(A) AIR GAP SEPARATION: The unobstructed vertical distance through free atmosphere between the lowest opening of any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the overflow level rim of the receptacle, and shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the flood level rim of the vessel, but in no case less than one (1) inch.
(B) APPROVED DEVICE: Devices tested and accepted by a recognized testing laboratory approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the City of Lawrence Utilities Department.
(C) APPROVED TECHNICIAN (TESTER/REPAIR PERSONNEL): An approved technician is one who has completed a KDHE approved training course in cross- connection control and backflow prevention and has passed a written examination. A written examination may include but is not limited to the device testers exam offered by the American Backflow Prevention Association.
(D) ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER (AVB): A mechanical device used to prevent backflow due to back siphonage. An AVB may not be used under continuous line pressure.
(E) BACKFLOW: The flow of water or other substances (foreign liquids, gases, used water, solids) into the distribution system of a potable supply of water from any source other than its intended source. Backsiphonage and back pressure are types of backflow.
(F) BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE: Any device, method, or type of construction intended to prevent backflow into the public water supply system.
(G) BACKSIPHONAGE: The flowing back of contaminated or polluted substances from a plumbing fixture or any vessel or source into the potable water supply due to negative pressure in the system.
(H) CONTAMINATION: Introduction of any sewage, process fluids, chemicals, wastes, or any other substance that would be objectionable. Contamination may be a threat to life or health, or may cause an aesthetic deterioration, such as color, taste, or odor. (I) CROSS CONNECTION: Any physical connection or arrangement between two (2)
otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains potable water, and the second which contains water of unknown or questionable safety, or steam, gases,
CODE OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS 19-45
chemicals or substances whereby there may be a flow from one system to the other. No physical cross connection shall be permitted between public or private water distribution systems containing potable water and any other system containing water of questionable quality or other substances.
(J) CUSTOMER: Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or agency or their authorized agent receiving water directly or indirectly from the City of Lawrence Utilities Department.
(K) CUSTOMER'S WATER SYSTEM: All service pipe, all distribution piping, and all appurtenances beyond the shut off valve of the public water system.
(L) DEGREE OF HAZARD: An evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon anyone using the water.
(M) DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY (DCVA): A mechanical device consisting of two internally loaded soft seated check valves with positive shut-off valves on both upstream and downstream ends, and properly located test ports. A DCVA is suitable for non-toxic substances only.
(N) DUAL CHECK VALVE: A device consisting of two internally loaded soft seated check valves. This device does not contain test ports and is acceptable for use only at the meter of residential customers.
(O) FREE WATER SURFACE: A water surface at atmospheric pressure.
(P) FLOOD LEVEL RIM: The edge of the receptacle from which water overflows. (Q) HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS: Actual or potential threat of a physical or toxic nature to
the public water supply that would be a danger to the health of the consumer. (R) HEALTH HAZARD: Any condition, device, or practice in the public water supply
system which would or could create a danger to the health and well-being of anyone using the water or would or could allow contamination of the water.
(S) KDHE: Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
(T) PLUMBING: The practices, materials, and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances.
(U) POLLUTION: The presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic, radiological, or biological) in water which tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness or quality of the water to a degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health but which does adversely affect the water.
(V) PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER (PVB): A mechanical device used to prevent backflow due to backsiphonage. A PVB may be used under continuous line pressure. (W) PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM: The public water system and the consumer's
water system.
(X) PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM: The water supply source, distribution system, and appurtenances to the service meter operated as a public utility which supplies potable water to the consumer's water system.
CODE OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS 19-46
BACKFLOW PREVENTER: An assembly of two independently acting soft seated approved check valves together with a hydraulically operated mechanically independent differential pressure relief valve located between the check valves and below the first check valve. The unit shall contain properly located test cocks and resilient seated shut-off valves at each end of the assembly. To be approved, these assemblies must be readily accessible for inspection and testing and be installed in an above ground location where no part of the assembly will be submerged.
(Z) SERVICE CONNECTION: The terminal end of the service line from the public water system. If a meter is installed at the end of the service, then the service connection means the downstream end of the meter.
(AA) TESTER: A trained technician certified in the testing and repair of backflow prevention devices. See APPROVED TECHNICIAN.
(BB) VACUUM: Any absolute pressure less than exerted by the atmosphere.
(CC) VACUUM BREAKER: A device that permits entrance of air into the water supply distribution line to prevent backsiphonage.
(DD) WATER, POTABLE: Water free from impurities in amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful physiological effects. Its quality shall conform to Kansas Department of Health and Environment requirements for public water supplies, as well as those of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(EE) WATER, NON-POTABLE: Water that is not safe for human consumption or that is of questionable potability.
(Ord. 6293, Sec. 3)