Cross Connection Manual - City of Richmond

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART PAGE # 

1 Introduction I - 1 

2 Definitions II - 1 

3 Elements of the Cross Connection Control and 

Backflow Prevention Program 

I. Basic Elements of the Program III - 1 

II. Administration III - 1 

III. Procedures 

Degree of Hazard III - 2 

Existing Connections Assessments III - 2 

New or Modified Connections Assessments III - 4 

Inspection Program III – 5 

Testing and Maintenance of Backflow Prevention 

Devices III - 7 

IV. Records 

Records maintenance Program III - 7 

V. Notification 

Reporting Contamination or Suspected 

Contamination III – 10 

VI. Thermal Expansion III - 11 

VII. Backflow Prevention Device Installer III - 11 

VIII. Backflow Prevention Device Tester III - 11 

IX. References III - 12 

4 Required Installation IV - 1 

I. General IV - 1 

II. Typical Backflow Prevention Device Installation IV - 4 

Table 4.1 - Types of Hazards 

Table 4.2 - Determination of Degree of Hazard 

5 Fire Sprinkler System Requirements 

I. Degree of Hazard V - 1 

II. Plan Review and Approval V - 1 

III. Design V - 2 

6 Irrigation System Requirements VI - 1 

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7 Standard Forms VII - 1 

Violation Notice 

Backflow Assembly Test Reports 

Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control 

Inspection Report 

Cross Connection Control Questionnaire 

Backflow Prevention Inspection Data Form 

Cross Connection Information Form 

Inventory of Cross Connection and Backflow 

Prevention Devices Form 

Site Assessment Survey Form 

8 Standard Drawings VIII - 1 

9 Criteria for Approved Backflow Prevention Devices IX - 1 

I. Approved Backflow Prevention Devices 

II. Backflow Prevention Device Specifications 

APPENDICIES 

Table 9.1 

Appendix A - Code of the City of Richmond 

Ordinance 84-261-234, Sections 31 – 34.10 

Appendix B - References 

Appendix C - Check List 

Appendix D - Code of the City of Richmond 

Appendix E - Virginia Department of Health Cross Connection and 

Backflow Prevention Regulations 

Note: It is the responsibility of the reader or user of this document to 

Insure that the excerpts referenced within this manual are the 

latest or most up to date 

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City of Richmond Cross Connection Control and 

Backflow Prevention 

PART I 

INTRODUCTION 

3 11/06



CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL 

AND 

BACKFLOW PREVENTION 

INTRODUCTION 

Per Article 3, Paragraph 12 VAC 5-590-580 of the Virginia Department of Heath Waterworks 

Regulations, as a condition for the issuance, and continued use, of the Commonwealth of 

Virginia Department of Health Waterworks Operation Permit (to treat raw water and distribute 

potable drinking water), the City of Richmond must establish and enforce a program of cross 

connection control and backflow prevention to protect and ensure that the water distribution 

system of the City of Richmond is pure and safe for public consumption. The purpose of the 

Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program (the Program) is to protect the 

City’s drinking water system from any cross connections made to or backflow entering the water 

distribution system and to protect the public health. 

The City of Richmond is responsible for providing potable water service to our customers in the 

City and surrounding municipalities. It is the City’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) 

obligation to insure the health, safety and welfare of our customers by making a continuous 

effort to provide quality services. The focus of this document is to assure protection of water 

quality throughout the water distribution system and to our customers. 

The DPU and the consumer have a shared responsibility for water quality. The DPU’s 

responsibility is for the distribution system and water service up to and through the water meter. 

The consumer’s responsibility begins after the water meter and includes the service line and all 

the pipe, fittings and appliances beyond the meter. The City requires the Customer to install a 

service line backflow prevention device on each service line, on the Customer’s property near 

the property line, just after the meter and prior to pipes branching off to different locations or 

uses within the property/site or the building. DPU is responsible for determining when, where 

and what type of backflow prevention must be installed on the service line, per the Waterworks 

Regulations (Article 3, paragraph 12 VAC 5-590-610). 

To maintain water quality, the DPU must identify potential cross connections and determine 

necessary protection measures. To aid in this, the Cross Connection Control and Backflow 

Prevention Program was adopted in 1984 and recently has been revised. The Program identifies 

those activities which pose a threat to the public potable (drinking) water supply through cross 

connections and backflow and outlines appropriate protective measures. 

The purpose of this manual is to: 

● Prevent backflow pollution or contamination of the water supply system by requiring 

the installation of an appropriate backflow prevention device or by backflow 

prevention by separation at the service connection, 

● Explain the criteria by which the City will determine the Degree of Hazard, 

● Define required backflow prevention assemblies or devices, 

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● Educate those who work with public water supplies, and 

● Encourage consumers to actively support and implement cross connection control for 

the purpose of protecting the public water supply. 

This manual is intended to address the requirements of the Water Purveyor (City of 

Richmond DPU) and the public water system. Separate requirements may be required 

under the Plumbing Code. 

If you have questions regarding the Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention 

Program, please contact the City’s Cross Connection Control Specialist at (804) 646-8502 or 

write to: 

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities 

Technical Services Division - Cross Connection Control 

400 Jefferson Davis Highway 

Richmond, VA 23224 

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PART II 

DEFINITIONS 

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1. Air-Gap Separation 


AND 


DEFINITIONS 

The term “Air-Gap Separation” shall mean the unobstructed physical separation through 

the free atmosphere between any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing 

fixture or other device. The physical separation shall be measured from the lowest 

opening of the pipe to the highest rim of the receptacle. An “approved air-gap 

separation” shall be a linear distance of at least two times the diameter of the supply pipe 

measured vertically above the rim of the vessel and the bottom of the discharge pipe. 

The minimum separation shall be two (2) inches in all cases. 

2. Approved 

The term “approved” means material, equipment, workmanship, process or method that 

has been accepted by the Uniform Statewide Building Code (BOCA International 

Plumbing Code) as suitable for the proposed use. 

3. ASSE 

American Society of Sanitary Engineers 

4. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker 

The term “Atmospheric vacuum breaker” (also known as the “non-pressure type vacuum 

breaker”) shall mean an assembly containing a float-check, a check to close the air inlet 

port. The flow of water into the body causes the float to close the air inlet port. When 

the flow of water stops the float falls and forms a check valve against backsiphonage and 

at the same time opens the air inlet port to allow air to enter and satisfy the vacuum. A 

shutoff immediately upstream may be an integral part of the assembly. An atmospheric 

vacuum breaker is designed to protect against a health hazard, (i.e. containment) under a 

backsiphonage condition only. 

5. Auxiliary Water System 

The term “auxiliary water system” shall mean any water system on or available to the 

premises other than the waterworks. These auxiliary water systems may include water 

from another purveyor’s waterworks or water from a source such as wells, lakes, or 

streams; or process fluids, or used water. They may be polluted or contaminated or 

objectionable, constitute a water source or system over which the water purveyor does 

not have control. 

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6. Backflow 

The term “backflow” shall mean the undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of 

water and other liquids, gases or other substances into the distribution pipes of the 

potable supply of water from any source or sources. 

7. Backflow Prevention Device – Approved 

The term “approved backflow prevention device” shall mean a device, method, or type of 

construction that has been investigated and approved by the Virginia Department of 

Health, Office of Drinking Water, Division of Water Supply Engineering for the effective 

prevention of backflow into a potable system. In addition, the appropriate American 

Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) standard is as follows: 

BOCA International Plumbing Code 

Table P-1505.11.1 - Air Gap Separation (A.G.) 

ASSE-1013 - Reduced Pressure Zone Backflow Preventer (RPZ) 

ASSE-1024 - Dual Check Valve Assembly Backflow Preventer (DCVA) 

8. Backflow Prevention Device – Unapproved 

The term “unapproved backflow prevention assembly” shall mean an assembly that does 

not meet the requirements of the current ASSE standard and is therefore unacceptable for 

use in the City’s distribution system. 

9. Backpressure 

The term “backpressure” shall mean any elevation of pressure in the downstream piping 

system (by pump, elevation of piping, or steam and/or air pressure) above the supply 

pressure at the point of consideration which would cause, or tend to cause a reversal of 

the normal flow of potable water leading to backsiphonage. 

10. Backsiphonage 

The term “backsiphonage” shall mean a form of backflow where water from a 

consumer’s water service line (after the meter) is pulled back into the supply system due 

a decrease in water pressure in the supply system. 

11. By-Pass 

The term “by-pass” shall mean any piping arrangement, connection, removable section, 

swivel, changeable device or other temporary or permanent devices through which or 

because of which a backflow prevention device could be circumvented and a backflow 

could occur. 

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12. CCC 

Cross Connection Control Program by the City of Richmond, Department of Public 

Utilities, Technical Services Division 

13. CCCS 

Cross Connection Control Specialist - an employee of the City of Richmond, Department 

of Public Utilities, Technical Services Division 

14. Check Valve - Approved 

15. Code 

The term “approved check valve” shall mean a check valve that is drip tight in the normal 

direction of flow when the inlet pressure is at least one (1) psi and the outlet pressure is 

zero (0). The check valve shall permit no leakage in a direction reverse to the normal 

flow. The closure element (e.g. clapper, poppet or other design) shall be internally 

loaded to promote rapid and positive closure. An “approved check valve” is only one 

component of an approved backflow prevention device – i.e. pressure type, anti-siphon 

vacuum breaker, double check backflow prevention assembly, or reduced pressure 

backflow preventer. 

The term “Code” shall mean the latest edition of the building and/or plumbing code as 

recognized by the City of Richmond. The “Code” is a standard for plumbing equipment, 

materials and installation published by an independent, non-government organization. 

16. Consumer 

The term “consumer” shall mean the person who benefits from the water, wastewater 

service or gas or any combination used or wasted on any premises within or without the 

corporate city limits, or means a customer. 

17. Containment 

The term “containment” shall mean that the appropriate type or method of backflow 

protection, commensurate with the degree of hazard of the consumer’s potable water 

system, is installed at the service connection. Therefore, any possible contamination of 

the water supply is contained within the consumer’s potable water system. 

18. Contamination 

The term “contamination” shall mean a degradation of the quality of the potable water by 

any solid, liquid, or gaseous compounds or mixtures which would create an actual or 

potential hazard to the public health, or would create an unacceptable, odor or color to 

potable water. 

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19. Customer 

The term “customer” shall mean the person legally or equitably responsible for the 

payment of charges for water, gas or wastewater service or any combination used or 

wasted on any premises within or without the corporate City limits. 

20. Critical Level 

The term “critical level” shall mean the minimum elevation (height) above the rim of a 

fixture or receptacle at which a vacuum breaker device may be installed. 

21. Cross Connection 

The term “cross connection” shall mean any unprotected actual or potential connection or 

structural arrangement between a public or a consumer’s potable water system and any 

other source or system through which it is possible to induce into any part of the potable 

system any used water, industrial fluid, gas, or substance other than the intended potable 

water with which the system is supplied. 

22. Degree of Hazard 

The term “degree of hazard” is used to refer to the potential risk to health and adverse 

effect upon the waterworks. 

23. Detector Check 

The term “detector check” shall mean a fire line water meter consisting of a single check 

valve assembly and a by-pass water meter and a single check. The meter shall register 

accurately for low rates of flow and shall show a registration for all rates of flow. 

24. Division 

The term “Division” shall mean the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking 

Water, Division of Water Supply Engineering. 

25. Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DCVA) 

The term “double check valve backflow prevention assembly” (DCVA) shall mean an 

assembly composed of two (2) independently acting, approved check valves, including 

tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly and fitted with 

properly located test cocks. This assembly shall be a low hazard device to only be used 

to protect against a non-health hazard (i.e. pollutant). 

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26. Enclosure 

The term “enclosure” shall refer to the above ground structure that encloses a backflow 

prevention device to prevent freezing. Enclosures shall conform to the requirements of 

ASSE 1060. 

27. Health Agency 

The term “Health Agency” shall mean the Virginia Department of Health, Office of 

Drinking Water, Division of Water Supply Engineering. 

28. Health Hazard 

The term “health hazard” shall mean an actual or potential threat of contamination of a 

physical or toxic nature to the public potable water system or the consumer’s potable 

water system to such a degree or intensity that there would be a danger to health. 

29. Industrial Fluids 

The term “industrial fluids” shall mean any liquid or solution which may be chemically, 

biologically or otherwise contaminated or polluted which would constitute a health, 

pollution or system hazard if introduced into the waterworks. This includes, but is not 

limited to: 

i. Polluted or contaminated water, 

ii. Process water, 

iii. Used waters, originating from the waterworks which may have 

deteriorated in sanitary quality, 

iv. Cooling water, 

v. Contaminated natural water taken from wells, lakes, streams, or irrigation 

systems, 

vi. Chemicals in solution or suspension, and 

vii. Oils, gases, acids, alkalis, and other liquid and gaseous fluid used in 

industrial or other processes or fire fighting purposes. 

30. Industrial Piping System (Consumer’s) 

The term “Industrial Piping System” shall mean any system used by the consumer for 

transmission of or storage of any fluid, solid or gaseous substances other than an 

approved water supply. Such a system would include all pipes, conduits, tanks, 

receptacles, fixtures, equipment and appurtenances used to produce, convey, or store 

substances which may be polluted or contaminated. 

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31. Inlet 

32. Main 

The term “inlet” shall mean the open end of the water supply pipe through which the 

water is discharged into a plumbing fixture. 

The term “main” shall mean the pipe in a street extending parallel or nearly parallel to the 

line of property abutting thereon through which water is conveyed or distributed. 

33. Non-Health Hazard 

The term “non-health hazard” shall mean an actual or potential threat to the physical 

properties of the public or consumer’s potable water system or of a contamination which 

would have a protracted effect on the quality of the potable water system. A non-health 

hazard is one that, if introduced into the public potable water supply system, would be a 

nuisance to the customer but would not adversely affect human health. 

34. Point of Connection (POC) 

The term “point of connection” shall mean the terminal end of a water pipe where water 

is delivered for use. Examples of “point of connections” are faucets and hose bibs. 

35. Potable Water 

The term “potable water” shall mean water from any source which has been permitted by 

the Virginia Department of Health and approved for human consumption. 

36. Program 

The term “program” shall mean the Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention 

Program of the City of Richmond. The program includes any rules and regulations of the 

DPU. 

37. Reduced Pressure Zone Backflow Preventer (RPZ) 

The term “reduced pressure zone backflow preventer” shall mean a device containing a 

minimum of two (2) independently acting check valves together with an automatically 

operated pressure differential relief valve located between the two (2) check valves. 

During normal flow and at the cessation of normal flow, the pressure between these two 

(2) check valves shall be less than the supply pressure. In case of leakage of either check 

valve, the differential relief valve, by discharging to the atmosphere shall operate to 

maintain the pressure between the check valves at less than the supply pressure. The unit 

must include tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the device and each 

12 11/06



device shall be fitted with properly located test cocks. These devices must be the 

approved type. This device is designed to protect against a health hazard. 

38. Service Connection 

The term “service connection” shall mean the terminal end point of the public potable 

water system where the DPU loses jurisdiction and sanitary control over the water at its 

point of delivery to the consumer’s water system. The terminal end point is normally the 

water meter. 

39. Service Line Protection 

The term “service line protection” shall mean the appropriate type or method of backflow 

protection installed at the service connection, commensurate with the degree of hazard of 

the consumer’s potable water system. 

40. Water Purveyor 

The term “water purveyor” shall mean the City of Richmond Department of Public 

Utilities. 

41. Water Service 

The term “water service” shall mean the meter, facilities and equipment required to 

furnish water from the meter to the premises and the billing for services supplied through 

the meter to the consumer. 

42. Water Service Connection 

The term “water service connection” shall mean facilities and equipment in the street area 

between the water main and the property line used to supply water to any premises. 

43. Water Supply 

The term “water supply” shall mean any water that shall have been taken into waterworks 

from all wells, streams, springs, lakes and other bodies of water of surface waters (natural 

or impounded), and the tributaries thereto, and all impounded groundwater, but the term 

“water supply” shall not include any waters above the point of intake of such water 

works. 

44. Water Supply – Auxiliary 

The term “auxiliary water supply” shall mean any water supply on or available to the 

premises other than the purveyor’s approved public potable water supply. These 

auxiliary water may include water from another purveyor’s public potable water supply 

or any natural source such as well, spring, river, stream, etc. 

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45. Water Supply – Unapproved 

The term “water supply – unapproved” shall mean a water supply which has not been 

approved for human consumption by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of 

Drinking Water, Division of Water Supply Engineering. 

46. Water System – Consumer’s Potable 

The term “consumer’s potable water system” shall mean that portion of the privately 

owned water system lying between the point of delivery and point of use. This system 

will include all pipes conduits, tanks, receptacles, fixtures, equipment and appurtenances 

used to produce, convey, store or use potable water. 

47. Water System – Public Potable 

The term “Public potable water system” shall mean any public or privately owned water 

system operated as a public utility, under a valid health permit, to supply water for 

domestic purposes. This system will include all sources, facilities and appurtenances 

between the source and the point of delivery such as valves, pump, pipes, conduits, tanks, 

receptacles, fixtures, equipment and appurtenances used to produce, convey treat or store 

potable water for public consumption or use. 

48. Waterworks 

The term “waterworks” shall mean a system that serves piped water for drinking or 

domestic use of (1) the public, (2) at least 15 service connections or (3) and average of 

twenty-five (25) individuals for at least 60 days out of the year. The term “waterworks” 

shall include all structures, equipment and appurtenances used in the storage, collection, 

purification, treatment and distribution of pure water except the piping and fixtures 

inside the building where such water is delivered. 

49. Waterworks Owner 

The term “waterworks owner” shall mean an individual, group of individuals, 

partnership, firm, association, institution, corporation, Municipal Corporation or the 

Federal Government which supplies water to any person within the State from or by 

means of any waterworks. 

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PART III 

ELEMENTS of the CROSS CONNECTION 

CONTROL 

And 

BACKFLOW PREVENTION PROGRAM 

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AND 


ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM 

I. BASIC ELEMENTS of the PROGRAM 

The basic elements of the Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program are: 

1. Assist the City of Richmond DPU to enforce a service line protection program to 

protect the public water supply. 

2. Define the personnel, equipment, supplies and organization to perform the 

following functions. 

3. Define a procedure to assess existing connections to the City’s water distribution 

system to determine the need for and required control measures, as necessary. 

4. Define a procedure to assess plans of new or modified connections to the City’s 

water distribution system to determine the need for and required control measures, 

as necessary. 

5. Develop an inspection program to determine the need for and required control 

measures on new, existing or modified connections to the City’s water 

distribution system, as necessary. 

6. Develop a program to monitor the owner’s testing to determine the operational 

effectiveness of devices installed on existing service connections to the City’s 

water distribution system. 

7. Develop a system for maintaining records for the program: inspections, devices 

installed, tests made, repairs made, non-compliant devices, etc. 

8. A system for reporting contamination or suspected contamination of the City’s 

water distribution system to the Department of Public Utilities. 

II. ADMINISTRATION 

A. The City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities, Technical Services 

Division - Cross Connection Control Specialist (CCCS) will be responsible for 

The Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program (the Program). 

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B. The City has State of Virginia certified personnel that will be responsible for 

specific aspects of the Program. 

III. PROCEDURES 

A. DEGREE OF HAZARD 

1. The Degree of Hazard is the potential risk from a cross connection or backflow to 

cause health and adverse effects upon the waterworks. 

2. The BOCA International Plumbing Code only recognizes backflow prevention 

devices for either “high” or “low” Degrees of Hazard. For “high” Degree of 

Hazard connections a reduced principal zone (RPZ) backflow preventer is 

required. For “low” Degree of Hazard connections a double check valve 

assembly (DCVA) backflow preventer is required. 

3. A “low” Degree of Hazard requires all of the water uses within a building or 

complex to have appropriate point of connection (POC) backflow prevention 

devices in working condition and not contain a “high” hazard use as defined in 

Table 4.2. Since the City of Richmond does not have the authority to inspect or to 

require maintenance on POC backflow devices, the City does not know that all of 

the POC backflow devices are operating properly and the City assumes that at 

least one (1) POC device is malfunctioning. Therefore, all connections within the 

City are “high” Degree of Hazard connections. There are two (2) exceptions to 

this assumption: 

a. The City allows the use of DCVA backflow preventers on “low” Degree 

of Hazard fire service connections. A “low” Degree of Hazard fire service 

connection is any system with only a Siamese connection. A “high” 

Degree of Hazard fire service connection is: 

1) A system with pumper connections where corrosion inhibitors or 

other chemicals are added, 

2) All foamite plant installations, 

3) A system where an unapproved water supply is permanently 

connected to a fire hydrant, 

4) A system in which antifreeze is used, 

5) Auxiliary water supplies, 

6) A system with storage tanks, 

7) A “dry” system with compressed air. 

8) Complex fire systems where the City cannot verify the installation. 

9) Existing systems where the City cannot verify the installation. 

b. The City does not require the use of backflow prevention devices on single 

family residential connections that have only domestic use services 

(cooking, drinking, and toilet). Residences that have pools, hot tubs, 

17 11/06



irrigation systems, a fire system, operate a business or a private well are 

considered “high” Degree of Hazard connections and require RPZ 

backflow preventers. 

1) Single family residences with separate domestic use and irrigation 

connections do not have to have a backflow preventer on the 

domestic connection as long as it does not conflict with paragraph 

III.A.3.b. The irrigation connection will require a backflow 

preventer in accordance with Part VI of this manual. Single family 

residences with a separate domestic use and fire service 

connections do not have to have a backflow preventer on the 

domestic connection. The fire service connection will require a 

backflow preventer in accordance with Part V of this manual. 

B. EXISTING CONNECTIONS ASSESSMENTS 

Assessments may be performed by questionnaire, interviews or on-site assessments. Interviews 

may be conducted on-site or by telephone at the discretion of the CCCS. 

1. Assessments by Questionnaire 

a. Annual questionnaires may be sent to each Customer. 

b. The results of the annual questionnaires will be reviewed by the CCCS. 

Based on the response to the questionnaires, cross connection control 

interviews will be scheduled and appropriate backflow prevention devices 

required to provide containment determined. No response to the 

questionnaire will prompt an on-site interview. Refusal of access for 

inspection or provision of pertinent information shall prompt the 

requirement to install a high hazard containment device. A high hazard 

device is required on all service containment except fire sprinkling which 

may require both. 

2. Assessment By Interview 

a. Interviews will follow a prepared questionnaire to assess the need for 

cross connection control by containment. 

b. Available information about the premises to be surveyed will be gathered 

prior to the interview. 

c. The reasons for cross connection control and backflow prevention as well 

as the degree of hazard determined will be explained to the customer or 

the customer’s representative. 

d. The questionnaire will cover the following topics: 

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1) Water uses after water enters the premises. 

2) The current use of the facility. 

3) Plans for future expansion and possible additional abatement. 

4) Plans for any change in the use of the facility. 

5) A list of all fixtures on the premises 

6) A list of all equipment used on the premises. 

7) A list of any chemicals used on the premises. 

8) Existing backflow prevention devices. 

e. All information will be recorded on the prepared questionnaire. 

f. Based on the information on the questionnaire an assessment of the 

Degrees of Hazard for the premises will be made. 

g. The results of the Interview, with the Degrees of Hazard assessment and 

recommendations for containment or isolation devices, will be submitted 

to the Department of Public Utilities Technical Services Division - Cross 

Connection Control (CCC). 

3. On-Site Assessments 

a. Based on the results of the questionnaire and/or the interview, an on-site 

inspection of the premises may be required. Facilities defined in Part IV 

of this Program will automatically require an on-site assessment and 

control device or air gap. 

b. Any owner or owner’s representative that does not allow an on-site 

assessment shall be guilty of a misdemeanor per Section 106-2 of the City 

Code and shall be subject to a fine. Each refusal of an on-site assessment 

shall be a separate offense. 

c. On-Site assessments shall be made by personnel of the Technical Services 

Division - Cross Connection Control. 

4. Consumer Notification 

a. The CCCS will notify the Customer in writing as to the required location 

of any assembly or device; type of assembly or device, including 

applicable American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) standards; 

installation requirements; and the deadline for completing the installation 

– usually 15 days and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s 

requirements. 

b. If the consumer’s water supply system owner fails to install any required 

assembly, device or separation within the deadline or fails to complete 

19 11/06



testing, inspection or overhauling as required, a Notice of Violation shall 

be prepared in accordance with Section 106-313 and 106-347 of the 

Ordinance and shall include a notification of termination of water service 

unless the compliance is obtained within 30 days. 

C. NEW OR MODIFIED CONNECTIONS ASSESSMENTS 

1. New Premises 

a. All new use or modified use applications shall be reviewed by the CCCS 

for cross connection control requirements prior to issuance of a building 

permit. 

1) The location of any backflow prevention device shall be shown on 

the site plan. 

2) Existing plumbing from the building to the connection and/or 

water meter must be shown. Proposed plumbing from the building 

to the water connection must also be shown. 

3) When the site plan reflects the installation of a backflow 

prevention device, such devices shall be of the approved type, 

tested by a recognized testing laboratory or agency, approved by 

the CCC. The requirements for approved backflow prevention 

devices are included in Part IX of this document. 

4) Detailed drawings of the backflow prevention device installation 

shall be submitted for review. Submitted detailed drawings shall 

include: type, manufacturer, model, size, clearance from wall, 

distance to floor or pad, distance to ceiling, distance from walls, 

isolation valves, pad, enclosure and distance to drains. 

5) The CCCS shall review the plans and advise whether they are 

approved or disapproved. Disapproved site plans shall be revised 

and resubmitted for additional review. The DPU will not 

recommend that the Building Permit be issued until the CCCS 

approves the backflow prevention design. 

6) If a fire system is proposed, show proposed connection to the 

City’s main, the proposed City meter vault location and the 

location of the backflow prevention device (including type of 

device, clearances and type of freeze proof enclosure where 

applicable). 

7) If an underground irrigation system is proposed, the site plan must 

show the proposed water line tie-in and the proposed location of an 

approved backflow prevention device at the service connection. 

b. If changes are made to the water system during construction, modified 

plans shall be submitted to the CCC for review. Disapproved plans shall 

be revised and resubmitted for additional review. The meter will be 

withheld until the modified plans are approved. 

20 11/06



c. Required assemblies, devices or separations shall be operational prior to 

issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. The initial testing of the devices 

will be performed by a state certified backflow prevention device tester at 

the Customer’s expense. The results of the test shall be submitted to the 

CCC. If the backflow assembly fails inspection or testing, the meter will 

be withheld until backflow assembly is approved or passes testing. 

d. A follow up inspection of all premises, except residential, may be 

performed by the CCCS within 30 days of occupancy. 

e. The Building Inspection Department will coordinate cross connection 

control requirements at new construction, properties where building usage 

has changed, properties where booster or fire pumps are used and all other 

incidences where plumbing modifications occur with the CCC. 

2. Existing Premises with Modified Water Supplies 

a. Existing premises requesting a new service connection or reconnection to 

the waterworks (modified service) must be assessed by an on-site 

interview for cross connection hazards and the appropriate device 

installed, inspected and operational prior to making the service 

connection. 

1) The owner shall submit plans for the new service connection in 

accordance with Paragraph III.C.1.a. 

b. Existing premises with individual water supplies (i.e. an auxiliary water 

system) may, upon approval of the DPU, maintain the water supply on the 

premises if a separation from the consumer’s water supply system is 

provided and maintained and access is granted for inspections. A written 

request must be made and the City Building Official must concur. 

D. INSPECTION PROGRAM 

1. An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed at each service 

connection to a consumer’s water system where, in the opinion of the CCCS, a 

health, pollution or system hazard to the waterworks exists. 

2. Inspections will be scheduled in priority according to known Degree of Hazard 

associated with the consumer being served. Services with a “high” Degree of 

Hazard will be surveyed first. Others shall come in order. 

3. Residential customers shall be informed of potential cross connections in and 

around the home through educational brochures and other information sent 

periodically in conjunction with the billing cycle. 

21 11/06



E. TESTING and MAINTENANCE of BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES 

1. The Customer shall ensure that all backflow prevention devices shall be inspected 

and tested annually by a state certified backflow prevention device tester at the 

Customer’s expense. The results of the testing shall be submitted to the CCC. 

2. Testing procedure shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and 

approved by the CCCS. 

3. Backflow prevention devices that fail inspection or testing, or both, shall be 

overhauled or replaced at the Customer’s expense. The service connection will be 

closed, or a tested temporary backflow prevention device installed, until the failed 

backflow prevention device has been overhauled or replaced. After overhauling, 

the backflow prevention device shall be tested. 

4. Backflow prevention device overhaul intervals shall not exceed the 

manufacturer’s recommendation. If the overhaul interval has been exceeded the 

backflow prevention device will be considered failed. 

5. Test reports shall be submitted to the CCC. The CCCS will review and track the 

testing reports. 

6. Residential containment devices should be replaced every ten (10) years or sooner 

if recommended by the manufacturer. 

7. Annual assessments by questionnaires shall be conducted and results reviewed as 

noted above. 

IV. RECORDS 

A. RECORDS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM 

1. An up-to-date listing all customers shall be maintained by the CCC. The list will 

contain: 

a. Owner of premises 

b. Tenant 

c. Name of premises 

d. Service address 

e. Phone Number 

f. Contact person 

g. Number of service connections 

h. Size of service connection 

i. Annual Testing Report 

22 11/06



2. An up-to-date listing of water supply system owners who have cross connection 

control assemblies and devices (including pressure sensing devices) or separations 

(including separations from auxiliary or non-potable water systems and air gaps) 

installed shall be maintained by the CCC. The list will contain: 

a. Owner of premises 

b. Tenant 

c. Name of premises 

d. Service address 

e. Phone Number 

f. Contact person 

g. Locations of assemblies, devices or separations 

h. Device manufacturer 

i. Device model number 

j. Device serial number 

k. Device size 

l. Device ASSE number 

m. Cross Connection or pressure sensing device tested annually 

n. Pressure sensing device manufacturer 

o. Pressure sensing device model number 

p. Pressure sensing device serial number 

q. Pressure sensing device pressure set point 

r. Type of separation 

1) air gap 

2) physical disconnection 

s. Separation verified annually 

t. Type of protection 

1) Service line containment device 

u. Access for inspection (granted) (denied) (not necessary) 

3. Questionnaires, cross connection control interview reports and testing reports 

shall be maintained by the CCC for ten (10) years. The reports will contain: 

a. Inventory information as noted in Section VIII.A and B above 

b. An assessment of: 

a. Degree of Hazard 

b. Appropriateness of assembly, device or separation 

c. Installation acceptable 

d. General condition of assembly, device or separation 

e. Repair / replacement recommendations 

f. New / additional abatement or control recommendations 

23 11/06



g. Any indication pf thermal expansion problems 

c. See Part VIII for the Assessment Report form 

d. Line pressure 

e. Results of testing 

f. Test method used 

g. Date, license number and signature of device tester 

h. Master plumber license number and signature of device installer 

i. If repairs were made, the test report will contain: 

1) Which parts replaced 

2) Replacements parts used 

3) Probable cause of test failure 

4) Preventative measures taken 

j. See Part VIII for the Testing Report form 

k. Brief explanation of causes of backflow and control measures. These 

causes may include, but will not be limited to: 

1) Spring, hot tub, cistern or swimming pool connected to the house 

plumbing system 

2) Water softeners improperly connected 

3) Individual wells, springs or cisterns on the property 

4) Pressure booster pumps 

5) Water storage tanks 

6) Water treatment systems 

7) Outside hose bibs used in conjunction with: 

i. Chemical sprayers 

ii. Jet spray washers 

iii. Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, etc. 

iv. Lawn sprinkler or irrigation systems 

8) Photographic developing 

9) Utility sinks with hoses extending below the sink rim 

10) Animal watering troughs 

l. Existing cross connection control assemblies, devices or separations: 

1) Working properly 

2) Leaking, noisy 

3) Any modifications or repairs made 

4) Date of last test 

5) Any problems with hot water tank relief valve or faucet washers 

not lasting very long 

m. Also included with the questionnaire should be: 

24 11/06



1) Educational material 

2) Who to contact for additional information 

3) Who to contact if contamination is ever suspected 

4) A deadline to respond to the questionnaire 

n. See Part VIII for the Questionnaire Forms (residential) (Commercial) 

4. Residential containment double check valve assembly device (ASSE #1024) 

overhaul or replacement reports shall be maintained by the CCC for ten (10) 

years. The report will contain: 

V. NOTIFICATION 

a. Inventory information as noted in Section VIII.A above. 

b. Overhaul/replacement action 

c. Date of action 

A. REPORTING CONTAMINATION or SUSPECTED CONTAMINATION 

1. The water supply system owner, Local Building Official, device tester or any 

other person should report contamination or the suspicion of contamination to any 

one or all of the following: 

a. DPU Dispatcher, telephone - 804-646-8426 

b. DPU Technical Services – Backflow Section, telephone – 804-646-8502 

c. Building Inspection Office, telephone – 804-646-6419 

d. Water Treatment Plant, telephone 804-644-3000 

e. Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water Field Office, 

telephone – 804-674-2880 

f. Local Health Department, Environmental Health Specialist 

2. The City of Richmond Water Plant will be responsible for investigating reports of 

contamination or suspected contamination and will be responsible for notifying 

the appropriate Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water, Field 

Office. A written report will be submitted by the 10 th day of the month following 

the month during which backflow occurred addressing the incident, its causes, 

affects and preventative or control measures required or taken. 

25 11/06



VI. THERMAL EXPANSION 

A. Customers should be advised (by the Plumbing Inspector) of the potential for 

thermal expansion prior to or during installation of a backflow prevention device. 

Solutions to thermal expansion will be at the discretion of the water supply 

system owner and at the expense of the water supply system owner. 

VII. BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE INSTALLER 

A. If the contract amount is over $1,000, backflow prevention devices shall be 

installed by a licensed plumbing contractor. If the contract amount is under 

$1,000, backflow prevention devices may be installed by a State licensed Master 

Plumber. Backflow prevention devices installed as part of a fire sprinkler system 

may be installed by an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor who holds 

a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level 

3 certification. 

VIII. BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE TESTER 

A. The backflow prevention device tester is responsible for making competent 

inspections and for repairing or overhauling backflow prevention assemblies, 

devices and making reports of such repairs to the consumer’s water supply owner 

on forms approved by the DPU. The backflow prevention device tester must be 

state certified. 

VII. A backflow prevention device tester shall be certified by the Virginia Department 

of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and shall have an active 

status. The backflow prevention device tester shall maintain their certification per 

the rules and regulations of the DPOR. 

VIII. The tester shall include the list of materials or replacement parts used and insure 

that parts used in the repair of the backflow prevention assembly or device meet 

the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

IX. The tester shall not change the design or operational characteristics of an 

assembly or device or separation during repair or maintenance without prior 

written approval of the water service owner and the DPU. 

X. The tester shall be equipped with and be competent in the use of all the necessary 

tools, gauges, manometers and other equipment necessary to properly test, repair 

and maintain backflow prevention assemblies and devices. 

XI. Cost for testing and repair of backflow prevention devices shall be paid for by the 

owner. 

26 11/06



IX. REFERENCES 

A. Virginia Cross Connection Control Association – Recommended Best Practice 

B. The latest edition of the Code as approved by the City of Richmond 

C. EPA Cross Connection Control Manual 

D. Virginia Waterworks Regulations 

E. The American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) shall be the governing 

testing agency. 

F. Installation guidelines published by the manufacturer of the backflow device 

being installed. 

G. AWWA M14 – Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross- 

Connection Control 

27 11/06



PART IV 

REQUIRED INSTALLATIONS 

28 11/06



I. GENERAL 


AND 


INSTALLATIONS REQUIRING BACKFLOW 

PREVENTION DEVICES 

A. An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each service 

connection to a consumer’s water system serving, but not necessarily limited to, 

the following types of facilities: 

1. Hospitals, mortuaries, clinics, veterinary clinics, nursing homes, medical 

buildings and laboratories 

2. Restaurants 

3. Piers, docks, and water front facilities 

4. Sewage treatment plants, sewage and storm water pumping stations 

5. Food, beverage processing plants 

6. Chemical plants, dyeing plants and pharmaceutical plants 

7. Metal processing industries 

8. Petroleum or natural gas processing or storage plants 

9. Radioactive materials processing plants or nuclear reactors 

10. Car washes and laundries 

11. Lawn sprinkler and/or irrigation systems 

12. Fire service systems 

13. Slaughter or poultry processing plants 

14. Farms where water is used for other tan household purposes 

15. Commercial greenhouses 

16. Health clubs with swimming pools, therapeutic baths, hot tubs or saunas 

29 11/06



17. Paper products plants and printing plants 

18. Pesticide or exterminating companies and their vehicles with storage or 

mixing tanks 

19. Schools or colleges 

20. Highrise buildings (4 or more stories) 

21. Multi-use commercial, office or warehouse facilities 

22. Other specified by the Director of Public Utilities when reasonable cause 

can be shown for a potential cross connection or backflow hazard 

TABLE 4.1 

CROSS CONNECTIONS, HAZARDS FOUND, RECOMMENDED 

TYPE OF PROTECTION 

Facility Hazards Found Type of Protection 

A. Hospitals, Mortuaries, clinics, 

veterinary clinics, nursing 

homes, medical buildings, 

laboratories 

B. Restaurants 

C. Piers, docks, waterfront 

buildings 

D. Sewage treatment plants, 

Sewage and storm water 

Pumping stations 

E. Food, beverage processing 

plants 

F. Chemical plants, dyeing plants 

pharmaceutical plants 

G. Metal plating industries 

H. Petroleum, natural gas 

processing or storage plants 

Bedpan washers, flush valve toilets, 

autoclaves, specimen tanks, 

aspirators, lab equipment, autopsy 

and mortuary equipment, etc. 

Cookers, tanks, cleaning chemicals 

and equipment, etc. 

Auxiliary water, raw water 

connections, steam boilers, mud 

pumps, oil and gas tanks, 

reservoirs, etc. 

Sewage pumps, sewage sump 

ejectors, laboratories, chemical 

storage, etc. 

Cookers, autoclaves, tanks, fill 

lines, steam connected facilities, 

chemicals, cleaning equipment, etc. 

Chemical tanks, vessels, fill lines, 

industrial fluid lines, storage 

reservoirs, fire foam equipment, etc 

Industrial fluid lines, metals in 

solutions, cyanic, cleaning 

equipment, tanks, vessels, 

reservoirs, etc. 

Steam boilers, mud pumps, tanks 

vessels, industrial fluid lines, fire 

foam equipment, etc. 

Air gap separation or RPZ 

backflow device on the service 

connection 



connection 



connection 



connection 



connection. Double check device 

when there is a pollution hazard 

only 



connection 



connection 



connection 

30 11/06



TABLE 4.1 (con’t.) 

CROSS CONNECTIONS, HAZARDS FOUND, RECOMMENDED 

TYPE OF PROTECTION 

Facility Hazard Found Type of Protection 

I. Radioactive materials 

processing plants or nuclear 

reactors 

J. Car washes and commercial 

laundries 

K. Lawn sprinkler systems 

L. Fire service systems 

M. Slaughter or poultry 

processing plants 

N. Farms where water is used for 

other than household purposes 

O. Commercial greenhouses 

P. Health clubs with swimming 

pools, therapeutic baths, hot 

tubs or saunas 

S. Schools and colleges 

T. Highrise buildings (4 or more 

stories) 

U. Multi-use commercial, office 

Chemical tanks, autoclaves, 

cleaning equipment, fire foam 

equipment, chemicals, metals in 

solution, etc. 

Soap, wax aspirating equipment, 

reclaimed water lines, fill and 

feed lines, etc. 

Submerged outlets, chemicals, 

pumps, stagnant or polluted 

ground water, etc. 

Sprinkler systems, foam systems, 

tank, auxiliary water, anti-freeze, 

chemicals, pumps, pumper 

connection, etc. 

Industrial fluid lines, cleaning, 

bleaching, chemicals, wastes, etc 

Chemical fertilizer, biological 

Contaminants, storage tanks, 

pumps, etc, 

Chemical fertilizer, aspirating 

equipment, sprinkler lines, tanks, 

vessels, pumps, etc, 

Chemicals, pumps, flush valve 

toilets, cooling towers, soap, fill 

lines, steam boilers, etc. 

Biological labs, flush valve toilets, 

specimen tanks, reservoirs, cooling 

towers, autopsy and morgue 

equipment, etc. 

Multiple services, change of 

Occupancy, flush valve toilets, 

pumps, cooling towers, steam 

boilers, etc. 

Multiple services, change of 

occupancy, internal looping of 

lines, industrial fluid lines, etc 



connection 



connection 

An RPZ device on lines that are 

connected with chemicals. A PVB 

device on wet systems must be 1’ 

above highest head. 



connection 



connection 



connection 



connection 



connection 



connection 



connection 



connection 

31 11/06



TABLE 4.2 

DETERMINATION OF DEGREE OF HAZARD 

Premises with one or more of the following conditions shall be rated at the corresponding Degree of Hazard 

HIGH HAZARD 

LOW HAZARD 

The contaminant would be toxic, poisonous, noxious or unhealthy 

A health hazard would exist. 

A probability exists of a backflow occurrence either by back pressure or by backsiphonage 

The containment would disrupt the service of piped water for drinking or domestic purposes. 

Examples – Sewage, used water, non-potable water, auxiliary water systems, toxic or hazardous 

chemicals, etc. 

The contaminant would only degrade the quality of the water aesthetically 

A health hazard would not exist. 

A low probability exists of the occurrence of a backflow primarily by backsiphonage 

The contaminant would not disrupt the service of piped water 

Examples – Food stuffs, non-toxic chemicals, non-hazardous chemicals, etc. 

II. TYPICAL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE INSTALLATION 

A. Once a Degree of Hazard has been determined and properly classified, remedial 

steps shall be taken to correct the condition or an approved backflow prevention 

device shall be installed. 

1. The requirements for approved backflow prevention devices can be found 

in Part IX. 

2. The DPU will be responsible for determining which type backflow 

prevention device is required. The Customer shall be responsible for 

installing the backflow prevention device in accordance with the manual 

and ordinance. 

3. Installations shall be in accordance with the details in Parts V, VI, and 

VIII of this program. 

4. An air gap separation or an approved Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) 

backflow prevention devices shall be installed where contamination 

hazards are found or potential exist. Examples of such facilities would be 

those facilities listed in Table 4.1. 

32 11/06



5. An approved Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) backflow 

prevention device may be installed where the Degree of Hazard is low. In 

the City of Richmond, the only application is a fire suppression system. 

Fire suppression systems that are “high hazard” shall have an RPZ 

backflow prevention device installed. For detailed information on “high 

hazard” fire suppression systems see Part V – Fire Sprinkler System 

Requirements. 

6. RPZ backflow prevention devices shall also be installed on lawn/irrigation 

sprinkler systems. If the sprinkler system has a booster pump, a low 

pressure regulator or cut-off device shall be installed to prevent the inlet 

pressure from dropping below 10 psi (VDH 12VAC 5-590-610 D). 

7. Trucks using portable hydrant meters shall be equipped with an approved 

air gap or provide an approved RPZ backflow prevention device on the fill 

line. See Drawing TANKTRK in Part VIII. 

B. Installation 

1. If the contract amount is over $1,000, backflow prevention devices shall 

be installed by a licensed plumbing contractor. If the contract amount is 

under $1,000, backflow prevention devices may be installed by a State 

licensed Master Plumber. Backflow prevention devices installed as part of 

a fire sprinkler system may be installed by an employee of a licensed fire 

sprinkler contractor who holds a National Institute for Certification in 

Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level 3 certification. 

C. High rise buildings (4 or more stories) with an in-line system booster pump shall 

have a low pressure regulator or cut-off device shall be installed to prevent the 

inlet pressure from dropping below 10 psi (VDH 12VAC 5-590-610 D). 

33 11/06



PART V 

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM 

REQUIREMENTS 

34 11/06



I. DEGREE OF HAZARD 


AND 


FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 

A. Fire Sprinkler Systems, because of their varying Degree of Hazard, must be 

evaluated by the Department of Public Utilities, Technical Services Division - 

Cross Connection Control Specialist (CCCS). All fire sprinkler systems shall 

have a detector check meter and double check valve assembly, except as noted in 

paragraph C. 

B. Low Degree of Hazard fire sprinkler system services will be equipped with a City 

approved detector check meter and Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) to 

assure protection of the City water supply from contamination. The DCVA will 

be installed in an approved vault as near to the property line as possible (See 

Standard Drawings FIRE-A and LO-HAZ). Maintenance responsibility of the 

Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will end immediately preceding the inlet 

gate valve of the assembly. 

1. Example of a “low” Degree of Hazard fire service connection are: 

a. A standard Siamese fire department connection. 

b. A plain dry riser system. 

c. A wet system without additives or compressed air. 

C. High Degree of Hazard fire sprinkler system services will be equipped with a City 

approved detector check meter and Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow 

preventer. A “high” Degree of Hazard fire service connection is: 

1. A system with pumper connections where corrosion inhibitors or other 

chemicals are added, 

2. All foamite plant installations, 

3. A system where an unapproved water supply is permanently connected to 

a fire hydrant, 

4. A system in which antifreeze is used, 

5. Auxiliary water supplies, 

6. A system with storage tanks, 

7. A “dry” system with compressed air. 

8. Complex fire systems where the City cannot verify the installation. 

9. Existing systems where the City cannot verify the installation. 

10. A service connection that combines the domestic and fire services into a 

single pipe. 

35 11/06



D. The RPZ backflow preventer will be installed as near to the property line as 

possible (See Standard Drawings FIRE-A and HI-HAZ). Maintenance 

responsibility of the DPU will end immediately preceding the inlet gate valve of 

the assembly. 

II. PLAN REVIEW AND APPROVAL 

A. The CCCS will perform plan review of the proposed water line extension up to 

the first approved gate valve located on the inlet side of the DCVA and the plan 

review of the assembly as it relates to the backflow device, etc. For fire service 

laterals, a gate valve shall be installed on the tee at the main. In all cases the 

engineer shall provide details illustrating what type of anchoring will be used on 

the inlet side of the assembly, so that the approved valve (inlet side) of the DCVA 

will not blow off when the DCVA is removed. 

B. The CCC will review the plan for the location of the backflow prevention device 

at such time as a utilities plan is submitted to the DPU. Separate plans for the 

location of the backflow prevention device shall be submitted to the CCC. 

C. An auxiliary mechanical permit issued by the Building Inspector’s Office, along 

with four (4) sets of plans, is required for the work from the vault to the building 

and shall be applied for by the installing contractor from the Building Inspector’s 

Office and plans submitted to and reviewed by the Fire Department. 

III. DESIGN 

A. The backflow device shall be located at or as near to the property line as possible. 

as shown on the standard drawings, and out of the main flow of traffic. 

a. The vault location will be reviewed by the CCCS for optimum placement. 

The review of the site plan will not be a detailed review of the water and 

sewer design when it involves the relocation and/or extension of the City’s 

system. However, the site plan must reflect the approved water and sewer 

design and show the exact location of the existing facilities. Therefore, it 

is important that the Engineer submit utilities plans directly to the DPU at 

the same time or as near that time to avoid unnecessary delays in the 

approval of the site plan and release of the building permit. 

b. Installation of DCVA other than at the property line must be approved by 

the CCCS. 

B. The backflow device shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the 

City’s Standard Details. 

C. Under any circumstances where a siamese connection is required, it will be 

installed on the outlet side of the DCVA/RPZ. 

36 11/06



D. Upon making application for water service, applicants who wish to separate their 

fire line service must have this reflected on the Site Plan and the Utility Plan (the 

Engineer is required to submit for review and approval a separate Utility Plan to 

the DPU) indicating the service size required for the fire demand, the size water 

meter and the service size required for the domestic use. The applicant must 

indicate clearly on the water meter sizing form the desire to separate the fire 

service, otherwise, the water meter and appurtenances will be installed without 

regard to the fire service and the applicant will be subject to additional expense to 

correct the installation. 

E. The installation of 2-inch and smaller fire line and water meter service line and 

box must comply with the requirements in this section and the applicable details 

in Part IX – Standard Drawings. 

F. Where an applicant cannot accomplish combining the fire/domestic services 

and/or a separate fire line is needed where a water meter service already exists, all 

service line backflow prevention work must be performed in accordance with the 

device installer requirements in Section III. 

G. Fire systems with an in-line system booster pump shall have a low pressure 

regulator or cut-off device shall be installed to prevent the inlet pressure from 

dropping below 10 psi (VDH 12VAC 5-590-610 D). 

37 11/06



PART VI 

IRRIGARION SYSTEM 

REQUIREMENTS 

38 11/06



I. GENERAL 


AND 


IRRIGATION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 

A. All underground irrigation/lawn sprinkler systems will be equipped with an 

approved backflow prevention device. 

1. A Reduced Pressure Principle Zone (RPZ) shall be installed. See Dwg. 

IRR-RPZ. This device must be installed 12-inches (1’-0”) above ground 

elevation. 

B. Exclusion Meters: The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) offers a separate 

exclusion meter for irrigation service for an additional fee. Refer to the current 

fee schedule to obtain the cost of an exclusion meter. The exclusion meter allows 

the irrigation water to be excluded from the sewer billing. This service, for 

outside water only, will be installed by the DPU near the domestic meter. A 

special City plumbing permit must be obtained from the Building Inspector’s 

Office. The DPU will not install the meter until after the plumbing permit 

number has been received by the DPU’s New Construction Services Office. 

1. The customer may wish to install their own irrigation/lawn sprinkler 

system or contract the work to a qualified plumber or irrigation contractor. 

All irrigation work shall meet the City’s plumbing requirements at all 

times. 

2. At the time of installation the customer, and/or irrigation contractor, shall 

have the backflow prevention device tested to ensure operational 

effectiveness. 

3. Test reports shall be returned to the DPU once the device has been tested. 

Test reports will be given to the customer when application is made for the 

companion meter. 

C. The backflow prevention device shall be equipped with an enclosure to prevent 

freezing. The enclosure shall conform to ASSE 1060. Where required by the 

City a tamper-proof enclosure must be provided. The backflow prevention device 

shall be protected from vehicular traffic. 

D. If the sprinkler system has an in-line booster pump, a low pressure regulator or 

cut-off device shall be installed to prevent the inlet pressure from dropping below 

10 psi (VDH 12VAC 5-590-610 D). 

39 11/06



PART VII 

STANDARD FORMS 

40 11/06

CITY OF RICMOND 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES 

VIOLATION NOTICE 

Name: Address: 

Date of Inspection: Telephone: 

Please be advised that I have made an inspection of the above as required by Section 106-347 

of the City of Richmond Code, Prevention of Cross Connection or Backflow and the State of Virginia 

Administrative Code 6.06.03, Water Works Regulations, Public Drinking Water Supply, and the 

following protection is required on . 

All devices installed shall be as approved by the City of Richmond, State of Virginia Department of 

Health, American Society of Sanitary Engineers (A.S.S.E.), and shall be installed in accordance with 

the City of Richmond Standard Water Distribution System Specifications and Details and the Cross 

Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program. 

Reduced Principal Backflow Preventer 

Double Check Valve Assembly 

Hose Connection Vacuum Breaker 

Types of Device(s) Required 

Backflow Preventer with Intermediate Vent 

Plans shall be Submitted and Approved Before Installation of Device 

Days to Comply 

Installation Instructions: 

(Call When Completed) 

Name of Representative: Inspector:

CITY OF RICHMOND 

Backflow Assembly Test Report 

Special information is required when testing backflow preventers on fire sprinkling systems that are equipped 

with a tamper switch and any other device that requires a cut off notice to the City of Richmond radio 

communications operator. Please add that information below. 

1. Time of Test 

2. Date of Test 

3. Name of Communication operator that received call 

4. Line pressure at time of test 

5. Did #2 control valve close tight 

Name of Premises: 

Premises Address: 

Mailing Address: 

Location of device: 

Manufacturer: Model #: Serial #: Size: 

RPZ DC VB AG 

Check Valve No. 1 Check Valve No. 2 

Leaked 

Closed Tight 

Drop Across CV #1 

__________ PSI 

Leaked 

Closed Tight 

Drop Across CV #2 

__________ PSI 

Differential Pressure 

Relief Valve 

Opened At _______ PSI 

Did Not Open 

Pressure Vacuum 

Breaker 

Air Inlet Opened At ___ 

Did Not Open 

Check Valve ______ PSI 

Leaked 

Condition of No. 2 Control Valve: Closed Tight Leaking 

Remarks: 

I hereby certify that the data in this report is accurate and reflects the proper operation of the unit and I certify 

that the testing was done under the latest ASSE 5000 test procedures. 

Date: Time: Tester Certification #: 

Signature of Tester: Passed Failed 

Name of Tester (Print): 

Company Name: 

Company Telephone #: 

Tester I.D. #: 

Gauge Manufacturer: Model #: 

Serial #: Calibration Date:




Richmond, Virginia 23224 

(804) 646-8502 Fax (804) 646-8545 

BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL 

INSPECTION REPORT 

Date: Time: 

Name of Business: 

Address: 

Name of Contact Person: Telephone: 

Type of Use: Industrial [ ] Commercial [ ] Governmental [ ] Other [ ] 

Comments: 

Location of Backflow Device: 

Size of Device(s): Inch Fireline: [ ] Domestic: [ ] 

Type of Device: 

Plans Reviewed: Yes [ ] No [ ] Plan Review Date: 

Comments: 

Backflow preventers cannot be installed in un-excavated areas, concealed areas, areas subject to flooding 

because of lack of drainage, or any other condition or areas where it prevents a safety hazard such as areas 

subject to shorting out electrical systems (such as basements). 

Summary 

Type of device required for contaminant: RPZ [ ] DCV [ ] None [ ] 

Containment device required to be installed, complete and approved within 60 days of first (1 st ) 

inspection. 

Freeze Protection Yes [ ] No [ ] 

Is adequate spacing around unit for testing and servicing (18-inches) Yes [ ] No [ ] 

Is a minimum clearance from floor/grade (12” min/30” max.) Yes [ ] No [ ] 

Pressure vacuum breaker a minimum of 12” above the highest point of 

water in the system Yes [ ] No [ ] 

Reduced Pressure Principal Backflow Device shall not be installed in pits or 

areas subject to flooding Yes [ ] No [ ] 

Installation Inspection Approved Yes [ ] No [ ] 

If No, reason: 

Signed: Telephone: (804) 646-8502 

Copy to: Inspection File, DPU-Gas & Water – Water Maintenance, DPU-New Services Division, DCD – 

Plumbing Permits


CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL QUESTIONNAIRE 

Date: DPU Water Service Account Number: 

Customer Name: (PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY) 

Service Address: 

Proposed Business Name: 

Water Service Type: (PLEASE CHECK ONE) Apartment Complex or Duplex (Total # of Units) Mobile 

Home park (Total # of Trailers) Commercial Industrial Govt. or School 

Temporary Bldg./Construction Multi-Story Bldg. (How Many Stories?) 

YARD IRRIGATION / SPRINKLER SERVICES 

In-Ground Irrigation System: Spigot/Faucet & Garden Hose Use Only: PLEASE CHECK ONE 

Type of Heads: Pop-Up Shrub Soaker Other Will your irrigation system be designed 

to add fertilizer, weed control, or other additives by using pressure, injection or aspiration methods either 

manually or automatically? Yes No Will you irrigation system need or use a booster pump? 

Yes No Will this water meter used to fill a Swimming Pool, Hot Tub or Spa? Yes No 

COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL SERVICES 

Type of business: medical, restaurant, catering, video rental/sales, auto-detail shop, clothing, office, commercial, 

industrial, gas station, Laundromat, grocery/deli, dry cleaners, sweet shop, other: (Please define business:) 

Water will be used for: cooking/drinking boilers chillers cooling tower equipment 

What Type? Please Define: 

Are cooling inhibitors, chemical treatments or other additives used in processing; boilers; chillers; or cooling 

towers? Yes No Does your water service use pressure water? Yes No 

FIRE SPRINKLER SERVICES 

PLEASE ANSWER “YES” OR “NO” TO ALL BLANKS (as appropriate) 

Is your proposed fire sprinkler system a wet system or a dry system? Is it used to supply private fire 

hydrants or a wall-mounted fire hose cabinet only? Will your fire sprinkler system contain/use antifreeze 

or foaming agents? Will your fire sprinkler system use a booster or jockey pump? If 

there is any other type of fire sprinkler system that is not listed above, please describe: 

(NEXT PAGE) 

TO BE SIGNED BY PERSON MAKING APPICATION FOR WATER SERVICE

I hereby certify that all information furnished is complete and correct. I further acknowledge that incomplete or 

incorrect information may result in an additional or different requirement insofar as Backflow Prevention 

Assemblies at the water service connection are concerned. 

Applicant Name: (Please Print Legibly): 

Applicant Signature: 

Date: Telephone Number (W) (H) (Fax) 

(Pager) (Mobile) 

Cross-Connection Control Questionnaire to be submitted to DPU with Water Service Application 

CUSTOMER NOTICE 

In order that we may accurately determine the proper, IF ANY, Backflow Prevention Assembly required for 

your service, please complete this form and return it to DPU at your earliest possible convenience. FAILURE 

TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN A DELAY IN THE INSTALLATION OF YOUR WATER SERVICE. 

Air Gap 

DPU USE ONLY 

Reduced Pressure Zone Principle Assembly 

Double Check Valve Assembly 

Vacuum Breaker 

No Backflow Preventer Required 

DPU Reviewer’s Signature: Date: 

Additional Notes: 

THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBIC UTILITIES 

Technical Services Division - Cross Connection Control 

400 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, Virginia 23224 

Phone (804) 646-8502 Fax (804) 646-8545

DATE TESTED BY (SIGNATURE) 

BACKFLOW PREVENTION INSPECTION DATA 

VACUUM BREAKER, 

ATMOSPHERIC 

CONTROL NO. 

AIR GAP CLEAN REPAIR / CORRECT REMARKS

DATE TESTED BY (SIGNATURE) 

BACKFLOW PREVENTION INSPECTION DATA 

REDUCED PRESSURE DEVICES 

DOUBLE CHECK DEVICES 

PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER 

CHECK NO. 1 CHECK NO. 2 RELIEF VALVE AIR INLET 

CONTROL NO. 

CHECK VALVE REPAIR RETEST

NUMBER LOCATION 

DEGREE OF HAZARD 

DESCRIPTION OF AIR GAP/B.P. DEVICE 

CROSS CONNECTION INFORMATION 

TYPE MANUFACTURER MODEL NUMBER SIZE NUMBER AIR GAP (INCHES) 

SKETCH OF LOCATION SKETCH OF INSTALLATION 

DATE

INVENTORY OF CROSS CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES 

CONTROL NO. ISSUED 

CROSS CONNECTION 

LOCATION 

ITEM/FACILITY 

SYSTEM 

PROTECTED 

POTENTIAL 

CONTAINMENT OR 

POLLUTANT 

DEGREE 

OF 

HAZARD 

BACK 

PRESSURE 

POTENTIAL 

LOCATION PERSONNEL MAKING INVENTORY DATE 

BACK 

SIPHONAGE 

POTENTIAL 

TYPE CONTROL 

INSTALLED OR 

DATA ON DEVICE INSTALLED 

REQUIRED MAKE MIODEL SIZE 

COMMENTS

SITE ASSESSMENT SURVEY FORM 


INDUSTRIAL WASTE PRETREATMENT PROGRAM 



Richmond, Virginia 23224 

BUSINESS NAME: ACCOUNT NUMBER: 

SERVICE ADDRESS: SIC CODE #: 

(Standard Industrial Classification) 

MAILING ADDRESS: SIC CODE TITLE/DESCRIPTION/GROUP: 

(City/County) (State) PHONE NUMBER: ( ) 

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT 

I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS TRUE AND REPRESENTS, TO THE BEST OF MY 

KNOWLEDGE, THE INFORMATION REQUESTED. I ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM THE MOST 

QUALIFIED PERSON ON SITE TO ASSESS THE OPERATIONS OF THIS BUSINESS. 

SIGNATURE TITLE COMPANY NAME DATE 

PRINT OR TYPE NAME: 

QUESTIONS 

1. Does the facility utilize the City of Richmond’s Sanitary Sewer System? 

If YES, Please answer the following: (Circle which used) 

Average Estimated Daily Wastewater Discharged ___________ Gallons/CCF per Day 

(You may write in the CCF total from your most recent water bill in lieu of gallons per day) 

Total Number of Employees _______________ 

2. Are hauled waste services utilized at any time of the year? 

If YES, please check all that apply: 

Septic Tank _____ Grease Trap _______ Grit Trap ______ Oil/Water Separator _____ 

Other: (describe) _________________________________________________________ 

3. Is this facility located in a strip mall or other multi-unit building? 

4. Does your business discharge, or have potential to discharge, a waste product to the 

sewer system OTHER THAN normal sanitary wastewater? 

5. Provide a brief description of the business(es) at this address. Also, list any operations or processes which 

may be associated with this address. 

YES 

� 

NO 

�

6. Please list all chemicals and raw materials that are used/stored at the site: (Attach a list if necessary) 

Name of Chemical/Raw Material Quantity Stored Onsite Common Use for Chemical at Site 

7. Please check all that apply to the site. 

Aluminum Forming 

Asbestos Manufacturing 

Battery Manufacturing 

Builder’s Paper and Board Mills 

Carbon Black Manufacturing 

Centralized Waste Treatment 

Coal Mining 

Coastal Oil & Gas 

Coil Coating 

Can Making 

Copper Forming 

Electrical & Electronic Comp. 

Electroplating 

Ferroalloy Manufacturing 

Fertilizer Manufacturing 

Funeral Activities 

Glass Manufacturing 

Industrial Launderer 

Ink Formulating 

Inorganic Chemicals 

Iron & Steel 

Leather Tanning & Finishing 

Machinery Manufacturing 

Metal Finishing 

Metal Molding & Casting 

Nonferrous Metals Forming 

Nonferrous Metals Manufacturing 

Onshore/Stripper Oil and Gas 

Organic Chemicals & Plastics 

Paint Formulating 

NATURE OF BUSINESS 

Paving and Roofing 

Petroleum Refining 

Pesticide Manufacturing 

Pesticide Formulating & Packaging 

Pharmaceuticals 

Photographic Processes 

Porcelain Enameling 

Pulp, Paper & Paperboard 

Rubber Manufacturing 

Soap & Detergent Manufacturing 

Steam Electric 

Timber Products 

Textiles 

Vehicle Washing 

Manufacturing/Process Warehouse/Wholesale Distribution Packaging/Repackaging 

Service Related Offices Only Retail



PART VIII 

STANDARD DRAWINGS 

52 11/06



STANDARD DRAWINGS * 

Drawing Name Page No. 

● Domestic Backflow Prevention Assembly, 

Typical Installation Detail BKFLWASSEM 8 – 2 

● Domestic Reduced Pressure Principle Assemblies, 

Alternate Installations RPZ – A 8 - 3 

● Typical Installation Procedures RPZ – IP 8 - 4 

● Enclosure Detail ENCL 8 - 5 

● Irrigation System with Backflow Prevention & Meter IRRIGA 8 - 6 

● Typical Temporary Assembly for Obtaining 

Test / Flush Water TEST CONN 8 - 7 

● Low Hazard Fire System with Detector Check 

Enclosure Installation LO-HAZ 8 - 8 

● Low Hazard Fire System with Detector Check, 

Vault Installation LO-HAZ2 8 - 9 

● Low Hazard Fire System with Detector Check, 

Building Installation LO-HAZ3 8 - 10 

● High Hazard Fire System with Detector Check HI-HAZ 8 - 11 

● Typical Plan View of Proposed 2” or Smaller 

Fire Line Systems FIRE-A 8 - 12 

● 3” or Larger Double Check Assembly and Vault FIRE-B 8 - 13 

● Guidelines for the Use of Double Detector Check FIRE-C 8 - 14 

● Proper Methods of Filling Tanker Trucks TANKTRK 8 – 15 

● Concrete Pipe Encasement CPED 8 – 16 

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Examples of Submittal Drawings 

Drawing Name Page No. 

Backflow Preventer Detail BPD 8 - 18 

● Vertical Assembly (Wet) Detail RISER – W 8 - 19 

● Vertical Assembly (Dry) Detail RISER – D 8 - 20 

● Horizontal Assembly (Wet) Detail HORZ 8 - 21 

* - Drawings are subject to change. Check with the DPU CCCS for most recent drawings. 

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EXAMPLES OF SUBMITTAL 

DRAWINGS * 

* - Example meant to show quality of drawings to be submitted. Type of backflow preventer, 

pipe sizes, valving, drainage, piping layout and dimensions to be specific to the project being 

submitted. 

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PART IX 

CRITERIA for APPROVED BACKFLOW 

PREVENTION DEVICES 

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AND 


APPROVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES 

I. APPROVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES 

A. Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA) devices shall meet the requirements of 

ASSE 5000 or the latest edition. 

B. Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) devices shall meet the requirements of ASSE 5000 

or the latest edition. 

II. BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS 

A. Flow Characteristics and Pressure Loss Requirements 

1. For each size of backflow prevention assembly at any flow rate up to and 

including the rated flow, the maximum pressure loss shall not exceed the 

values given in Tables 9.1 for Reduced Pressure Zone (PRZ) Assemblies 

and Double Check Valve assemblies (DCVA). 

B. Standard Sizes 

1. In this specification the following standard sizes have been adopted for 

backflow prevention assemblies: ¼, 3/8, ½, 5/8 x 3/4, 1, 1 ¼, 1 ½, 2, 2 ½, 

3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 inches. 

2. All assemblies designed and constructed in sizes other than those 

aforementioned shall be given separate consideration. 

3. Inlet and outlet of the assembly shall be threaded in accordance with 

ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 for taper pipe connections; or ANSI B16.24 for 

bronze flanges; or ANSI B16.1 for iron flanges; or ANSI/AWWA C660 

for grooved and shoulder joints. 

C. Markings 

1. Size, models and serial number markings on backflow prevention 

assemblies for sizes 5/8 x ¾-inch through 16–inch shall be with letters or 

numbers at least ¼ inch in height. Backflow assemblies sized ¼, 3/8, 1/2 

–inch, the size, model and serial number markings shall be with letters or 

numbers at least 1/8-inch in height. All markings shall be easily read and 

shall be stamped or cast on the body; or stamped, engraved or etched on a 

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TABLE 9.1 + 

RATED FLOW AND MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PRESSURE LOSS FOR VARIOUS 

SIZES OF BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES 

SIZE OF 

ASSEMBLY 

RATED FLOW 

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PRESSURE LOSS 

REDUCED 

PRESSURE ZONE 

ASSEMBLY 

DOUBLE CHECK 

VALVE ASSEMBLY 

(1) (2) (3) (4) 

(inches) (mm) (gpm) (L/s) (psi) (KPa) (psi) (KPa) 

¼ 6 1 * 0.06 24 165.4 10 68.9 

3/8 9 3 * 0.19 22 151.6 10 68.9 

½ 12 7.5 * 0.39 22 151.6 10 68.9 

5/8 x ¾ 16 x 20 20 1.3 20 137.8 10 68.9 

¾ 20 30 1.9 20 137.8 10 68.9 

1 25 50 3.1 18 124.1 10 68.9 

1 ¼ 31 75 ** 4.7 18 124.1 10 68.9 

1 ½ 38 100 6.3 16 110.3 10 68.9 

2 50 160 10.1 16 110.3 10 68.9 

2 ½ 63 225 ** 14.2 16 110.3 10 68.9 

3 75 320 20.2 15 103.4 10 68.9 

4 100 500 31.6 14 96.5 10 68.9 

6 150 1000 63.1 14 96.5 10 68.9 

8 200 1600 101.0 14 96.5 10 68.9 

10 254 2300 145.1 14 96.5 10 68.9 

12 305 3000 189.3 13 89.6 10 68.9 

14 355 3700 233.5 13 89.6 10 68.9 

16 406 4400 277.6 13 89.6 10 68.9 

* - Extrapolated 

** - Interpolated 

*** - ¾” Ø Inlet and Outlet Connections 

Note: The pressure losses as shown in Columns (3) and (4) represent the maximum permissible 

pressure loss at any flow rate up to and including the rated flow shown in Column (2). 

+ - Table 10-1, Manual of Cross-Connection Control, 9 th Edition, Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and 

Hydraulic Research, USC 

77 11/06



durable nameplate permanently attached to the body of the assembly and 

shall be located either: a) on both sides of the body or b) on a top surface 

of the body. Nameplates shall be either brass or stainless steel and affixed 

with stainless steel escutcheon pins. In attaching a nameplate or stamping 

data in the metal of the assembly, caution shall be exercised so as not to 

produce an area of stress concentration. 

2. Markings shall be permanent and not easily defaced. 

3. All markings shall be in English units (i.e. – psi, o F, inches). Metric 

equivalents (i.e. – Kpa, o C, MM) shall be permitted in addition to the 

English units at the manufacturer’s discretion. 

D. Hydrostatic Test – Structural Integrity 

1. All assemblies shall be pressure tested according to their designed 

operating pressure for use on cold water service (maximum 110 o F). 

Normal testing shall be accomplished at a minimum of 150 psi line 

pressure. The hydrostatic test pressure shall be twice the maximum rated 

working pressure of the assembly. 

2. The entire assembly shall be subjected to the hydrostatic test both in the 

normal direction of flow and in the reverse direction of flow of all closed 

barriers wit the opposite side of the barrier open to the atmosphere. There 

shall be no leakage across any barrier. The hydrostatic test pressure shall 

be maintained for a minimum of ten (10) minutes. 

3. No damage or permanent deformation of any parts of the assembly, or 

impairment of operation shall occur under the full hydrostatic test 

pressure. 

E. All assemblies which consist of independent units assembled for the purpose of 

preventing backflow shall comply with the material, the operational and the 

specifications as required for backflow assemblies. In order to ensure proper 

installations, all backflow prevention assemblies shall be delivered for installation 

completely assembled by the original manufacturer with all components as 

approved. Resilient seated shut-off valves and test cocks are considered integral 

parts of the assembly. 

F. A backflow prevention assembly shall be designed so that each principle 

component (i.e. – check valve if a separate body and the differential pressure 

relief valve) of the assembly shall be permitted to be removed and reinstalled 

individually from the line. 

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G. A backflow prevention assembly shall be provided with one or more openings 

through which the internal parts may be removed, repaired or inspected without 

having to remove the body of the assembly from the line. 

H. Interdependence of Components 

1. In the DCVA there shall be no mechanical linkage between the two (2) 

check valves. Each check valve shall be free to operate independently 

through its entire movement. The movement of either the first or second 

check valve through its full limit of travel shall not affect the operations of 

the other check valve. 

2. In the RPZ Assembly each of the check valves shall likewise be free of 

any mechanical linkage and shall be free to operate independently through 

its entire movement. The relief valve shall be mechanically independent 

of both check valves yet hydraulically dependent upon the pressure 

differential across the fist check valve. The movement of both the first or 

second check valves and the relief valve through their full limits of travel 

shall not affect the operations of the other check valve. 

I. The differential pressure relief valve of a RPPA shall be located so that its valve 

seat(s) and port(s) to the atmosphere are below the lowest point of the first check 

valve so as to preclude backsiphonage. 

J. Materials to be used in construction of the body and cover(s) shall be either valve 

bronze which conforms to ASTM Designation: B61 or B62 or B584 UNS number 

C84400; or ductile iron which conforms to ASTM Designation A536, Grade 65- 

45-12; or stainless steel which conforms to ASTM Designation: A276 or A296 or 

Schedule 40 steel pipe and flanges – suitably protected against corrosion; or 

engineered plastic. 

K. Seat Rings shall be constructed of valve bronze which conforms to ASTM 

Designation: B61 or B62 or B584 UNS number C84400; or stainless steel which 

conforms to ASTM Designation: A276; or engineered plastic. 

L. The clapper, poppet or similar check valve shall be constructed of valve bronze 

which conforms to ASTM Designation: B61 or B62 or B584 UNS number 

C84400; or stainless steel which conforms to ASTM Designation: A276; or 

engineered plastic. 

M. Elastomer Disc(s) 

1. The check valve elastomer disc shall be composed of molded natural 

rubber or a synthetic elastomer. It must be of even thickness, smoothfaced 

and with a shore “A” hardness (ASTM D224086 Rubber Property – 

Durometer hardness) of between 35 and 45 inclusive. 

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2. The differential pressure relief valve elastomer disc(s) shall be composed 

of molded natural rubber or a synthetic elastomer. It must be of even 

thickness, smooth-faced and with a shore “A” hardness (ASTM D224086 

Rubber Property – Durometer hardness) of between 55 and 65 inclusive. 

3. The air inlet valve elastomer disc(s) shall be composed of molded natural 

rubber or a synthetic elastomer. It must be of even thickness, smoothfaced 

and with a shore “A” hardness (ASTM D224086 Rubber Property – 

Durometer hardness) of between 65 and 75 inclusive. 

N. Swing arms shall be made of valve bronze which conforms to ASTM 

Designation: B61 or B62 or B584 UNS number C84400; or stainless steel which 

conforms to ASTM Designation: A276; or engineered plastic. 

O. Bushing shall have corrosion resistance at least equal to ASTM Designation B584 

UNS number C84400. 

P. Counterbalances shall be weighted with a corrosion resistant material and/or 

protected from corrosion with a suitable protective coating in accordance with 

paragraph S. 

Q. All springs shall be made of either stainless steel which conforms to ASTM 

Designation: A313; or of phosphor bronze which conforms to ASTM 

Designation: B159, UNS number C52100 or C52400 or equal. 

R. Diaphragm material shall be made of a natural rubber, synthetic rubber or 

thermoplastic elastomer. 

S. Protective Coatings 

1. All ferrous bodies and parts shall be coated with a holiday-free 

polymerized coating per AWWA C550. 

2. The protective coating shall be composed of material deemed acceptable 

in the Food and Drug Administration Document, Title 21 of the Federal 

Regulations on Food Additives, Sec. 175.300, entitled “Resinous and 

Polymeric Coatings”. 

T. Test Cocks 

1. Test cocks are required on backflow assemblies so that the assembly may 

be tested in situ. Test cocks shall be resilient seated and have full flow 

characteristics. 

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2. Materials used in construction of the body and internal wetted components 

of test cocks shall be either valve bronze which conforms to ASTM 

Designation: B61 or B62 or B584 UNS number C84400; or stainless steel 

which conforms to ASTM Designation: A276; or suitable engineered 

plastic. 

3. In ball valves, the solid ball shall be stainless steel which conforms to 

ASTM Designation: A276; or hard chromium plated brass per Federal 

Specification QQ-C-320B – Chromium Plating (Electrodeposited). 

4. In plug valves, the plug shall be valve bronze which conforms to ASTM 


which conforms to ASTM Designation: A276; or hard chromium plated 

brass per Federal Specification QQ-C-320B – Chromium Plating 

(Electrodeposited). 

5. Material to be used for the resilient seals shall be of a suitable elastomer or 

polymer and capable of withstanding the action of line fluids and 

operation under long term service at rated conditions. 

U. Shut-off Valves 

1. Shut-off valves on backflow prevention devices are required so that the 

assemblies may be tested and/or maintained periodically. The shut-off 

valves shall be resilient seated and shall have a full flow characteristics. 

2. Materials to be used in the construction of the body of shut-off valves 

shall be either valve bronze which conforms to ASTM Designation: B61 

or B62 or B584 UNS number C84400; or ductile iron which conforms to 

ASTM Designation A536, Grade 65-45-12; or stainless steel which 

conforms to ASTM Designation: A276 or A296 or Schedule 40 steel pipe 

and flanges – suitably protected against corrosion; or engineered plastic. 

3. Materials used in construction of the internal wetted components shall be 

either valve bronze which conforms to ASTM Designation: B61 or B62 or 

B584 UNS number C84400; or stainless steel which conforms to ASTM 

Designation: A276; or suitable engineered plastic. 

4. In ball valves, the solid ball shall be stainless steel which conforms to 

ASTM Designation: A276; or hard chromium plated brass per Federal 

Specification QQ-C-320B – Chromium Plating (Electrodeposited). 

5. In plug valves, the plug shall be valve bronze which conforms to ASTM 


which conforms to ASTM Designation: A276; or hard chromium plated 

81 11/06



brass per Federal Specification QQ-C-320B – Chromium Plating (Electro 

deposited). 

6. In gate valves, the gate shall either valve bronze which conforms to 

ASTM Designation: B61 or B62 or B584 UNS number C84400; or ductile 

iron which conforms to ASTM Designation A536, Grade 65-45-12; or 

stainless steel which conforms to ASTM Designation: A276 or A296. 

7. Material to be used for the resilient seals shall be of a suitable elastomer or 

polymer and capable of withstanding the action of line fluids and 

operation under long term service at rated conditions. 

V. Lubricants shall be suitable for lubricating parts for assembly purposes only. The 

lubricant shall be non-toxic, shall not support the growth of bacteria, and shall 

have no deteriorating effects on any component. Manufacturer must supply 

documentation stating that lubricant is suitable for contact with potable water. 

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APPENDICIES 

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APPENDIX A 


And 


ORDINANCE 

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AN ORDINANCE 

NO. 84-261-234 

ADOPTED OCT. 22, 1984 

To amend the Richmond City Code of 1975, as amended, by adding in Chapter 31, Water, Gas 

and Sewers, Article III, Service Connections. Pipes, and Meters, Generally, Division 1, 

Generally, a new section numbered Section 31 – 34.10, concerning protection of the City’s water 

distribution system from a cross connection in any connection made to the water distribution 

system. 

Patron - City Manager 

Approved as to form and legality 

By City Attorney 

THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREYBY ORDAINS: 

§ 1. That the City Code of 1975, as amended, be and is hereby 

amended by adding in Chapter 31, Water, Gas and sewers, Article III, Services 

Connections, Pipes, and Meters, Generally, Division 1, Generally, a new section 

numbered Section 31 – 34.10, as follows: 

Sec. 31 – 34.10. Water service connection; inspection for cross-connection 

or backflow; elimination of cross-connection; circumstances for discontinuance or 

service. 

To protect and issue that the water distribution system of the City of Richmond is 

pure and safe for public consumption as mandated by applicable state law and 

regulations, if any service connection for the supply of water to property from the water 

distribution system of the City of water to property may cause or result in a cross- 

connection to the City’s water distribution system, the Director is authorized to require 

85 11/06



the abatement or control of such cross-connection or possible cross-connection in 

accordance with regulations to be promulgated by the said Director authorized herein. 

For the purposes of this section the terms “cross-connection” and “backflow” 

shall have the following meanings: 

(a) Cross-connection is any connection or structural arrangement, direct or 

indirect, to the City’s water distribution system whereby a backflow can 

occur. 

(b) Backflow is the flow of water, or other liquids, materials or substances 

into the pipes or into other facilities of the City’s water distribution system 

from any source other than the City’s normal sources of water meeting 

standards for use and consumption of water, or form any alternate source 

of water meeting such standards which might be utilized by the City for 

purposes of water distribution system of the City of Richmond. 

The Director of Public Utilities shall promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the 

provisions of Section 31-24 of this code in order to prevent and control cross-connections 

and backflow. Such rules and regulations shall be consistent with applicable state laws 

and regulations and may provide for the termination of water services where necessary to 

protect the health of the citizens or where an owner or occupant of premises refuses to 

comply with the regulations. 

§ 2. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption. 

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APPENDIX B 

REFERENCES 

87 11/06



REFERENCES 

1. AWWA – Cross Connection Control Manual 

2. Cross Connection Manual – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

3. City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities – Water and Sewer Specifications 

4. Virginia Department of Health / State Water Works Regulations 

5. The Code of the City of Richmond, Virginia 

6. The American Society of Sanitary Engineers 

7. Uniform Statewide Building Code 

8. BOCA International Plumbing Code 

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APPENDIX C 

CHECK LIST 

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1. Site Plan showing: 



REVIEW CHECKLIST FOR BACKFLOW 

PREVENTER INSTALLATION 

__________________________________ 

PROJECT TITLE 

____ a. Location and size of water service(s). 

____ b. Location and size of fire service(s) (where applicable). 

____ c. Location and size of irrigation system service(s) (where applicable). 

____ c. Proposed location of domestic service backflow prevention device(s). 

____ d. Proposed location of fire service detector check meter(s) and backflow 

prevention device(s) (where applicable). 

____ e. Proposed location of irrigation system exclusion meter(s) and backflow 

prevention device(s) (where applicable). 

____ 2. Virginia Registered Engineer’s stamp and signature. 

____ 3. Site Plan on 24” x 36” paper. 

____ 4. Plan Cover Sheet with project vicinity map. 

____ 5. Owner/Developer name and address on plans. 

6. Detailed installation drawing(s) of each backflow prevention device to be installed. 

____ a. Type, manufacturer, model and size of backflow prevention device(s). 

____ b. Clearance(s) between backflow prevention device and wall. 

____ c. Clearance(s) between backflow prevention device and floor and ceiling 

(where applicable). 

____ d. Clearance(s) between backflow prevention device and any walls in front or 

behind (where applicable). 

____ e. Type, manufacturer, model and size of enclosure(s). 

____ f. List of the materials and approximate quantities to be used for each of the 

backflow preventions. 

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____ 7. Water System designed to provide adequate domestic service and fire protection to 

Owner’s property. ___ inch diameter line required to adequately serve this project in 

accordance with the City standards. 

____ 8. Overall water plan submitted for phased projects. 

____ a. Future locations of domestic, fire and irrigation system services shown on 

overall water plan (where applicable). 

____ b. Future locations for domestic, fire and irrigation system backflow prevention 

devices shown on overall water plan (where applicable). 

____ 9. Any and all existing connections to property are shown on plans. 

____ 10. This project has been designed in accordance with the latest version of the City of 

Richmond DPU Standards and State regulations (which ever is more restrictive). 

____ 11. This project has been designed in accordance with the latest version of the City of 

Richmond DPU Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Manual. 

____ 12. All proposed service lines connect to existing facilities that have previously accepted 

by the City for operations and maintenance. 

I hereby certify that I have complied with the above and do hereby submit these plans for 

approval. 

Signature - Engineer License Number 

Name – Typed or Printed Date 

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APPENDIX D 

CODE OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND 

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ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL 

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL 

Sec. 106·1. Definitions. 

Page 1 of3 

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the 

meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different 

meaning: 

City manager means the city manager or the city manager's designees. 

Consumer means the person who benefits from the water, wastewater service or gas or 

any combination used or wasted on any premises within or without the corporate city limits, or 

means a customer. 

Customer means the person legally or equitably responsible for the payment of charges 

for water, gas or wastewater service or any combination used or wasted on any premises within 

or without the corporate city limits. 

Department means the department of public utilities. 

Director means the director of public utilities. 

Gas service means the meter, facilities and equipment required to furnish gas service 

from the meter to the premises and the billing for services supplied through the meter to the 

consumer. 

Gas service connection means facilities and equipment in a street connected to a main 

or submain used to supply gas to any premises. 

Locality means a city, town or county as defined by Code of Virginia, § 15.2-102, 

including any authorities, political subdivisions and special districts, located within the state. 

Main means the pipe in a street extending parallel or nearly parallel to the line of 

property abutting thereon through which gas or water is conveyed or distributed. 

Occupant means the person actually in possession or control of any premises or part 

thereof who is a consumer. 

Owner means the person who has legal or eqUitable title to any premises. 

Paving means the surface of a street or the treatment thereof. 

Premises means land, building or other structure and appurtenances thereto, in addition 

to the separate units of any building or other structure and appurtenances thereto, which is 

served by a gas or water meter or both and which is assigned a unique account number by the 

department of public utilities. 

Private fire protection system means water mains, pipes, hydrants, sprinklers and other 

facilities on private premises within or without the corporate city limits. 

Public fire protection system means water mains, pipes, hydrants and other facilities in a 

street used in whole or in part for the protection of premises from fire. 

Sewer means the infrastructure--mains, pipes, facilities and the like--through which 

sanitary and combined wastewater travels. 

Street means every way or place of Whatever nature, whether within or without the 

corporate city limits, open to the use of the public, including streets, alleys, highways, parks or 

other roads, and all other public places. 

Wastewater service means facilities and equipment required to collect and treat 

wastewater from the premises and the billing for services provided through the facilities and 

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ARTICLE II. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES* 

ARTICLE II. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES* 

*Cross references: Officers and employees, § 2-71 et seq. 


Sec. 106·31. Management and control of department; appointment and removal of officers and 

employees. 

The director shall have general management and control of the several divisions and other units of the 

department of public utilities. The director shall appoint and remove all officers and employees of the 

department. 

(Code 1993, § 29-41) 

Sec. 106·32. Adoption of rules and regulations. 

(a) The director shall have the power to make reasonable rules and regulations not inconsistent with 

this chapter or other provisions of law or applicable ordinances, as deemed necessary to ensure the 

proper management, conduct, operation and control of the gas, wastewater, water, and electric utilities. 

The rules and regulations shall conform to reasonable standards adopted or approved for the 

management, conduct, operations and control of gas, wastewater, water, and electric utilities and may 

be altered or amended from time to time by the director when the director deems it necessary to do so 

for the proper management, conduct, operation and control of the utilities. No rule or regulation made 

by the director pursuant to this section or any alteration or amendment thereof shall become effective or 

have the force and effect of law unless the director shall: 

(1) Make such rule or regulation or any alteration or amendment thereof in convenient form, 

available for public inspection in the director's office at least ten days before such rule or 

regulation or alteration or amendment thereof is to become effective. 

(2) Publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city declaring the 

director's intention to make and adopt such rule or regulation or alteration or amendment thereof 

and informing the public that the director will hold a hearing at which any person may appear 

and be heard for or against the adoption of such rule or regulation or alteration or amendment 

thereof, on a day and at a time to be specified in the notice after the expiration of at least ten 

days from the day of the publication thereof. 

(3) Hold the public hearing on the day and at the time specified in such notice and hear all 

persons appearing for or against the adoption of such rule or regulation or alteration or 

amendment thereof. 

(4) File a true copy of such rule or regulation or alteration or amendment thereof adopted by 

the director after such public hearing with the city clerk. 

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to fail, refuse or neglect to comply with or violate any rule or 

regulation made, adopted and filed pursuant to this section or any alteration or amendment thereof. 

(Code 1993, § 29-48) 

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ARTICLE II. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES* Page 2 of3 

Sec. 106-33. Credits to customers. 

The director may establish a customer incentive program to provide monetary payments in the form of 

credits on customers' utility bills to encourage their participation in various product and service satisfaction 

surveys and data collection activities. The credit payments shall not exceed $5.00 per customer per activity, 

and the total amount paid under the customer response incentive program shall not exceed $10,000.00 per 

fiscal year. 

(Code 1993, § 29-50) 

Sec. 106-34. MetroCare Heating Assistance Program. 

The director may establish the MetroCare Heating Assistance Program whereby the department of 

public utilities will accept tax deductible donations from its customers and engage a nonprofit agency to 

disburse such funds to individuals within the department of public utilities' service territory who need financial 

assistance paying their heating bills. Pursuant to section 106-32, the director may also establish appropriate 

rules and regulations regarding the eligibility criteria for the award of financial assistance and the accounting, 

audit and control measures to monitor the disbursement of funds by the nonprofit agency. 

(Code 1993, § 29-51) 

Sec. 106-35. Number of service connections. 

The number of gas, water and wastewater service connections to premises used for any purpose shall 

be prescribed by the director in the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to section 106-32. 

(Code 1993, § 29-59) 

Sec. 106-36. Limitation on construction of chapter. 

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to relieve or release any liability already incurred under other 

sections of this Code, to interfere with or destroy the rights and privileges secured to any person by other 

ordinances or franchises granted by the city. 

(Code 1993, § 29-383) 

Sec. 106-37. Rate stabilization funds. 

(a) The director shall include a rate stabilization fund within the accounting system of each utility 

operated by the department of public utilities. If revenues of a utility exceed those needed to meet bond 

covenant requirements and a reasonable rate of return for the utility, the director shall credit any such 

excess amounts to the utility's rate stabilization fund and shall debit such amounts to an operating 

expense account. 

(b) The director may use any amounts in a utility's rate stabilization fund for any fiscal year until the 

city's financial records are closed and the annual audit is completed for such year, by: 

(1) Directing that all or any portion of the fund be included as a reduction of current year 

expenses for such year; or 

(2) Proposing that all or any portion of such fund be included as part of the budget submissions 

of the department of public utilities before the beginning of the fiscal year. 

(c) The purpose of the rate stabilization funds shall be to eliminate or mitigate and smooth, in 

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ARTICLE II. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES* Page 3 of3 

accordance with prudent financial planning, any rate increases that otherwise might be needed, from 

year to year, by increasing the rate stabilization fund amounts in years when revenues exceed those 

needed to meet bond covenant requirements and reasonable rates of return; and, to the extent prudent 

and possible, by using any such rate stabilization fund amounts instead of rate increases in years when 

revenues are or are projected to be insufficient to meet bond covenant requirements, reasonable rates 

of return, or bUdgeted net income. 

(Code 1993, § 29-3) 

Sees. 106-38--106-70. Reserved. 

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ARTICLE V. WATER* 


*Charter references: Department of public utilities, ch. 13; authority of city to acquire, etc., 

waterworks, etc., and collect compensation therefor, § 2.03(n). 


State law references: Public utilities in connection with water and sewers, Code of Virginia, § 

15.2-2109 et seq. 

DIVISION 1. GENERALLY 

Sec. 106·241. Definitions. 

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the 


meaning: 

Detector check (DC) device means an apparatus the sole purpose of which is the 

detection of leakage or unauthorized use of water on a private fire protection system. It is not 

used for billing purposes and shall not be considered a meter. 

Main means the pipe in a street extending parallel or nearly parallel to the line of 

property abutting thereon through which gas or water is conveyed or distributed. 

Private fire protection system means water mains, pipes, hydrants, sprinklers and other 

facilities on private premises within or without the corporate city limits. 

Public fire protection system means water mains, pipes, hydrants and other facilities in a 

street used in whole or in part for the protection of premises from fire. 

Service charge means the" readiness to serve the customer water regardless of 

consumption. 

Volume charge means the total cost the utility pays to treat, store and transport the 

water to the main. 

Water service means the meter, facilities and equipment required to furnish service from 

the meter to the premises and the billing for services supplied through the meter, facilities and 

equipment to the consumer. 

Water service connection means facilities and equipment in the street area between the 

main and the property line used to supply water to any premises. 

(Code 1993, § 29-16) 

Cross references: Definitions generally, § 1-2. 

Sec. 106·242. Sale of water. 

The director is authorized to sell and deliver water to consumers within the corporate city 

limits and without the corporate city limits when authorized by the city council, at rates 

prescribed by the city council therefor, and in accordance with and subject to this article and 

other applicable laws and ordinances and rules and regulations lawfully made and promulgated 

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ARTICLE V. WATER* Page 3 of25 

water distribution systems, mains, facilities and equipment, and all service connections. 

(Code 1993, § 29-42) 

Sec. 106-248. Construction ofdistribution systems. 

The director shall construct mains for the transmission and distribution of water and shall 

make extensions, replacements and enlargements of the systems as they become necessary 

and as funds for such purposes are made available. 

(Code 1993, § 29-43) 

Sec. 106-249. Determination of time for construction of mains; easements, size 

and character of mains. 

The director shall determine when water mains shall be constructed in streets or 

easements and the character and size of the mains. Mains shall be installed in easements only 

when, in the opinion of the director, there is no other practical method of conveying water from 

facilities in public streets, alleys and other public ways or places. 

(Code 1993, § 29-46) 

Sec. 106-250. Discontinuance of service. 

The director may at any time cut off the supply of water through mains or connections 

thereto within or without the corporate city limits when such action is deemed necessary. 

(Code 1993, § 29-47) 

Sec. 106-251. Limitation of city liability for failure of supply. 

The city shall not be liable to any consumer or other person for damages which may be 

occasioned to such consumer or person or the property thereof because of the failure of the 

supply of water in reaching the premises of such consumer in whole or in part. 

(Code 1993, § 29-17) 

Sec. 106-252. Water use requirements differing from established standards; 

changing quality of water. 

Should a consumer require the use of water under conditions other than those 

established as standards by the director, such extra services shall be provided by the consumer 

at the consumer's cost and expense. However, when the consumer desires to change the 

quality of water after it is delivered and, in the opinion of the director, such water as changed 

may be available for human consumption, the method of the treatment of the water delivered 

and the treatment plant used in the process of changing its quality shall be approved by the 

director before such change is commenced or continued. 

(Code 1993, § 29-217) 

Sec. 106-253. Quantity, pressure and quality of water delivered outside city. 

The city shall not be required to deliver water to consumers beyond the corporate city 

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College of Virginia (MCV) Hospital are examples of authorities. Monthly charges 

for the quantity of water which passes through the meters shall be as set forth in 

appendix A to this Code. 

(e) Unmetered fire protection (fire lines). When water is supplied for fire protection 

which is not metered, through pipes used or which are available for use exclusively for 

that purpose, the service charges as set forth in appendix A to this Code shall be paid by 

consumers for the sizes of pipes. 

(f) Metered fire protection (fire lines). When water is supplied for fire protection which 

is metered, through pipes used or which are available for use exclusively for that 

purpose, the service charges as set forth in appendix A to this Code shall be paid by 

consumers. 

(g) Term of contracts. Contracts for water service under this schedule shall be 

cancelable at any time, provided that a consumer cannot resume service within one 

month at the same location without paying the prescribed service charges and charges 

for water supplied during the intervening period in accordance with this schedule. 

(h) Special provisions (cost of water adjustment). The charge specified in the monthly 

commodity charge may be subject to an adjustment per 100 cf for increases or 

decreases in the costs associated with the cost of electric energy, water treatment 

chemicals and purchased water. 

(Code 1993, § 29-219) 

Sec. 106-284. Nonresident water services in localities. 

(a) Applicability. This section shall apply to use of water service for all purposes at 

locations outside the corporate city limits where service is available; provided, however, 

that this schedule shall not apply to contracts entered into between the city and any 

adjoining county. 

(b) Minimum charge for water. The monthly minimum charge is the service charge 

shown in subsection (c) of this section determined by meter size. 

(c) Service charges (readiness to serve). The monthly service charges as set forth in 

appendix A to this Code shall be paid by consumers for the use of the size of meter. The 

service charges shall be paid in addition to the charges for the quantity of water which 

passes through the meters. When a consumer is supplied with water through more than 

one meter, the service charges shall apply to each meter. 

(d) Volume charge. Monthly charges for the quantity of water which passes through 

the meters shall be as set forth in appendix A to this Code. 

(e) Unmetered fire protection (fire lines). When water is supplied for fire protection 

which is not metered, through pipes used or which are available for use exclusively for 

that purpose, the service charges as set forth in appendix A to this Code shall be paid by 

consumers for the size of pipe. 

(f) Metered fire protection (fire lines). When water is supplied for fire protection which 

is metered, through pipes used or which are available for use exclusively for that 

purpose, the service charges as set forth in appendix A to this Code shall be paid by 

consumers. 

(g) Term of contracts. Contracts for water service under this schedule shall be 

cancelable at any time, provided that a consumer cannot resume service within one 

month at the same location without paying the prescribed service charges and charges 

for water supplied during the intervening period in accordance with this schedule. 

(h) Special provisions (cost of water adjustment). The charge specified in the monthly 

commodity charge may be subject to an adjustment per 100 cf for increases or 

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decreases in the costs associated with the cost of electric energy, water treatment 

chemicals and purchased water. 

(Code 1993, § 29-220) 

Secs. 106-285-106-305. Reserved. 

DIVISION 3. WATER SERVICE OUTSIDE CITY 

Sec. 106·306. Statement of policy. 

(a) The city will grant the right to use water from its distribution system originating on 

property divided by the corporate limits or situated wholly beyond the corporate limits but 

adjacent thereto, to which it is practical to extend such service to the following, which 

shall be referred to in this division as "grantee": 

(1) A locality. 

(2) An owner or lessee of property to which the services or either of them can 

be practically extended. 

(b) Consideration should be given to the grantee only if there is an active approved 

cross connection program to protect the city water supply. 

(Code 1993, § 29-126) 

Sec. 106·307. Determination of practicality of extension of services. 

The city manager shall determine whether it is practical to extend the services referred 

to in this division. 

(Code 1993, § 29-127) 

Sec. 106·308. Granting of rights. 

The rights to water service outside the city shall be granted under the following 

described contracts: 

(Code 1993, § 29-128) 

(1) Individual contract, which shall be a contract between the city and owner or 

lessee for services to premises located in the locality. 

(2) Locality contract, which shall be a contract between the city and another 

locality or authority created for and operating in conjunction with a locality in 

supplying such services. 

Sec. 106·309. Uniformity of contracts; general terms and provisions. 

Every contract referred to in section 106-308 shall be uniform as to each class of user of 

water service and shall contain the terms, conditions and provisions applicable thereto set out in 

this division. 

(Code 1993, § 29-129) 

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Sec. 106-310. Authority to negotiate locality contracts. 

The city manager is authorized to enter into new or to renegotiate existing contracts 

regulated by this division for and on behalf of the city or may delegate the authority to do so to 

the head of the appropriate department. 

(Code 1993, § 29-130) 

Sec. 106-311. Terms, conditions and provisions of contracts. 

Individual contracts entered into pursuant to this division shall contain the following 

terms, conditions and provisions: 

(1) The grantee shall have an approved cross connection program. 

(2) Water service shall be supplied to existing areas and new subdivisions 

when all prevailing subdivision laws have been complied with, at rates fixed by 

the city council, which may be changed or modified at any time and from time to 

time by the city council. 

(3) a. If a demand or special charge other than the charges set forth in 

subsection (3)b. of this section is prescribed by the council for services supplied 

within the city, a charge is to be prescribed by the city council for similar services 

supplied under the contracts, which may be changed or modified at any time or 

from time to time by the city council. 

b. Service charges shall be made for all private fire protection 

connections in the locality in accordance with the applicable rate 

schedule. 

(4) The grantee of such rights shall be responsible for the payment of all 

charges made for such services. Upon the failure, refusal or neglect of the 

grantee to pay such charges, the services shall be cut off after giving the grantee 

the same written notice to that effect as is given consumers in the city before 

such services are cut off. 

(5) The grantee shall agree to indemnify, keep and hold the city free and 

harmless from liability on account of injury or damages to the grantee or to any 

other person or property directly or indirectly resulting from the failure of the city 

to supply such services in whole or in part. If suit shall be brought against the 

city, either independently or jointly with the grantee on account thereof, the 

grantee will defend the city in any such suit at the cost of the grantee. If a final 

judgment is obtained against the city, either independently or jointly with the 

grantee, the grantee will pay such judgment with all costs and hold the city 

harmless therefrom. 

(6) The location, character and size of the extensions and the plans and 

specifications for such connections and extensions and the materials used in the 

installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of the extensions and 

connections shall be as specified by the city manager whose approval must be 

obtained, or the city manager may delegate authority to the appropriate 

department head, and the connections and extensions shall be installed at such 

points as shall be approved by the department head. 

(7) The city shall have the right to make or permit additional extensions of and 

connections to all extensions after their construction. 

(8) The quality and pressure of water delivered shall be that in the main from 

which the water is supplied at the point and time of delivery. 

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(9) Water shall not be delivered to anyone connection at a rate in excess of 

100 gallons per minute without the written approval of the city manager. 

(10) All individual contracts for water service shall provide that neither the 

grantee nor those claiming under the grantee shall resell water supplied by the 

city. 

(Code 1993, §§ 29-141,29-142,29-151) 

Sec. 106·312. Resident and nonresident users. 

When a service connection for water service is made to a lot divided by the corporation 

line of the city, such lot shall be deemed to be within the corporate city limits if the portion of real 

estate taxes on land and improvements or improvements that may be placed thereon paid to 

the city is equal to or greater than the portion of real estate taxes on land and improvements or 

improvements that may be placed thereon paid to the locality, and all laws, ordinances, 

resolutions, rules and regulations governing water service in the city shall apply thereto. When a 

service connection for water service is made to any other lot divided by the corporation line of 

the city, such lot shall be deemed to be without the corporate city limits, and all laws, 

ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations governing water service without the city shall 

apply thereto. 

(Code 1993, § 29-152) 

Sec. 106·313. Suspension of service and termination of contracts. 

(a) Individual water service may be suspended by the city manager at any time 

whenever: 

(1) The use of water is excessive or interferes with or impairs the maintenance 

or operation of the city's production and distribution system; 

(2) A possible contamination to the potable drinking water system could exist; 

(3) The grantee fails, refuses or neglects to observe and comply with the terms 

and conditions of the contract or all laws, ordinances, resolutions, rules and 

regulations governing water service; 

(4) Water is or may be required for the use of consumers in the city; or 

(5) The locality undertakes to supply such services. 

(b) Individual water service may be suspended by the city manager at any time 

without notice whenever an emergency exists. 

(c) Individual water service contracts may be terminated by either party thereto upon 

giVing written notice to that effect to the other party 12 months prior to the date of 

termination. The notice on the part of the city shall be given by the city manager 

whenever in the city manager's judgment or that of the council such contracts should be 

terminated. ' 

(Code 1993, § 29-154) 

Sec. 106-314. Assignment of individual contracts. 

The grantee under an individual contract pursuant to this division may assign such 

contracts and rights, benefits, privileges, duties and obligations inured, received, imposed and 

assumed thereby to the tenants of the property receiving water service or to another owner, 

thereof, except the right to reimbursement by the city shall not be assigned. 

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(Code 1993, § 29-155) 

Sees. 106-315--106-335. Reserved. 

DIVISION 4. WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS, PIPES AND METERS 

Sec. 106-336. Duties of owners and tenants. 


Owners and tenants of premises with occupied buildings thereon shall comply with the 

following applicable requirements: 

(Code 1993, § 29-58) 

(1) The owner of a premises with a newly constructed or an existing building 

thereon shall apply to the department of public utilities for a water service 

connection prior to occupancy of the bUilding, provided that an individual water 

supply approved by the director of public health may be used if the department of 

public utilities cannot provide water service. 

(2) The occupants of all buildings to which a city water connection has been 

made shall use city water to flush all toilets and to carry all wastewater and 

sewage into the city sewer system or individual sewage disposal system. 

(3) An application to the department of public utilities to provide water service 

may be made by the owner or tenant of the premises, except that an application 

to provide water service on one meter to two or more dwelling units may be 

made only by the owner or agent. The owner or agent shall be required to furnish 

city water to tenants when one water meter serves two or more dwelling units. 

(4) If water service to an occupied building is terminated by the department of 

public utilities as a result of a delinquent water or sewer bill, a notice may be 

served by the department of public health upon the person in whose name the 

bill is listed requiring that satisfactory arrangements be made with the 

department of public utilities for payment of the delinquent bill and restoration of 

water service. Service of the notice shall be made by mailing the notice to the 

last known post office address of the person in whose name the bill is listed, by, 

serving the notice in person on the person in whose name the bill is listed, or by 

serving the notice upon a responsible person above the age of 16 years who is 

an occupant of the building in which the person in whose name the bill is listed 

lives or works. If compliance with the notice does not occur within the prescribed 

time or acceptable arrangements for compliance are not made with the 

department of public health, the person in whose name the bill is listed may be 

summoned to court. 

(5) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, 

owners of premises in which another water supply system, approved by the 

director of public health, was installed and used prior to January 1, 1970, shall 

not be required to connect to the city water system as long as the quality of the 

water is not detrimental to public health and safety. 

(6) The owner of a premises in the city may drill a well and use the water for 

drinking purposes only, provided the well and the water are approved by the 

director of public health. There shall be no interconnections between the well and 

the city water supply. Dug wells shall not be permitted in the city. 

", 

Sec. 106-337. Owner's responsibility for damage; disconnection for nonpayment. 

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Owners and occupants of premises connected directly or indirectly with the water 

system shall be responsible for all damages to service connections, meters and equipment 

occasioned thereto by the negligence of such owners and occupants and their agents, servants 

and employees. The director shall investigate and determine the responsibility for damages to 

such connections, meters and equipment; shall make or cause to be made necessary renewals 

or repairs thereto; and shall collect the cost of them from owners or occupants responsible 

therefor. If such cost and expense are not paid within 30 days after presentation of a bill 

therefor, the director shall cause the supply of water to be stopped, and the service stopped 

shall not thereafter be furnished to such premises for such owner or occupant until such cost 

and expense shall have been paid. 

(Code 1993, § 29-60) 

Sec. 106-338. Application for service connection. 

Application for water service connections shall be made to the director on forms 

provided by owners of premises to be served or by the occupants thereof through licensed 

plumbers. unless otherwise authorized in chapter 14 pertaining to buildings and building 

regulations, and no water service shall be connected until the director shall approve such 

application. 

(Code 1993, § 29-67) 

Sec. 106-339. Disconnection of meter without permission. 

No water meter shall be disconnected from a service connection, moved or disturbed in 

any manner by any person nor shall any service connection be changed or altered in any 

manner without the written permission of the director. 

(Code 1993, §29-68) 

Sec. 106-340. Stopcocks and valves. 

Stopcocks or valves shall be provided near the entrance of water service pipes into 

premises served by means of which all water may be shut off therefrom, which shall be easily 

and readily accessible at all times and shall be adequately protected from injury and freezing. 

All water fixtures, equipment and appliances shall be provided with separate valves or 

stopcocks, except that groups of fixtures in single rooms not separated by partitions may be 

controlled by single valves. 

(Code 1993, § 29-29) 

Sec. 106-341. Cutoff valve and valve box. 

As a part of each water service connection, there shall be a cutoff valve at the main. For 

a service connection nominally three inches in diameter or larger, there shall be provided a 

suitable valve box for access to the cutoff valve without excavation. 

(Code 1993, § 29-57) 

Sec. 106-342. Costs of original connections and maintenance. 

In making installations of water service connections in the city, the director shall furnish 

all necessary materials and shall have the service installed, the cost of which shall be paid as 

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follows: 

(Code 1993, § 29-61) 


(1) The entire cost of all original water service connections, including 

restoration of the paving and meters, shall be paid for by the owner or occupant 

of the premises to be served. 

(2) The entire cost of maintaining existing water service connections and 

meters, except as otherwise provided in section 106-337, shall be paid by the 

city. However, whenever an existing water service connection is replaced at the 

request of the owner with one of greater capacity, the entire cost of such service 

connection and restoration of the paving shall be paid for by the owner or 

occupant of the premises served. The director shall determine the cost for the 

replacement using the procedures specified in the rules and regulations adopted 

pursuant to section 106-32. The customer shall pay for the cost of meters as 

required in section 106-349. 

Sec. 106-343. Estimate of installation cost of connections; fees. 

Upon receipt of an application for a water service connection made in the manner 

specified in section 106-338 and for which the owner or occupant of premises to be served is 

required to pay pursuant to section 106-342 or otherwise, the director shall establish the fee for 

installing the service connection using the construction schedule developed by the director. The 

director annually shall determine construction costs and annually shall develop and publish a 

schedule of fees pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 106-32. The applicant shall pay 

the fee to the city. The director may receive installment payments as outlined in the rules and 

regulations adopted pursuant to section 106-32. 

(Code 1993, § 29-62) 

Sec. 106-344. Special conditions pertaining to developers. 

(a) Section 106-343 shall apply to all existing and new buildings or structures that are 

to be served by existing water mains and shaH apply to existing buildings or structures to 

be served by new water mains constructed with city funds. 

(b) The fee for connections to water mains constructed by developers or when the 

developer reimburses the city for the total cost of the water mains within the 

development shall be the average cost for services installed under similar conditions as 

estimated by the director for the labor, materials, equipment and supervision required to 

provide the service. This special connection fee shall not apply unless the connection is 

paid for prior to the surfacing or resurfacing of the street or easement in which the water 

main is installed. The developer may, if the developer chooses, pay only the cost 

outlined in this subsection less the cost of the meter. The meter shall be paid for when it 

is needed at the average cost for meters installed under similar conditions as estimated 

by the director for the labor, materials, equipment and supervision required. 

(Code 1993, § 29-63) 

Sec. 106-345. Connections outside city. 

(a) When water is permitted to be used on property beyond the corporate city limits, 

the owner or occupant of the premises served shall furnish the city with the necessary 

authority from the locality to do or have any work reqUired to be done by the city done 

prior to the installation and shall pay all cost and expense incurred by the city of 

installing service connections. Applications for such water service shall be made in 

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accordance with section 106-338. 

(b) The owner or occupant shall obtain all permits for the installation of the service 

and meters, and the city shall furnish and install all of the service including the meter 

from the main to the property line at the expense of the applicant who shall excavate the 

trench, backfill, repave and maintain the surface as required by the locality and relieve 

the city of any liability therefor during and after its construction. 

(Code 1993, § 29-64) 

Sec. 106-346. Size, character and arrangement of connections. 

The director shall determine the size, character and the arrangement of all water service 

connections installed within or without the city. 

(Code 1993, § 29-65) 

Sec. 106-347. Prevention of cross connection or backflow. 

(a) The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the 

meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates 

a different meaning: 

Backflow means the flow of water or other liquids, materials or substances into the pipes 

or into other facilities of the city's water distribution system from any source other than the city's 

normal sources of water, meeting standards for use and consumption of water, or from any 

alternate source of water meeting such standards which might be utilized by the city for the 

purpose of supplying water to the customers served by the water distribution system of the city. 

Cross connection means any connection or structural arrangement, direct or indirect, to 

the city's water distribution system Whereby a backflow can occur. 

(b) To protect and ensure that the water distribution system of the city is pure and 

safe for public consumption as mandated by applicable state law and regUlations, if any 

service connection for the supply of water to property from the water distribution system 

of the city may cause or result in a cross connection to the city's water distribution 

system, the director is authorized to require the abatement or control of such cross 

connection or possible cross connection in accordance with regulations to be 

promulgated by the director authorized in this section. 

(c) The director shall promulgate rules and regUlations pursuant to section 106-32 in 

order to prevent and control cross connection and backflow. Such rules and regulations 

shall be consistent with applicable state law and regulations and may provide for the 

termination of water service where necessary to protect the health of the citizens or 

where an owner or occupant of premises refuses to comply with the regUlations. 

(Code 1993, § 29-66) 

Sec. 106-348. Depth and materials for water pipes. 

All water service pipes installed underground shall be laid not less than two feet below 

the surface. All water service pipes located between the property line and the cutoff valve at the 

building shall be of materials that conform with chapter 14. 

(Code 1993, § 29-72) 

Sec. 106-349. Cost, title and maintenance of meters. 

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Service meters used for an original or enlargement of a water service connection shall 

be paid for by the owner or occupant of the premises served. Title to all service meters installed 

shall remain or vest in the city. Credit for existing meters shall be given in accordance with 

section 106-351. The city shall maintain, repair or replace existing service meters at its cost and 

expense, except as otherwise provided in section 106-337. 

(Code 1993, § 29-73) 

Sec. 106-350. Meters required for each service. 

For each separate water service connection, the city shall furnish, install at the expense 

of the owner and maintain at the expense of the city a service meter to measure the quantity of 

water used, consumed or wasted on the premises served. However, water connections used 

exclusively for private fire protection shall be installed in accordance with section 106-414. 

(Code 1993, § 29-74) 

Sec. 106-351. Credit for existing meter or substitution. 

Credit for existing service meters allowed the applicant shall be under the following 

conditions: 

(Code 1993, § 29-75) 

(1) When a service smaller than three-Quarter-inch nominal diameter is 

replaced with one of three-Quarter-inch nominal diameter in the same location, 

the city shall bear the entire cost. 

(2) When a service is replaced in a new location with a larger pipe but using 

the same size meter or when a service of three-Quarter-inch nominal diameter or 

larger is replaced in the same location with a larger pipe but using the same size 

meter, the customer shall pay the prevailing standard charge for a water service 

connection, less the current cost of a new meter of the same size. 

(3) When a meter is enlarged in the same location without change of pipe size, 

the customer shall pay the city the difference in the current cost of the two 

meters and all labor and construction costs necessary to permit the use of the 

larger size meter. 

(4) When a meter is enlarged in a new location without change of pipe size or 

when both the meter and pipe size are enlarged either in the same or a new 

location, the customer shall pay the prevailing standard charge for a water 

service connection, less the current cost of a new meter of the original size. 

(5) When a meter is replaced with one of less cost to the city, no refund shall 

be made. 

(6) If a new service replaces two or more old services, credit shall be allowed 

for one of the old meters, but the credit for the old meter shall not exceed the 

cost of the new meter. 

Sec. 106-352. Meter boxes required; cost of constructing and maintaining boxes. 

All water meters installed outside of bUildings, whether on private or public property, 

shall be installed in boxes or vaults of such size and materials as the director shall prescribe, 

and the cost of constructing or installing such boxes or vaults shall be paid by the owner or 

occupant of the premises served. If such boxes-or vaults are located on private property, the 

cost of their maintenance shall be at the expense of the owner or occupant of the premises 

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served. 

(Code 1993, § 29-76) 

Sec. 106-353. Inside meter location. 


On premises where no place for any outside water meter is available, the owner or 

occupant of such premises shall provide, without cost to the city, a place within the building for 

the water service meter or detecting device, which shall be contiguous or adjacent to the 

entrance of the service connection upon the premises and shall be satisfactory to and approved 

by the director. The owner or occupant must allow the city access to the meter for the purpose 

of reading or maintaining it. 

(Code 1993, § 29-77) 

Sec. 106-354. Meter relocation. 

Upon the written request of the owner or occupant to move a water service meter or 

detecting device from one place to another or should a change in the use of a premises or 

structural alteration therein render a place in which such meter or device is installed to be 

unsatisfactory to the director, the water service meter or detecting device shall be moved to 

another place that is satisfactory to the director. The entire cost of providing such other place 

and the moving and installation of the meter or device therein and the changes in pipes 

occasioned thereby shall be paid by the owner or occupant of the premises served. 

(Code 1993, § 29-78) 

Sec. 106-355. Termination of meter connection pipes. 

All pipes for the connection of all water meters or detecting devices shall be terminated 

at the place approved therefor by the director in a manner satisfactory to the director. 

(Code 1993, § 29-79) 

Sees. 106-356--106-380. Reserved. 

DIVISION 5. PORTABLE WATER METERS 

Sec. 106-381. Conditions when permitted. 

When, in the opinion of the director, it is impracticable to use water from the distribution 

system through meters in fixed locations, the director may permit the use of water from the 

system through portable meters upon the terms and conditions contained in this division, which 

shall be in addition to those imposed elsewhere in this article or in any other ordinance adopted 

by the councilor otherwise imposed by law. 

(Code 1993, § 29-91) 

Sec. 106-382. Furnished by department; backflow device required. 

(a) No portable water meters shall be used except those furnished by the department. 

(b) No portable meter shall be used without an approved, attached backflow device. 

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(Code 1993, § 29-92) 

Sec. 106-383. Furnished only to user. 


No portable water meter shall be furnished to any person unless such person is the 

actual user of the water to be supplied through such meter. 

(Code 1993, § 29-93) 

Sec. 106-384. Location restricted. 

Portable water meters shall be used only within the city and in such territory adjacent 

thereto in which water used is supplied by the city and is not paid for by the adjoining locality 

under a contract with the city. 

(Code 1993, § 29-94) 

Sec. 106-385. Water charges. 

Every consumer of water through a portable meter shall pay for ail water used or wasted 

at the rates established under the existing commercial water service rate established in section 

106-283(d)1) adopted by the council or which may be fixed by the council. 

(Code 1993, § 29-95) 

Sec. 106-386. Payment of damages. 

Every water consumer shall pay promptly to the city upon bills rendered therefor all 

costs incurred in repairing any damage to a portable water meter while in the consumer's 

possession and all costs incurred in repairing any damage to any fire hydrants, pipe or other 

property of the city caused by the use of such portable meter by the consumer or agents or 

employees of the consumer. 

(Code 1993, § 29-96) 

Sec. 106-387. Monthly return; conditions for extension of time. 

All portable water meters in possession of consumers shall be returned to the 

department at the end of each month at a place designated by the director on the days and 

within the hours such place is open for business. Should continued use of a portable meter be 

desired, a meter may be furnished to such consumer on condition that such consumer is not 

delinquent in the payment of any charges for water used or wasted or in the payment of any 

damages to any portable meter theretofore furnished or to any fire hydrants, pipe or other 

property of the city and upon payment of the charge prescribed therefor. 

(Code 1993, § 29-97) 

Sec. 106-388. Charge for late return. 

Should a consumer fail or refuse to return a portable water meter furnished to such 

consumer within two working days after the first day of each month, such consumer shall pay to 

the 'city $20.00 for each day or fraction thereof in excess of two working days such meter is not 

in the possession of the department at the place designated by the director for the return 

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If, in the opinion of the director, the existing water system provides public fire protection 

in the vicinity of premises proposed to be served with water for private fire protection that is less 

than the average of similar districts of the city, the director may increase the pUblic fire 

protection system, to the average of that in similar districts of the city, if funds for such purposes 

are available, at the city's expense, provided that the owner of property proposed to be served 

or the occupant thereof shall pay any increase in costs of such enlargement or new mains 

determined by the director to be made necessary to properly provide for the added maximum 

demand that may be created by the private fire protection system. 

(Code 1993, § 29-113) 

Sec. 106-414. Service connections. 

Service connections used eXclusively for private fire protection within or without the city 

shall be equipped with devices approved by the director located in the service lines, which will 

indicate the use of any water passing through such service lines. These devices shall be 

fumished and installed by the city at the cost and expense of the owner or occupants of 

premises served. 

(Code 1993, § 29-114) 

Sec. 106-415. Charges for water for fire protection. 

No charge shall be made for water used for testing private fire protection systems or 

equipment or for the extinguishment of fire when services are installed with detecting devices in 

accordance with section 106-414 and the property is located in the city. The owners or 

occupants of property located within the city shall pay for fire protection service at the rates 

prescribed by the city council. Should water in such systems be wasted or used for any purpose 

other than for testing such systems or equipment or for the extinguishment of fire, the director 

may immediately require the private fire protection system to be metered at the entire cost and 

expense of the owners or occupants of premises served, and after the meters have been 

installed the owners or occupants of premises served shall pay for all water used on such 

premises, including water used for testing such systems or equipment and for the 

extinguishment .of fire. 

(Code 1993, § 29-115) 

Sees. 106-416--106-440. Reserved. 

DIVISION 7. POLLUTION OF WATER SUPPLY 

Sec. 106-441. Enforcement; authority of board of health. 

The enforcement of this division, so far as designed and intended to prevent the 

pollution of the city water supply, shall be entrusted to the director of public health, under rules 

and regulations to be adopted by the board of health, and the board is hereby authorized and 

directed to adopt such further rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the 

powers conferred on it in this division, not, however, in violation of the Charter, this Code or 

other city ordinances. 

(Code 1993, § 29-266) 

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ARTICLEV. WATER* Page 19 of25 

Sec. 106-442. Discharge of offensive matters in certain streams and canals. 

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or discharge any filth, offensive or deleterious 

matter or liquid into the water of the James River or any branch or stream flowing into it or in 

any canal from which the water supply of the city is or may be obtained. 

(Code 1993, § 29-256) 

Sec. 106-443. Definitions. 

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the 


meaning: 

Feeder means a designation of the canal which takes water from the James River at 

Bosher's Dam and conveys the water to the water purification plant, together with any and all 

settling basins, storage basins, flumes, reservoirs, basins or tanks used in connection with the 

water supply of the city. 

(Code 1993, § 29-257) 


Sec. 106-444. Privies. 

It shall be the duty of all owners of houses within the watershed of the feeder which 

supplies water to the water treatment plant or on the watershed of any stream tributary thereto 

(that is to say, within the watershed drained by the feeder, Tuckahoe Creek, Upper Westham 

Creek, Lower Westham Creek, and other streams tributary to such creeks and other creeks 

flowing into the feeder), when the houses are not supplied with such sewage disposal facilities 

that will not pollute such water supply, to provide such houses with privi:es. No such facility shall 

be located within less than 200 feet of the feeder; within less than 200 feet of any of the streams 

tributary thereto; nor within less than 50 feet of any ravine, gully or ditch which carries or is likely 

to carry water into the feeder or into the streams after heavy rains. It shall be the duty of the 

tenant or occupant of any such house to have all deposits in the privies removed at least once a 

month by the contractor for the removal of night soil, if there is such contractor; if there is no 

such contractor, such deposits shall be removed by the tenant or occupant at least once a 

month and buried not less than two feet under the surface of the ground and at a point not less 

than 100 feet from the feeder or from any of the streams tributary thereto. The tenant or 

occupant of such house shall keep the privy clean at all times. 

(Code 1993, § 29-258) 

Sec. 106-445. Trespass in feeder and tributaries. 

It shall be unlawful for any person to trespass in the feeder at any point between 

Bosher's Dam and the water treatment plant or in any stream that flows into the feeder between 

such points. 

(Code 1993, § 29-260) 

Sec. 106-446. Septic tank systems. 

It shall be the duty of the owner of any house on the watershed of the feeder or of any of 

the streams tributary thereto, when the house is provided with a domestic water service, to 

install and maintain some approved system for the disposal of all sewage from such house, 

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preferably the system known as the septic tank system, followed by subsoil distribution 

of the septic tank effluent. 

(Code 1993, § 29-263) 

Sec. 106-447. Discharge of chemical, biological and radiological material on 

ground surface. 

It shall be unlawful to discharge or cause or permit to be discharged, onto the surface of 

the ground on the watershed, any chemical, biological or radiological material within 200 feet 

from the feeder or from any stream tributary thereto. 

(Code 1993, § 29-264) 

Secs. 106-448--106-470. Reserved. 

DIVISION 8. FLUORIDE TREATMENT OF WATER 

Sec. 106-471. Records. 

The department of public utilities shall keep daily records as required by the state 

department of health showing the number of gallons of water treated and the fluoride ion 

concentration in the water after treatment. 

(Code 1993, § 29-276) 

Sec. 106-472. State standards and rules. 

The department of public utilities will follow state department of health standards and 

rules related to the addition of fluoride in the city's drinking water supply. 

(Code 1993, § 29-277) 

Sec. 106-473. General supervision. 

The department of public health shall have general supervision of the treatment of the 

water supply with fluoride, and the department of public utilities shall furnish to the department 

of public health copies of the records required to be kept by section 106-471 when requested by 

that department. 

(Code 1993, § 29-278) 

Sec. 106-474. Surveys and research. 

The department of pUblic utilities shall conduct such surveys and research as necessary 

to determine effects of treating water with fluoride and shall solicit the assistance of educational 

and scientific institutions in conducting such surveys and research where needed. 

(Code 1993, § 29-279) 

Sees. 106-475--106-495. Reserved. 

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DIVISION 9. WATER CONSERVATION 

Sec. 106-496. Purpose; enforcement; exemptions. 


(a) Purpose. The purpose of this division is to establish water conservation reduction 

measures to be imposed when the state water protection permit issued to the city by the 

state department of environmental quality for water withdrawn from the James River 

requires water conservation measures to be in effect for public water supply use or when 

the governor of the commonwealth or other state or federal authority, pursuant to 

applicable law, declares an emergency, impose mandatory water conservation 

measures, and authorize the city to enforce such measures. 

(b) State or federal measures. Should the governor or other state or federal authority, 

pursuant to applicable law, declare an emergency, impose mandatory water 

conservation measures, and authorize the city to enforce such measures, the city shall 

enforce those measures pursuant to this division to the extent that such measures 

impose greater restrictions on the use of water than those then in effect pursuant to this 

division. Except where such state or federal water conservation measures impose 

greater restrictions, any water conservation measures imposed by this division shall 

remain in effect as provided in this division. 

(c) Exemptions. This division shall not apply to any governmental activity, institution, 

business, residence, or industry when it has been determined by the city manager that 

an exemption is necessary for the following: 

(1) The public health, safety and welfare; 

(2) The prevention of severe economic hardship or the substantial loss of 

employment; or 

(3) The health of any person. 

Recycled water and water supplied from public or private groundwater sources shall also be 

exempt from this division. 

(Code 1993, § 29-280) 

Sec. 106-497. Definitions. 

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the 


meaning: 

Bucket means a bucket or other container holding five gallons or less when used singly 

by one person. 

Established landscape means landscape plants existing in an area after such period of 

time as to accomplish an establishment and maintenance of growth. 

Fountain means a water display where water is sprayed strictly for ornamental purposes. 

Golf course means an irrigated and landscaped playing area made up of greens, tees, 

fairways, roughs and related areas used for the playing of golf. 

Handheld hose means a hose attended by one person and fitted with a manual or 

automatic shutoff nozzle. 

Landscape plant means any member of the kingdom Plantae, including any tree, shrub, 

vine, herb, flower, succulent, ground cover or grass species that grows or has been planted 

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, .


outdoors. 

New landscape means any landscape made up of plants or seeds planted in or 

transplanted to an area within such period of time as to accomplish a reasonable establishment 

and maintenance of growth. 

Paved areas means streets, sidewalks, driveways, patios, parking lots, and other 

surface areas covered with brick, paving, tile or other material through which water cannot pass. 

Recycled water means water originally potable but circulated for reuse after delivery 

from the public water system. 

SWimming pool means any structure, basin, chamber or tank, including hot tubs, 

containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving or recreational bathing and haVing a 

depth of two feet or more at any point. 

Vegetable garden means any noncommercial vegetable garden planted primarily for 

household use. The term "noncommercial" as used in this definition includes the incidental 

direct sale of produce from such a vegetable garden to the public. 

(Code 1993, § 29-281) 


Sec. 106-498. Declaration of conservation measures. 

The city manager shall declare the imposition of either voluntary or mandatory water 

conservation measures whenever the city is experiencing a water supply emergency or the 

need to avert a water supply emergency. Such emergency or need to avert an emergency shall 

be deemed to exist whenever the flows in the James River drop to levels that require the 

limitation of withdrawals by the state water protection permit issued to the city or when the 

governor or other state or federal authority, pursuant to applicable law, declares an emergency, 

imposes mandatory water conservation measures, and authorizes the city to enforce such 

measures. Notices of the implementation and termination of the water conservation measures 

shall be pUblicly announced and pUblished in a daily newspaper for at least one day. The 

implementation or termination of the measures shall become effective immediately upon 

publication of the respective notice. 

(Code 1993, § 29-282) 

Sec. 106-499. Voluntary conservation measures. 

When voluntary water conservation measures are in effect, the city manager shall 

request the general pUblic, businesses and public agencies in the city to implement and comply 

with the following water use reduction measures: 

(1) Fountains. Reduce operation to hours between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., 

except that operation may be unrestricted on any two days during a week at the 

option of the operator or owner. 

(2) Paved areas. Reduce washing to any hours during any two days in a week. 

Washing paved areas for immediate health and safety is exempted. 

(3) Swimming pools. Reduce filling and replenishing to levels required to 

maintain health and safety. 

(4) Vegetable gardens. Reduce watering to hours between 8:00 p.m. and 

10:00 a.m., except that watering may be unrestricted on any two days during a 

week at the option of the owner. Watering by bucket is unrestricted. 

(5) Vehicle washing. Reduce noncommercial washing of mobile equipment to 

any hours during any two days in a week using a handheld hose having a 

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I 

I 

I 

I 

I 

I I 

I 

I 

I 

(Code 1993, § 29-283) 

positive (Le., automatic) shutoff nozzle. Commercial mobile equipment washing 

businesses are exempt. 

(6) Restaurants. No restrictions. 

(7) Public utilities. Reduce scheduled sewer and hydrant flushing by 50 

percent. Flushing to meet immediate health and safety requirements is exempt. 

(8) Established landscape. Reduce watering as follows: 

a. Odd property addresses (by last digit of address number): water 

unrestricted only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

b. Even property addresses (by last digit of address number) and 

locations with no address number: water unrestricted only on 

Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 

c. Watering prohibited on Mondays. 

d. Watering by bucket is unrestricted. 

(9) New landscape. Water unrestricted during the first ten days after planting 

and shall conform to subsection (8) of this section after the first ten days. 

(10) Golf courses. Reduce watering to hours between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 

a.m., except that watering of greens is unrestricted. 

Sec. 106·500. Mandatory conservation measures. 

When mandatory water conservation measures are in effect, the general public, 

businesses and public agencies shall comply with the following water use restrictions:' 

(1) Fountains. Operation prohibited. 

(2) Paved areas. Washing prohibited except for immediate health and safety 

requirements. 

(3) Swimming pools. Reduce filling and replenishing to levels to maintain 

health,and safety. 

(4) Vegetable gardens. Restrict watering as follows: 

a. Odd property addresses (by last digit of address number): water only 

on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

b. Even property addresses (by last digit of address number) and 

locations with no address number: water only on Wednesdays, Fridays 

and Sundays. 

c. Watering prohibited on Mondays. 

d. Watering by bucket is unrestricted. 

(5) Vehicle washing. Reduce noncommercial washing of mobile equipment to 

any hours one day a week using a handheld hose having a positive (Le., 

automatic) shutoff nozzle. Commercial mobile equipment washing businesses 

are exempt. 

(6) Restaurants. Serve water to customers only upon request. 

(7) Public utilities. Conduct sewer and hydrant flushing only to the extent 

required to meet immediate health and safety needs. 

(8) Established landscape. Restrict watering as follows: 

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Sec. 106-502. Enforcement. 

The director of public utilities is authorized to designate qualified personnel of the 

department of public utilities to enforce this division in the manner and to the extent allowed by 

the law, including the filing of notices of violations of this division and the filing of complaints 

with the department of police for such violations. 

(Code 1993, § 29-286) 

Sees. 106-503--106-530. Reserved. 

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APPRNDIX E 

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 

WATERWORKS REGULATIONS 

ARTICLE 3 – 

CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL AND 

BACKFLOW PREVENTION IN 

WATERWORKS

Cross Connection Manual - City of Richmond

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