit Process. SUBJECT: Water Backflow Prevention Program (PW09087) - (City Wide) - Page 5 of 7 Hamilton. A premises-isolation RPBA must be installed on all water service connections that pose a risk to health. Yes! Many public water systems also operate rigorous cross-connection control (CCC) programs of their own. Fire sprinkler system piping will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis regarding sleeving. If water service enters a building from below grade (slab-on-grade) or at an elevation less than 1-foot above finished floor (AFF), the assembly is to be raised to a minimum of1-foot AFF (measured to the lowest part of the assembly). Statewide Links: Texas.gov You can find one from our, If you install your own system, have a licensed BPA tester confirm that the BPA is installed and operating properly. If available, current GIS data will be used to make this determination. Enter your requirements and local pros will bid on your service, providing a quote to complete your request. 2023. The bore-sight drain must never be connected to a sewer of any kind, catch basins, sumps, or dry wells. A RPBA must be installed on domestic water services to mixed-use and multi-tenant premises. A backflow prevention assembly tester that is . Emergency: 206-824-0375 The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Cross-Connection Control Requirements are the minimum requirements that a public water provider must adhere to when requiring backflow prevention assemblies be installed. Third-Party CSI Inspectors: Ray Harlow: 832-349-4465 Terry Blanchard: 281-889-1443 Taylor: 936-647-5852. Normally, water travels in one direction, from treatment plants, through water mains, then to each customers service connection. i. Installations must be compliant with all applicable Title 21 and Title 28 criteria, and those stated herein. An inspection fee must be paid to the Water Bureau prior to replacement of an existing assembly or newly installed assembly on a dedicated fire service. If the fire sprinkler service is fully metered (a meter approved by the Water Bureau for fire flow application and billing purposes) a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) or Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA) may be installed depending on sprinkler system type. The requirements on this page and Title 21City Water Code require property owners to install backflow assemblies to protect the public drinking water supply. . Assemblies must be readily accessible with adequate room for testing and maintenance: Assemblies 2 inches and smaller (excludes DCDAs, see next bullet) must maintain at least 4-inches clearance on all sides and at both ends, respectively. hbbd``b`A* $XN HqH2} . All applicable RPBA installation criteria will apply. A reduced pressure type backflow assembly will be required on services to premises with piping systems adjacent to waterways that may be subject to immersion due to periods of highwater incidents. 11. 23828 30th Ave. S. testers contained on this list. When a RPBA is installed in a vault or enclosure in a berm or hillside, a horizontal boresight drain to daylight must be provided. Back-siphonage backflow caused by a negative pressure (i.e., a vacuum or partial vacuum) in the drinking or public water system. Some appliances have built-in backflow prevention for this reason, but many do not. The ladder must be mounted vertically in the entryway of the vault or chamber and be securely anchored at top and bottom. 3907 South Industrial Drive 13. We are available by phone, text, and email. A reduced pressure type assembly must be installed on all water service connections to premises with high-rise buildings (high-rise building: where a building is 75-feet or greater above its lowest finished-floor (slab) elevation to top of structure). All Double Check Detector Assemblies (DCDAs) and Reduced Pressure Detector Assemblies (RPDAs) required to be installed by the Portland Water Bureau must be equipped with a Water Bureau approved bypass meter and compatible touchpad. some means. Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Report(, Customer Service Inspections: A Guide for Public Water Systems (TCEQ publication, Backflow Protection on Fire Prevention Systems (TCEQ publication, A Public Water System Guide to Preparing a Backflow-Incident Emergency-Response Plan (TCEQ publication, A Public Water System Guide to Responding to a Backflow Incident (TCEQ publication, Establishing and Managing an Effective Cross-Connection Control Program (TCEQ publication. See something we could improve onthis page? Why Choose Us for Your Missouri City Backflow Prevention? This report is used to document the results of testing a backflow prevention assembly for proper functioning. Vaults must accommodate 6-feet of vertical headroom or have hinged double door opening frame and covers that accommodate the entire lay length of the assembly. Fire systems that incorporate the use of storage tanks must be equipped with a RPDA and are required to be installed at the service connection/point-of-delivery to the premises as outlined herein. Efrain Torres, Environmental Investigator IV. endstream endobj 68 0 obj <>stream The relief-valve must be located 12 above finished slab elevation. Compatible touch-pads for the above meter are Neptune model #12081-000 (wall mount application), Neptune model 12223-150 (vault door application, requires a 1 hole). Title 21.24.040 requires access be granted to all premises for inspection of water piping, as described therein. Backflow occurs when water from your property's plumbing flows backward into the City's water system. A Customer Service Inspection Certificate (CSI) is used to document the findings of a Customer Service Inspection. Please follow the prompts andhave the project numberandyour scheduling PIN readily available. Where the worker was mixing the pesticide, the water pressure dropped, and the flow in the hose reversed. If installed greater than 24", assemblies must be installed in a precast concreate vault that meets vault clearance standards as stated herein. Platforms must be engineered to comply with all applicable Oregon OSHA requirements and be detailed on all drawings submitted for review and permitting through City of Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS). The tester's role is to verify the proper operation of the assemblies. All Rights Reserved. The riser/supply pipe location must meet location criteria as stated herein. In addition to this the tester is held accountable to not alter the design, material or operational characteristics of a backflow prevention assembly during repair or maintenance without prior consent of the City of Houston. TCEQ regulations are the minimum requirement. prevent backflow. Are you a Local Pro? The City's Prevention of Backflow By-law 10-103 ensures that the City of Hamilton drinking water quality and distribution system is protected from each industrial, commercial, institutional or multi-residential property. 10. The drain must discharge to finished grade and/or be above the 100-year flood plain, whichever is greater. Your public water system must require a CSI to be performedunder the following circumstances: Water providers notify their customers that a CSI is required. Existing customers that have hadsubstantial plumbing modifications. Phone: 206-824-0375 State rules and City Codes require you to: Backflow Assembly Installation Requirements. This list represents companies that have met the requirements and have submitted the proper documentation to register and . To schedule an inspection, you will need the Permit Number, Job Address, and Inspection Code. 2. %PDF-1.6 % SwiftQuote integrates with your municipality and uploads compliance records to the city on your behalf. All premises having more than one domestic water service. Backflow Prevention Information | City of Houston - Houston Public Works Backflow Prevention Information All certified backflow prevention assembly testers play an important role in protecting the City of Houston water customers.