Eagle River Water & Sanitation District

• Water & Sewer Service Regulations
  • Contents
  • Article I - General Information
  • Article II - Definitions
  • Article III - Liability and Ownership
  • Article IV - Operation and Maintenance of Water and Sewer Systems
  • Article V - Application for Service
  • Article VI - Main Line Extensions
  • Article VII - Cross Connection Control
  • Article VIII - Rates and Charges
  • Article IX - Hearing, Settlement and Appeal Procedures
  • Appendix A - Schedule of Fees and Rates
  • Appendix B - Water and Sewer Service Line Construction Specifications
  • Appendix C - Standard Specifications for Water Main Construction
  • Appendix D - Standard Specifications for Sewer Main Construction
  • Appendix E - Pollutant Discharge Regulations and Industrial Pretreatment Program
• Development Approval Process

Article VII - Cross Connection Control

7.1 Cross-Connection Control Authority
The authority to implement and maintain this backflow and cross-connection control program is contained in the following legislative actions:

7.1.1 Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS), Section 25-1-114 and 25-1-114.1.

7.1.2 Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations (CPDWR), Article 12, Control of Hazardous Cross-Connections

7.1.3 Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (District) Rules and Regulations

7.1.4 Colorado Plumbing Code.

7.1.5 Uniform Plumbing Code of the International Plumbing and Mechanical Officials / International Plumbing Code.

7.1.6 Uniform Swimming Pool and Mineral Bath Regulations.

7.1.7 Uniform Solar Code

7.2 Reference Manuals Adopted for Guidelines on Cross-Connection Control

7.2.1 Cross-Connection Control Manual, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, latest edition.

7.2.2 Definitions of terms used in this regulation are contained in the Cross-Connection Control Manual, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, latest edition.

7.3 General Requirements
All building plans must be submitted to the local plumbing official and approved prior to issuance of water service. Building plans must comply with the following:

7.3.1 Approved backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed on all commercial, industrial, and mixed usage properties, and fire sprinkler systems to protect the domestic water system from potential cross-connection contamination.

7.3.2 By law, residential properties are required to have backflow prevention assemblies. If the residential property does not contain hazards to the public water supply, which hazards include, but are not limited to, home photo labs, solar power systems connected to the potable water system, and auxiliary wells, the District does not require Device Inspection Reports.

7.3.3 Approved backflow prevention assemblies that provide containment shall be installed on all new service connections, and shall be located downstream from the meter, prior to any other connection.

7.3.4 The District requires that all building plans for new construction or remodels that involve plumbing be submitted to the District for review and approval prior to construction.

7.3.5 All backflow prevention assemblies required in Paragraph 7.3.1 shall be tested at the time of installation and annually thereafter. Test results must be submitted to the District on the District's form and all information on the form must be completed and legible. Testing of devices must be performed by a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, with a current and valid certification, recognized by the District.

7.3.6 Backflow prevention assemblies installed on fire sprinkler systems must meet the requirements of the local Fire Department and shall be Reduced Pressure Assemblies that provide full containment or isolation when the systems contain glycol. The reduction of pressure through these devices must be incorporated into the design of the fire sprinkler system.

7.3.7 Backflow prevention assemblies shall only be installed by a Master Plumber or by a licensed plumber or Cross-Connection Control Technician working directly under the supervision and authority of a Licensed Master Plumber. Double check type backflow prevention assemblies shall not be permitted on systems containing glycol.

7.3.8 Single Check Valves are not considered backflow prevention assemblies and shall not be permitted within the service area of the District.

7.3.9 The District reserves the right to require the replacement or modification of any backflow prevention assembly that the District's Cross-Connection Technician deems to present a potential hazard to the domestic water system.

7.3.10 Backflow prevention assembly valves are not to be used as the inlet or outlet valve of the water meter. Test cocks are not to be used as supply connections.

7.3.11 All costs for the design, installation, maintenance, repair, and testing of backflow prevention assemblies shall be borne by the customer.

7.3.12 The District shall have the right of entry to inspect any and all buildings and premises for cross connections relative to possible hazards, or to verify proper installation, testing, or repair of backflow prevention assemblies.

7.3.13 No grandfather clause exists. All Rules, Regulations, and Laws apply regardless of the age of the property or the service connection.

7.3.14 The District may discontinue service of water to any property, if an unprotected cross connection exists on such property that poses a significant risk to the domestic water system. Failure of a property owner to comply after proper notice in writing by the District, pertaining to the installation, maintenance, testing, repair, relocation, or inspection of a backflow prevention assembly may result in the disconnection of water service. Water service to a property may not be disconnected if the customer installs an approved air gap to separate any hazardous condition from the public water system. If disconnection of a water service is not feasible, the District has the authority to fine property owners an amount not to exceed $500 per day for any or all days the connection is out of compliance.