Table of Contents. Definitions of Cross Connection Control... 4

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1 Table of Contents Definitions of Cross Connection Control... 4 Codes & Regulations Cross Connection Control Summary... 7 Title 77: IDPH Protection of Potable Water... 8 Title 35 IEPA Part Emergency Operation Cross Connections Title 35 IEPA Part 653 Design, Operation & Maintenance Criteria Section Cross Connection Control Program Specific Conditions & Installation Procedures Cross Connection Control Devices Heat Exchange Cross Connections Fire Protection Systems Municipal Plumbing Code of Chicago Potable Water Supply Special Equipment Backflow Protection Reduced Pressure Principle Assy Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers Double Check Valve Assy Location of Backflow Assy Protection of Potable Water Outlets Connection to Potable Water System Beverage Carbonator Backflow Preventers Fire Protection Equipment Permits Cross Connection Control Device Inspections Water Meter Procedure for City of Chicago Water Meter TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

2 Backflow Case Studies Backflow Software Companies Backflow Management Companies in Illinois Training Facilities Industry Information Fire Protection Retrofit Guidance info City of Chicago Municipal Code for Fire Protection 4( ) Inspections ( ) Fire Protection Equipment ( ) Fire Line Water Supply Retrofit Sizing Guide Requirements for Retrofitting Backflow Assy Spacer Information Backflow Retrofit FAQ s Organizations Title 77 IDPH Section 892 Lawn Irrigation Contractors Definitions Registration Requirements for Irrigation Contractors Licensed Plumbers Responsible for Irr. System Waiver of Licensed Plumber Requirement Inspection, Testing, & Registration of Lawn Sprinklers Civil Penalties for Unregistered Irrigation Contractors Fees for Irrigation Contractors Expiration of Registration Program TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

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4 Definitions for Cross Connection Control Air Gap Separation means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of the receptacle. "Approved atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB)" means an AVB of make, model, and size that is approved by the department. AVBs that appear on the current approved backflow prevention assemblies list developed by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross- Connection Control and Hydraulic Research or that are listed or approved by other nationally recognized testing agencies (such as,asse, IAPMO, ANSI, or UL) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction are considered approved by the department. "Approved backflow prevention assembly" means an RPBA, RPDA, DCVA, DCDA, of make, model, and size that is approved as per section of the Illinois Plumbing Code. Assemblies that appear on the current approved backflow prevention assemblies list developed by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research or other entity acceptable to the department are considered approved by the department. "Backflow" means the undesirable reversal of flow of water or other substances through a cross connection into the public water system or consumer's potable water system. "Backpressure" means a pressure (caused by a pump, elevated tank or piping, boiler, or other means) on the consumer's side of the service connection that is greater than the pressure provided by the public water system and which may cause backflow. "Backsiphonage" means backflow due to a reduction in system pressure in the purveyor's distribution system and/or consumer's water system. "Consumer" means any person receiving water from a public water system from either the meter, or the point where the service line connects with the distribution system if no meter is present. For purposes of cross-connection control, "consumer" means the owner or operator of a water system connected to a public water system through a service connection. "Consumer's water system" means any potable and/or industrial water system that begins at the point of delivery from the public water system and is located on the consumer's premises. The consumer's water system includes all auxiliary sources of supply, storage, treatment, and TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

5 distribution facilities, piping, plumbing, and fixtures under the control of the consumer. "Contaminant" means a substance present in drinking water that may adversely affect the health of the consumer or the aesthetic qualities of the water. "Cross-connection" means any actual or potential physical connection between a public water system or the consumer's water system and any source of non-potable liquid, solid, or gas that could contaminate the potable water supply by backflow. "Distribution system" means all piping components of a public water system that serve to convey water from transmission mains linked to source, storage and treatment facilities to the consumer excluding individual services. "High health cross-connection hazard" means a cross-connection involving any substance that could impair the quality of potable water and create an actual public health hazard through injury, poisoning, or spread of disease. "Low cross-connection hazard" means a cross-connection that could impair the quality of potable water to a degree that does not create a hazard to the public health, but does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of potable waters for domestic use. "Potable" means water suitable for drinking by the public. "Purveyor" means an agency, subdivision of the state, municipal corporation, firm, company, mutual or cooperative association, institution, partnership, or person or other entity owning or operating a public water system. Purveyor also means the authorized agents of these entities. "Severe health cross-connection hazard" means a cross-connection which could impair the quality of potable water and create an immediate, severe public health hazard through poisoning or spread of disease by contaminants from radioactive material processing plants, nuclear reactors, or waste water treatment plants. For Ordering Information on Repair Parts, Whole Valves, and Retrofit Products Contact Us Today!! Toll Free: (866) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

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7 Codes and Regulations Cross-Connection Control Summary Community public water supplies are required by State regulations to maintain active cross-connection control programs to protect the safety of water consumers. Increased health and safety protection for water consumers necessitated by recent backflow incidents across the country and within Illinois have increased enforcement of cross-connection regulations. Soaring liability insurance costs which specify exclusionary clauses for pollution related claims have begun to impact water supplies which do not enforce stringent cross-connection control. Industries or facilities installing or possessing backflow prevention devices must have those devices inspected and tested at the time of installation and at least annually thereafter to ensure continued proper operation. Verification of inspection must be submitted to community public water supply officials, who must ensure that appropriate inspections and maintenance of all cross-connection control devices has been performed. The cross-connection control device inspector (CCCDI) approval program is coordinated by the FOS as a basic element of the water supply program. Actual registration and instruction is primarily conducted by the Environmental Resources Training Center, Edwardsville (ERTC at SIU-E). One and two day refresher courses for device inspectors which provide hands-on testing opportunities are also held. Oneday symposiums on state-of-the-art changes and regulatory developments are held annually, coordinated by ERTC. Schedules, registration materials and other waterrelated course offerings can be received by telephoning , or faxing For Ordering Information on Repair Parts, Whole Valves, and Retrofit Products Contact Us Today!! Toll Free: (866) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

8 TITLE 77: PUBLIC HEALTH CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SUBCHAPTER r: WATER AND SEWAGE PART 890 ILLINOIS PLUMBING CODE SECTION PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER Section Protection of Potable Water a) Cross Connection (Submergence). Potable water supply piping and water discharge outlets shall not be submerged in any sewage or toxic substance. Where potable water supply piping or water discharge outlets are submerged in other substances, they shall be provided with backflow protection as listed in Section (f). (See Appendix I: Illustrations A, B and C.) b) Approval of Devices and Maintenance. All devices and assemblies for the prevention of backflow shall comply with the standards listed in Appendix A: Table A of this Part. All reduced pressure principle (RP), reduced pressure detector (RPDA), double check (DCA) and double check detector (DCDA) backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested and approved by a Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI) before initial operation, and at least annually thereafter. Records to verify testing and maintenance shall be available at the site of the installation. c) Backflow. The water distribution system shall be protected against backflow. Each water outlet shall be protected from backflow by having the outlet end from which the water flows spaced a distance above the flood-level rim of the receptacle into which the water flows sufficient to provide a minimum fixed air gap. Where it is not possible to provide a minimum fixed air gap, the water outlet shall be equipped with an accessible backflow prevention device or assembly in accordance with subsection (f) or Section d) Fire Safety Systems. The installation of any fire safety system involving the potable water supply system shall be protected against backflow as follows: 1) Backflow protection is not required for fire safety systems constructed as follows: A) The system shall be looped, with no dead ends, to allow circulation, to prevent the stagnation of water in the line; B) The system shall not have any non-potable connections, or a fire department hose (Siamese) connection; TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

9 C) The system shall have 20 sprinkler heads or less; and D) The system shall be constructed of potable water supply quality pipe in accordance with Appendix A: Table A of this Part. 2) A double detector check valve or double check valve backflow preventer assembly shall be installed at the fire safety system's point of connection to the potable water supply when a fire safety system has no chemical additives or non-potable connection, but has one or more fire department hose connections (for boosting pressure and flow to the fire safety system) that are served only by fire fighting apparatus connected to a public water supply or a fire department that does not use chemical additives or rely upon any non-potable water supply. 3) A fixed air gap with a break tank or other storage vessel or a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly (RPZ) shall be installed at the fire safety system's point of connection to the potable water supply when: A) The fire safety system contains additives such as antifreeze, fire retardant or other chemicals. (The RPZ may be located at the point of connection to that section of the system containing such additives when the system's connection to the water supply is protected by a double detector check valve backflow preventer assembly); or B) Non-potable water flows into the fire safety system by gravity; or C) There is a permanent or emergency connection whereby water can be pumped into the fire safety system from any other non-potable source; or D) Fire department connections are available that could permit water to be pumped into the fire safety system from a non-potable source capable of serving the fire safety system. (A non-potable source of water shall be considered capable of serving the fire safety system under the following conditions: It must be capable of year-round use, maintained with at least 50,000 gallons of usable water not subject to freezing, accessible to fire fighting pumper equipment, and located within 1,700 feet of the facility.) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

10 e) Prohibited Connections. 1) Sewage Lines. There shall be no direct connection between potable water lines and lines, equipment and vessels containing sewage. Such connections shall be made only through a minimum fixed air gap as outlined in Section (a). 2) Chemical or Petroleum Pressure Vessels. There shall be no direct connection between any potable water supply and any pressure vessel, i.e., storage tank, tank car, tank truck or trailer or other miscellaneous pressurized tank or cylinder containing or having contained liquified gaseous petroleum products or other liquified gaseous chemicals. Where it is necessary to discharge from a potable water line to such a vessel, such discharge shall be through a minimum fixed air gap as outlined in Section (a). Exception: Chemical pressure vessels containing chemicals used in the water treatment process, for uses other than private purposes, are exempt from the provisions of this subsection. 3) If water under pressure is required, as in subsections (e)(1) and (2) of this Section, it shall be supplied by means of an auxiliary pump taking suction from a tank provided for this purpose only with an overrim supply having the required minimum fixed air gap. 4) Refrigerant Condensers. A potable water line to a single wall refrigerant condenser shall be provided with a backflow preventer complying with ASSE 1012 or ) No pipe or fitting of the water supply system shall be drilled or tapped nor shall any band or saddle be used except at the water main in the street. Exception: See Section (h) for potable water use only. f) Devices for the Protection of the Potable Water Supply. Approved backflow preventers or vacuum breakers shall be installed with all plumbing fixtures and equipment that may have a submerged potable water supply outlet and that are not protected by a minimum fixed air gap. Connection to the potable water supply system for the following fixtures or equipment shall be protected against backflow with one of the appropriate devices as indicated below: 1) Inlet to receptacles containing low hazard substances (steam, compressed air, food, beverages, etc.): A) fixed air gap fitting; TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

11 B) reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly; C) atmospheric vacuum breaker unit; D) double check valve backflow preventer assembly; E) double check backflow preventer with atmospheric vent assembly; or F) dual check valve. 2) Inlet to receptacles containing high hazard substances (vats, storage containers, plumbing fixtures, etc.): A) fixed air gap fitting; B) reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly; or C) atmospheric vacuum breaker unit. 3) Coils or jackets used as heat exchangers in compressors, degreasers, and other such equipment involving high hazard substances: A) fixed air gap fitting; or B) reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly. 4) Direct connections which are subject to back pressure: A) Receptacles containing low hazard substances (vats, storage containers, plumbing fixtures, etc.): i) fixed air gap fitting; ii) reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly; iii) iv) double check valve backflow preventer assembly; double check backflow preventer with atmospheric vent assembly; or v) dual check valve. B) Receptacles containing high hazard substances (vats, storage containers, etc.): TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

12 i) fixed air gap fitting; or ii) a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly. 5) Inlet to or direct connection with sewage or lethal substances: fixed air gap fitting. 6) Hose and spray units or stations shall be protected by one of the appropriate devices as indicated below: A) Fixed air gap; B) Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly; C) Double check valve backflow preventer assembly; D) Double check valve backflow preventer with atmospheric vent assembly; E) Dual check valve backflow preventer assembly; F) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker Unit. g) Installation of Devices or Assemblies. 1) Devices of All Types. Backflow preventer assemblies and devices shall be installed to be accessible for observation, maintenance and replacement services. Backflow preventer devices or assemblies shall not be installed where they would be subject to freezing conditions, except as allowed in Section (d). 2) All in-line backflow/back siphonage preventer assemblies shall have a full port type valve with a resilient seated shutoff valve on each side of the preventer. Relocation of the valve is not permitted. 3) A protective strainer shall be located upstream of the first check valve on all backflow/back siphonage preventers unless the device contains a built-in strainer. Fire safety systems are exempt from the strainer requirement. 4) Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers. Vacuum breakers shall be installed with the critical level above the flood level rim of the fixture they serve, and on the discharge side of the last control valve of the fixture. No shut-off valve or faucet shall be installed beyond the vacuum breaker. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

13 5) Double Check Valve, and Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer Assemblies. No in-line double check valve backflow preventer assembly (DCV) or reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly (RPZ) shall be located more than 5 feet above a floor, or be installed where it is subject to freezing or flooding conditions. After installation, each DCV and RPZ shall be field tested in-line in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions by a cross-connection control device inspector before initial operation. (See subsection (b) of this Section.) 6) A dual check backflow preventer with atmospheric vent assembly shall not be installed where it is subject to freezing or flooding conditions. 7) Closed water systems shall have a properly sized thermal expansion tank located in the cold water supply as near to the water heater as possible and with no shut-off valve or other device between the heater and the expansion tank. Exception: In existing buildings with a closed water system, a properly sized pressure relief valve may be substituted in place of a thermal expansion tank. For closed water systems created by backflow protection in manufactured housing, as required in Section (i), a ball cock with a relief valve may be substituted for the thermal expansion tank. (Source: Amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 4215, effective February 18, 2004) For Ordering Information on Repair Parts, Whole Valves, and Retrofit Products Contact Us Today!! Toll Free: (866) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

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15 TITLE 35: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SUBTITLE F: PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES CHAPTER I: POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD PART 607 Section OPERATION AND RECORD KEEPING Protection During Repair Work (Repealed) Disinfection Following Repair or Reconstruction (Repealed) Emergency Operation Cross Connections Laboratory Testing Equipment (Repealed) Record Maintenance (Repealed) Appendix References to Former Rules (Repealed) AUTHORITY: Implementing Section 17 and authorized by Section 27 of the Environmental Protection Act [415 ILCS 5/17 and 27]. SOURCE: Filed with Secretary of State January 1, 1978; amended and codified at 6 Ill. Reg , effective September 14, 1982; amended in R88-26 at 14 Ill. Reg , effective September 20, 1990; amended in R95-17 at 20 Ill. Reg , effective October 22, 1996; amended in R96-18 at 21 Ill. Reg. 6553, effective May 8, Section Protection During Repair Work (Repealed) (Source: Repealed at 14 Ill. Reg , effective September 20, 1990) Section Disinfection Following Repair or Reconstruction (Repealed) (Source: Repealed at 14 Ill. Reg , effective September 20, 1990) Section Emergency Operation a) Whenever contamination is determined to persist in a public water supply, as demonstrated by microbiological analysis results, the owners or official custodians of the supply shall notify all consumers to boil for five minutes all water used for drinking or culinary purposes. This boil order shall remain in effect until microbiological samples demonstrate that the water is safe for domestic use, or until appropriate corrective action approved by the Agency is taken. If the owner or official custodian of the supply fails to take such action on his own or at the recommendation of the Agency, the Agency may issue a boil order directly to the consumers affected. b) Any emergency which results in water pressures falling below twenty pounds per square inch on any portion of the TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

16 distribution system shall be reason for immediate issuance of a boil order by the owner or official custodian of the supply to those consumers affected unless: 1) There is a historical record of adequate chlorine residual and approved turbidity levels in the general area affected covering at least twelve monthly readings; 2) Samples for bacteriological examination are taken in the affected area immediately and approximately twelve hours later; and 3) Tests for residual chlorine and turbidity taken at not more than hourly intervals in the affected area for several hours do not vary significantly from the historical record. If significant decrease in chlorine residual or increase in turbidity occurs, a boil order shall be issued. c) Whenever the safety of a supply is endangered for any reason, including but not limited to spillage of hazardous substances, the Agency shall be notified immediately by the owner, official custodian or his authorized representative, and the supply officials shall take appropriate action to protect the supply. The owner, official custodian or his authorized representative shall notify all consumers of appropriate action to protect themselves against any waterborne hazards. If the owner or official custodian of the supply fails to take such action on his own or at the recommendation of the Agency, the Agency shall notify directly the consumers affected. (Source: Amended at 21 Ill. Reg. 6553, effective May 8, 1997 Section Cross Connections a) No physical connection shall be permitted between the potable portion of a supply and any other water supply not of equal or better bacteriological and chemical quality as determined by inspection and analysis by the Agency, except as provided for in subsection (d) of this Section. b) There shall be no arrangement or connection by which an unsafe substance may enter a supply. c) Control of all cross-connections to a supply is the responsibility of the owner or official custodian of the supply. If a privately owned water supply source meets the applicable criteria, it may be connected to a water supply upon approval by the owner or official custodian and by the Agency. Where such connections are permitted, it is the responsibility of the public water supply officials to assure submission from such privately owned water supply source or sources samples TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

17 and operating reports as required by 35 Ill. Adm. Code 611 as applicable to the cross-connected source. d) The Agency may adopt specific conditions for control of unsafe crossconnections, which shall be complied with by the supplies of this State, as applicble. These conditions shall be adopted and/or changed by the Agency as prescribed in 35 Ill. Adm. Code e) Each community water supply exempted pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code or Section 17(b) of the Act shall provide an active program approved by the Agency to continually educate and inform water supply consumers regarding prevention of the entry of contaminants into the distribution system. Conditions under which the Agency will approve this active program shall be adopted or changed by the Agency as prescribed in 35 Ill. Adm. Code (Source: Amended at 21 Ill. Reg. 6553, effective May 8, 1997.)Section Section Laboratory Testing Equipment (Repealed) (Source: Repealed at 14 Ill. Reg , effective September 20, 1990) Section Record Maintenance (Repealed) (Source: Repealed at 14 Ill. Reg , effective September 20, 1990) Section 607.APPENDIX References to Former Rules (Repealed) (Source: Repealed at 14 Ill. Reg , effective September 20, 1990) For Ordering Information on Repair Parts, Whole Valves, and Retrofit Products Contact Us Today!! Toll Free: (866) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

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19 TITLE 35: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SUBTITLE F: PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES CHAPTER II: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PART 653 DESIGN, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE CRITERIA SUBPART A: DESIGN REQUIREMENTS Section Sites Water Treatment Facilities Wells Usage Rate of Usage Distribution System Pressure Booster Pumping Stations Ground Storage Reservoirs and Elevated Storage Hydropneumatic Storage Combination Pressure Tanks and Ground Storage Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Automatic Equipment Water Plant Waste Treatment Mercury Containing Devices Chemical Feed Installations Filtration Rates Distribution Systems Protection of Community Water Supply Structures Protection of Water Main and Water Service Lines Piping Identification SUBPART B: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Section Required Supervision Chemical Addition Exceptions for Community Water Supplies SUBPART C: REPAIR WORK AND EMERGENCY OPERATION Section Protection During Repair Work Disinfection Following Repair or Replacement Emergency Operation SUBPART D: PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Section Purpose Responsibility Public Notification Required Persons to Be Notified SUBPART E: OPERATIONAL TESTING EQUIPMENT Section TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

20 Operational Testing Equipment SUBPART F: CHLORINATION Section Chlorination - Engineering Design Criteria Testing Equipment for Residual Chlorine Minimum Contact Time Distribution System Residuals Chlorination Operating Records Exemptions From Chlorination - Satellite Supplies Exemptions From Chlorination - Supplies Meeting Statutory Requirements Chlorination Exemption Revocation SUBPART G: FLUORIDATION Section Fluoridation - Engineering Design Criteria Fluoridation Treatment Equipment Start-up Fluoride Sampling Fluoride Operating Records SUBPART H: CROSS-CONNECTIONS Section Cross-Connection Control Program Specific Conditions and Installation Procedures Cross-Connection Control Devices Heat Exchange Cross-Connections Fire Protection Systems AUTHORITY: Implementing and authorized by Sections of the Environmental Protection Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch , pars ). SOURCE: Adopted December 30, 1974; amended at 2 Ill. Reg. 51, p. 219, effective December 17, 1978; rules repealed and new rules adopted and codified at 8 Ill. Reg. 8744, effective June 5, 1984; amended at 9 Ill. Reg , effective October 23, SUBPART A: DESIGN REQUIREMENTS Section Sites a) All community water supply construction shall be located at sites not subject to significant risk from earthquakes, land subsidence, floods, fires or other disasters which could result in breakdown of any part of the system, except as described in (c) below. b) All sites shall be located outside the flood plain of a 100-year flood or flood of record where appropriate records exist except for surface water intake structures. c) The Agency will accept a less suitable site where local conditions do not allow for siting in compliance with (a) and (b) above provided the applicant submits: 1) a complete statement describing reasons for site selection; and TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

21 2) construction measures which will be taken to protect the community water supply from risks described in (a) and (b) above. Section Water Treatment Facilities a) The basic criteria for design of community water supply facilities shall be the Standards or other criteria which the applicant demonstrates will produce a finished water which meets requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 604 under all operating conditions. b) The extent of water treatment required shall be in accordance with 35 Ill. Adm. Code and , the Standards and these Technical Policy Statements. c) Duplicate units for rapid mix, flocculation and sedimentation need not be provided unless the treatment process units will be taken out of service for more than one day at a time for maintenance. d) The requirement for duplicate units shall be waived if finished water requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 604 can be met with equipment out of service for any period of time. Section Wells a) Construction shall conform to the Standards and the current American Water Works Association (AWWA) Standard for Deep Wells, A100. Well construction shall also comply with all state, county and municipal regulations and statutes. b) Water from creviced limestone formations having less than 50 feet of soil cover shall be treated to meet the standards of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 604. c) Grouting shall be provided in accordance with the Standards for a depth of ten feet from: 1) the original ground surface where fill has been added; or 2) existing ground surface where soil has been removed. d) A lead, elastomeric or other equivalent seal shall be provided between the pump base and pump pedestal for above-base discharge pumps. Section Usage a) Average daily usage shall be based on finished water pumpage records. When records are not available or when a new supply is proposed, average daily usage shall be based on at least 50 gallons per person per day. b) The average daily usage estimate shall be increased where large uses such as irrigation, filling swimming pools and service to commercial or industrial establishments are known or anticipated. Section Rate of Usage a) Average daily rate of usage shall be calculated using two times the average daily usage as determined in Section and converted into an average rate over 24 hours in units of gallons per minute. b) The maximum daily rate of usage shall be calculated using 1.5 times the average daily rate of usage. c) The maximum hourly rate of usage shall be calculated using two times the maximum daily rate of usage. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

22 Section Distribution System Pressure a) Distribution system design shall conform to the Standards. b) Distribution systems shall be designed to maintain a minimum pressure of 20 psi measured at the ground surface in all parts of the system under fire-fighting demand or other similar emergency operating conditions. Section Booster Pumping Stations a) Construction shall conform to the Standards and Section b) Automatic control equipment shall be installed to prevent the pump from causing a vacuum and/or lowering water pressure in any part of the distribution system to less than 20 psi as measured at ground surface. c) Pressure for portions of a distribution system served by a booster pump station as required by Section shall be provided during periods when the booster station is not in operation. d) One of the following shall be installed if adequate pressure will not be available in any part of the system: 1) hydropneumatic storage designed in accordance with Section on the discharge side of the booster pump station; or 2) 3) elevated storage. e) The pump shall be accessible for servicing and repair. Section Ground Storage Reservoirs and Elevated Storage a) Construction shall conform to the Standards and for steel structures, AWWA Standard D100 for Welded Steel Elevated Tanks, Standpipes and Reservoirs for Water Storage. b) Minimum distances from sources of contamination for below ground storage reservoirs shall be maintained as specified in Section c) The volume and height of an elevated tank or standpipe shall be based on a study of distribution system hydraulic conditions and anticipated water demands of the system. The tank designed from this study shall be capable of maintaining adequate pressures as described in Section d) Head range in an elevated tank shall be designed to minimize pressure fluctuations throughout the distribution system. Section Hydropneumatic Storage a) Construction shall conform to the Standards except as described in (b),(c) & (d) below. b) Gross volume shall equal or exceed 35 gallons per person served where only hydropneumatic storage is provided. c) An air compressor shall be provided to maintain an air cushion in the pressure tanks. Other devices may be considered as a means to control the air cushion in the pressure tank. An example is a system which uses water from the well pump to displace a volume of air in the column pipe to the pressure tank. d) Finished water shall be delivered at a rate greater than the maximum hourly rate of usage. e) Actual capacity of the well pump or high service pump used to deliver water to the distribution system through the pressure tank shall be greater than the maximum hourly rate of usage. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

23 f) Actual capacities of multiple well pumps or high service pumps used to deliver water to the distribution system through the pressure tank shall be greater than the maximum hourly demand with the largest well pump or high service pump out of operation. Section Combination Pressure Tanks and Ground Storage A combination of ground storage, hydropneumatic storage and pumps may be considered in water systems for maintaining pressure on the distribution system. Design of such a system shall include: a) a minimum ground storage volume equivalent to 1.5 times the average daily usage; b) a minimum of two pumps, each capable of meeting the peak system demand. If more than two pumps are proposed, the peak system demand shall be met when any pump is out of service; c) an electric generator with automatic start capable of providing power to pump(s) which can produce the peak system demand, plus sufficient power to operate all chemical feeders, appurtenances and equipment essential to plant operation. Consideration should be given to sizing the generator to provide power for at least one well; and d) an hydropneumatic tank sized to provide service for a minimum of ten minutes under peak system demand. Section Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe may be used for water mains in accordance with the AWWA Standards or the following: a) Basic Material Standards: 1) National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 14. 2) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard D ) Piping materials designated Class 12454B (PVC 1120), Class 12454C (PVC 1220) and Class 23447B (CPVC 4120) are acceptable in pressure ratings indicated in (b) below. b) Pressure Rating Standards: 1) Schedule Ratings shall be in accordance with ASTM Standards D (PVC) and F (CPVC). 2) Standard Dimension Ratio - Pressure Rated (SDR-PR) shall be in accordance with ASTM Standards D (PVC) and ASTM F442-77(CPVC). 3) Pipe shall be rated at 160 psi or greater at 73.4E F Schedule 40 shall be required for 8-inch diameter or less in grades PVC 1120, PVC 1220 and CPVC Schedule 80 shall be required for larger sizes. Pipe to be threaded shall be at least Schedule 80 for 4 inch diameter or less, or Schedule120 for sizes greater than 4 inch diameter. 4) SDR rating shall be limited to a minimum pressure rating of 160 psi at 73.4E F. An SDR rating of 26 or less shall be required for PVC 1120, PVC 1220, and CPVC c) General Requirements: 1) PVC and CPVC fittings, where used, shall be of the same material as the pipe and shall comply with ASTM Standards: A) D for PVC Schedule 40, TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

24 B) D a for PVC Schedule 80, C) D for threaded PVC Schedule 80, D) F for CPVC Schedule 40, E) F for CPVC Schedule 80, F) F for threaded CPVC Schedule 80. 2) Solvent cement shall be specific for the piping material and shall comply with ASTM Standard D (PVC) and F (CPVC). 3) Elastomeric seals (gaskets) used for push-on joints shall comply with ASTM Standard F ) All piping, fittings and solvent cement shall bear the NSF seal of approval. The piping shall be visibly marked with the specific schedule number or SDR rating number. 5) Jointing shall be solvent welded, heat welded, pressure slip jointed, flanged or threaded joint. Special precautions shall be taken to insure clean, dry contact surfaces when making solvent or heat welded joints. Adequate setting time shall be allowed for maximum strength. 6) Plastic pipe shall be supported in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Support intervals shall not be further apart than one-fourth of those allowed for steel pipe of equivalent size. 7) Compensation for expansion of buried PVC and CPVC piping shall be made by snaking in the trench or by installing offset expansion loops. 8) Disinfection of plastic piping shall be as specified in AWWA Standard C601. Section Automatic Equipment a) Select automatic equipment based upon reliability, ease of maintenance, and specific design factors. Equipment which will automatically shut down a water treatment process is acceptable, provided restart procedures are manual. b) Automatic start up shall be allowed for treatment plants which treat only ground water and have only unit processes not exposed to contamination. Examples include iron removal by protected aeration, enclosed retention and pressure sand filtration or ion exchange softening in a pressure vessel operated in a downflow mode. Section Water Plant Waste Treatment All community water supplies having or proposing treatment which produces a waste discharge to waters of the state shall obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and construct treatment facilities to produce a waste in compliance with 35 Ill. Adm. Code: Subtitle C, Chapter I and the Standards. Section Mercury Containing Devices a) Devices which contain elemental mercury, such as deep well pump seals and pressure and flow measuring instruments, shall only be connected to community water supply systems if those devices incorporate positive means, such as a mercury trap, to prevent mercury from being displaced from the well seal or instrument. b) Mercury-containing instruments shall be located to prevent mercury from entering any part of the system during instrument repair or as a result of instrument breakage or damage. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

25 The Mid-West Instrument Model's 845-5, and have been added to both the Fccc and HR-USC and CA-NV AWWA list of Acceptable Gauges. The 845's join the 830 on the list. For the past 30 years Mid-West Instrument has been producing Quality Backflow Test Kits. Their Model 830 has been the benchmark of the industry for decades. Constant input from field testers led to refinements such as inline filters, laminated test procedures, removable lids, soft seated needle valves and line pressure gauges. Further input testing and updated technology led to the portable Model 844. The culmination of all this new development has resulted in Mid-West's newest product offering, the Model 845. This new model features all the benefits you've come to expect from their kits and is available in 5-valve, 3-valve and 2-valve configurations. The addition of the Model 845 to their product lienup truly allows Mid-West to offer "A Test Kit for Every Preference!" Over 30 Years of Input from Backflow Technicians. Specially Designed for Testing Backflow Prevention Assemblies. Test Kits are protected with 90 micron filters to minimize plugging with scale, sand, etc. Filter elements can be cleaned or replaced. Test procedures are laminated in clear plastic. Durable carrying case included. Model Numbers: Midwest 830 Midwest Midwest Midwest 835 TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

26 Section Chemical Feed Installations A construction permit pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code shall be obtained from the Agency when: a) new chemicals are added to the treatment process; or b) changes in points of application of chemicals are made. Section Filtration Rates a) The nominal filter rate for single and multi media rapid rate gravity filters shall be 2 gal/min/sq ft. b) Nominal filtration rates may be increased to 3 gal/min/sq ft for single media filters and to 5 gal/min/sq ft for multi-media filters under the following conditions: 1) continuous nephelometric turbidity monitoring and recording equipment is provided for each filter effluent individually or on a rotating basis; and 2) surface wash equipment is provided. c) Filtration rates shall be reduced when finished water turbidity exceeds the standard in 35 Ill. Adm. Code Section Distribution Systems a) Distribution systems shall be designed to maintain pressures pursuant to Section b) Pipe shall meet provisions of the AWWA Standards, the Standards and Section c) Water mains shall be sized to deliver the required quantity of water at adequate pressure described in Section including fire flow where applicable. d) The system shall be designed to meet existing demands on the distribution system. Future distribution system demands shall be taken into account. 1) The minimum size water main shall be 4 inch nominal diameter in distribution systems serving incorporated areas, subdivisions or other closely situated housing or commercial units. 2) The minimum size water main shall be 3 inch nominal diameter in distribution systems serving rural areas where service connections are widely spaced, water usage per service is low and rates of flow are slow. Section Protection of Community Water Supply Structures a) Information defining the location of the proposed raw water source shall be submitted. b) The area of the site shall be sufficient to prevent adjacent structures from impairing the safety of the supply. c) The following items shall be taken into consideration to protect water supplies from the entrance of contamination: 1) Sources of contamination include but are not limited to: privies; septic tanks; cesspools; sewers (storm, sanitary, combined and sewer service connections); subsurface seepage-disposal lines; pits or ponds receiving fluids such as surface waters, oils, and grease; and flood waters. 2) Structures to be protected include but are not limited to: wells; clear water reservoirs such as pressure equalizing reservoirs, collecting reservoirs, finished water clear wells; suction lines; gravity filters; iron removal, chlorine reaction and wet salt storage basins. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

27 3) Minimum distances from sources of pollution are given in Table A for clay and loam soils. Minimum distances shall be increased when structures are to be located in more pervious soils. For example, the minimum distances shall be doubled when more pervious soils, such as sand and gravels, are present. Table A - MINIMUM DISTANCES FROM SOURCES OF POLLUTION FOR CLAY OR LOAM SOILS Cesspools, leaching sewage disposal pits 1 Privies 1 Septic tanks and subsurface septic tanks effluent disposal tile Livestock, grazing areas or feedlots Sewers (non-watertight) Sewers (cast iron pipe, with mechanical joints) Sewers (extra-heavy cast iron pipe, asbestos-cement pressure pipe, prestressed concrete pipe, or PVC pipe meeting water main standards, with pressure tested, leaded, mechanical or slip-on joints) Washwater sumps of reinforced concrete construction Flood waters - A horizontal distance shall be maintained by natural earth or fill. In addition, wells shall have a six inch concrete envelope completely surrounding the regular casing and extending at least 10 feet below original ground surface Flood waters - A vertical distance shall be maintained to which structure and earth protection must be carried above maximum high water elevation The Agency shall consider special structural arrangements equivalent to earthen construction for protection of the well when horizontal earth protection is impractical. d) Community water supplies having fuel storage tanks shall provide protection of all underground water works facilities from leaks which may develop or occur in the fuel tanks or fuel lines. Section Protection of Water Main and Water Service Lines Water mains and water service lines shall be protected from sanitary sewers, storm sewers, combined sewers, house sewer service connections and drains as follows: a) Water Mains: 1) Horizontal Separation: A) Water mains shall be laid at least ten feet horizontally from any existing or proposed drain, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, combined sewer or sewer service connection. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

28 B) Water mains may be laid closer than ten feet to a sewer line when: i) local conditions prevent a lateral separation of ten feet; ii) the water main invert is at least 18 inches above the crown of the sewer; and iii) the watermain is either in a separate trench or in the same trench on an undisturbed earth shelf located to one side of the sewer. C) Both the water main and drain or sewer shall be constructed of slip-on or mechanical joint cast or ductile iron pipe, asbestos-cement pressure pipe, prestressed concrete pipe, or PVC pipe meeting the requirements of Section when it is impossible to meet (A) or (B) above. The drain or sewer shall be pressure tested to the maximum expected surcharge head before backfilling. 2) Vertical Separation: A) A water main shall be laid so that its invert is 18 inches above the crown of the drain or sewer whenever water mains cross storm sewers, sanitary sewers or sewer service connections. The vertical separation shall be maintained for that portion of the water main located within ten feet horizontally of any sewer or drain crossed. A length of water main pipe shall be centered over the sewer to be crossed with joints equidistant from the sewer or drain. B) Both the water main and sewer shall be constructed of slip-on or mechanical joint cast or ductile iron pipe, asbestos-cement pressure pipe, prestressed concrete pipe, or PVC pipe meeting requirements of Section, when: i) it is impossible to obtain the proper vertical separation as described in (A) above; or ii) the water main passes under a sewer or drain. C) A vertical separation of 18 inches between the invert of the sewer or drain and the crown of the water main shall be maintained where a water main crosses under a sewer. Support the sewer or drain lines to prevent settling and breaking the water main. D) Construction shall extend on each side of the crossing until the normal distance from the water main to the sewer or drain line is at least ten feet. b) Water Service Lines: 1) The horizontal and vertical separation between water service lines and all storm sewers, sanitary sewers, combined sewers or any drain or sewer service connection shall be the same as water main separation described in (a) above. 2) Water pipe described in (a) above shall be used for sewer service lines when minimum horizontal and vertical separation cannot be maintained. c) Special Conditions - Alternate solutions shall be presented to the Agency when extreme topographical, geological or existing structural conditions make strict compliance with (a) and (b) above technically and economically impractical. Alternate solutions will be approved provided watertight construction structurally equivalent to approved water main material is proposed. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

29 d) Water mains shall be separated from septic tanks, disposal fields and seepage beds by a minimum of 25 feet. e) Water mains and water service lines shall be protected against entrance of hydrocarbons through diffusion through any material used in construction of the line. Section Piping Identification a) Piping in a water treatment facility shall be identified clearly by legends and color coding as described in the Standards or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard A A consistent standard shall be used throughout the system. b) Potable water lines shall be clearly and permanently identified where dual water lines or pressure sewer systems exist. SUBPART B: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Section Required Supervision Specific information required by 35 Ill. Adm. Code 603 shall be furnished by completing a Notification of Ownership or Responsible Personnel form available from the Agency. For Calibration Services Please Call Toll Free: (866) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

30 Section Chemical Addition a) Chemicals added to drinking water and passed to the distribution system shall be approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) (pursuant to provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq. (1980)), the Toxic Substance Control Act (15 U.S.C et seq. (1982)), or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. (1980)) or the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) (pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. (1983)) and meet the purity requirements of Water Chemicals Codex, National Research Council of the National Science Foundation. All chemical containers shall bear the name, address and telephone number of the supplier, along with a functional name or identification and strength of the chemical. Chemicals shall not be fed in excess of the maximum dosage approved by USEPA or USFDA. b) Chemicals added for raw water treatment including but not limited to clarification, softening and constituent removal not intended to pass to the distribution system shall meet American Water Works Association Standards purity requirements of Water Chemicals Codex, National Research Council of the National Science Foundation. The chemical shall be specifically approved for use by the USEPA (pursuant to provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substance Control Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) or the USFDA (pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act). Chemicals shall not be fed in excess of the maximum dosage approved by USEPA or USFDA. c) A free chlorine residual of 10 mg/l shall be maintained at all times in stock solutions used for iron and/or manganese sequestration. This chlorine residual shall not replace the chlorination requirement of 35 Ill. Adm. Code d) Protective paints and coatings, concrete coatings and admixtures, grouts and liners used in a community water supply shall be approved by the USEPA (pursuant to provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substance Control Act, or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act). Section Exceptions for Community Water Supplies a) Replacement in existing community water supplies of components such as pressure tanks, water mains, pressure filters or ion exchange softeners that do not meet the Standards or these Technical Policy Statements shall not be required if: 1) the finished water meets the water quality standards of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 604; and 2) water pressure meets the standards of Section ; and either 3) the components were permitted by the State Agency, other than this Agency, having administrative program authority at the time of construction; or 4) no permits were required from any State Agency at the time of construction. b) All components shall meet the Standards and these Technical Policy Statements when replacement for any reason is planned. c) Expansion shall not be permitted until requirements of the Standards and these Technical Policy Statements are met. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

31 SUBPART C: REPAIR WORK AND EMERGENCY OPERATION Section Protection During Repair Work Official custodians of community water supplies shall protect the water supply from contamination when any part of the system is out of service for repair, construction, alteration or replacement. Section Disinfection Following Repair or Replacement Any part of a community water system which has direct contact with finished water and has been out of service for repair, alteration or replacement shall be disinfected as required by Section before being returned to service. Equipment which does not come in contact with finished water such as raw surface water pumps, raw surface water transmission lines, chemical mixing tanks and clarifiers need only be flushed before being returned to service. Filters shall be disinfected. Wells, water storage tanks and water mains shall be disinfected in accordance with AWWA Standards A100, D105 and C601, respectively. Section Emergency Operation a) A boil order shall be issued when bacteriological analyses show persistent low level contamination or gross contamination. The boil order shall remain in effect until requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code are met. Issuance of a boil order does not relieve the water supply from making public notification in accordance with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 606: Subpart B. b) Owners and operators of community water supplies shall immediately notify the Agency at the appropriate Regional Office in accordance with Section (b) when there is knowledge or suspicion that a water supply has become contaminated. On weekends, holidays and after office hours, the Agency may be reached through the Agency Emergency Response Unit at 217/ SUBPART D: PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Section Purpose a) Public notification is used to inform water users of problems within a water supply and to enlist support to obtain resources to correct the problems. b) Public notice in no way relieves operators and official custodians from issuing a boil order or other rapid notice of health advisory if an emergency exists. A boil order or emergency notice does not relieve the water supply from making public notification. Section Responsibility The official custodian of a community water supply is responsible for assuring that public notice is made. Section Public Notification Required Public notification shall be made when: a) finished water distributed to the consumer is not in compliance with any Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) as specified in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 604: Subparts A, B or C; b) finished water samples required by 35 Ill. Adm. Code 605 are not analyzed by a certified laboratory; TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

32 c) turbidity samples are not analyzed by a person approved by the Agency as specified in Section ; d) a variance from any Maximum Allowable Concentration specified in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 604: Subpart A, B, or C has been granted by the Illinois Pollution Control Board; or e) the compliance schedule included as condition of variance has not been met. Section Persons to Be Notified a) All water customers shall be notified in writing by direct mail or other means of direct delivery. Notices in institutions shall be posted in conspicuous places so that notice can be read by residents. b) Supplies which furnish water to satellite supplies shall notify the official custodian of those supplies when conditions require public notification. That official custodian of the satellite supply shall be responsible for notifying the customers of that satellite supply. c) A copy of the written notice and copies of all other materials provided for notification purposes shall be sent to the Division of Public Water Supplies at the same time the customers are notified. SUBPART E: OPERATIONAL TESTING EQUIPMENT Section Operational Testing Equipment a) Smooth-nosed sampling taps shall be provided for collecting representative samples of treated and untreated water. b) All community water supplies shall have DPD test equipment or other approved means as approved in "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater", 15th edition for measuring disinfectant used. c) Testing equipment shall be available to plants with specific treatment processes which include, but are not limited to: 1) fluoride adjustment - test equipment for measuring levels of fluoride ion; 2) iron removal - test equipment for measuring iron levels; 3) ion exchange softening - equipment for measuring hardness; 4) coagulation and filtration - jar test equipment for determining chemical dosages and equipment for measuring ph, hardness, alkalinity and nitrate; 5) lime softening - equipment for measuring ph, hardness and alkalinity; 6) reverse osmosis - equipment for measuring total dissolved solids, chlorides and monitoring sulfates; and 7) polyphosphate addition - equipment for measuring both ortho- and total phosphates. SUBPART F: CHLORINATION Section Chlorination - Engineering Design Criteria a) Procedure for Submitting Plans and Specifications - Design documents for chlorination shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 602. b) Chlorinator equipment shall be: 1) capable of maintaining a minimum free chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/l or a minimum combined residual of 0.5 mg/l in all active parts of the distribution system at all times; TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

33 2) large enough to satisfy the immediate chlorine demand and give a measurable residual of at least 2.0 mg/l under all operating conditions after contact; and 3) capable of feeding chlorine to the water being treated at dosage rate of at least 5.0 mg/l except when the water has a high chlorine demand. Factors in determining chlorine demand are: A) ph; B) water temperature; C) contact time; D) presence in the water of substances having chlorine demand such as hydrogen sulfide, iron, manganese and nitrogenous compounds including ammonia; and E) supplemental treatment such as aeration which reduces chlorine demand. c) Selection of Chemical - Chlorine compounds shall meet requirements of Section and AWWA Standards for Disinfection B300. d) Chemical Feed Equipment 1) Gas or solution feed equipment shall be used for adding chlorine. 2) Duplicate chlorination facilities shall be provided when operating conditions do not allow repair of the chlorinator during off-pumping periods. 3) Standby chlorination equipment shall be installed and operational at water supplies treating surface water. 4) Spare parts consisting of at least the commonly expendable parts such as glassware, fittings, hose clamps and gaskets shall be available for emergency repairs. e) Equipment Location and Storage of Chemical 1) Gas Feed Equipment A) Gas feed equipment and all cylinders shall be located in a separate room away from other operating areas. The room shall be free from excessive heat. B) Chlorination equipment shall be accessible for repair and maintenance. C) Ventilation shall be provided for gas chlorinators and cylinders. i) Mechanical forced-air ventilation shall be installed where natural ventilation to the outside atmosphere is not available. ii) Mechanical forced-air ventilation shall be capable of providing one complete air change per minute. Suction shall be located within 12 inches of floor level. iii) Mechanical forced-air ventilation equipment shall be capable of producing a negative pressure in the area contaminated with chlorine gas and discharging the chlorine gas to a safe location away from the evacuated space. D) All 150 pound chlorine cylinders - full, empty or in use- shall be chained upright. One ton containers shall be secured to prevent movement. E) Chlorine cylinders shall be stored in an area not exposed to direct sunlight. F) One set of corrosion-resistant scales shall be provided for weighing each gas chlorine cylinder in service. 3) Solution Feed Equipment A) Corrosion-resistant containers shall be provided for solution feeders. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

34 B) Containers shall have non-corrodible covers with overhanging edges. Openings shall be constructed to prevent contamination. C) Scales or a volumetric measuring device shall be provided for determining the amount of solution fed. f) Safety-Respiratory Protection Equipment 1) Respiratory protection equipment consisting of self-contained, pressure-demand breathing units meeting requirements of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shall be provided where gas chlorination is used. A) The units shall use compressed air and have at least a 30 minute capacity. B) It is recommended that the units be compatible with or exactly the same as units used by the local fire department. 2) Respiratory protection equipment shall be stored in an accessible location outside the room housing gas chlorination facilities. 3) All personnel involved in the use and maintenance of gas chlorination facilities shall be able to properly operate the breathing equipment. All personnel shall have periodic refresher training exercises using the equipment. 4) A source of certified air under 29 CFR Section (1983) shall be used for refilling the tanks. 5) The equipment shall be checked at regular intervals to assure that it is in good working condition. Section Testing Equipment for Residual Chlorine a) Residual chlorine shall be determined by methods in "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater", 15th edition. b) Colorimetric determinations of chlorine residuals shall be made using the DPD methods. c) The test equipment used shall be capable of indicating values of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 2.0, mg/l and higher if chlorine is applied for taste and odor control. Section Minimum Contact Time a) A minimum chlorine contact time of 60 minutes shall be provided for all surface water supplies and for ground water supplies using surface water-type treatment, springs or infiltration lines, or water obtained from creviced rock aquifers with less than 50 feet of cover. b) Contact time is measured as the time following filtration of surface or ground water, or chlorination of well water when there is no other treatment, and the time when the water reaches the first user. Section Distribution System Residuals a) A minimum free chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/l or a minimum combined residual of 0.5 mg/l shall be maintained in all active parts of the distribution system at all times. b) Chlorine residual test shall be made at frequent and regular intervals to determine the amount and type of residuals existing at different points in the distribution system. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

35 Section Chlorination Operating Records a) A copy of the daily operating report records signed by the certified operator or registered person in responsible charge shall be submitted to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency each month as required by 35 Ill. Adm. Code These operating reports shall show: 1) amount of water pumped; 2) chlorine chemical used; 5) amount of chlorine chemical fed; 6) calculated chlorine dosage; and 7) residual chlorine test results. b) An individual set of records shall be maintained for each installation when more than one source of water with separate chlorination equipment is used. c) A copy of the daily operating report shall be maintained by the official custodian of the community water supply. Section Exemptions From Chlorination - Satellite Supplies a) Satellite community water supplies are exempt from chlorination provided the requirements of Section are met. b) Chlorination facilities shall be installed and used: 1) whenever the chlorine residual in any active part of the distribution system drops below 0.2 mg/l free or 0.5 mg/l combined; or 2) if daily operating report records of chlorine residuals are not kept and submitted to the Agency. Section Exemption From Chlorination - Supplies Meeting Statutory Requirements a) Community water supplies which meet all of the requirements specified in Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch , par. 1017(b) (as amended) shall be exempt from chlorination upon approval by the Agency of an application for exemption. Applications and approvals shall be in writing. b) The decision to issue an exemption shall be based on the following: 1) The population served by the community water supply does not exceed 5000 based upon the latest census figures or complete records of number of individuals served. 2) The supply shall have as its only source of raw water, one or more wells constructed in accordance with Section into confined geologic formations not subject to contamination. Verification will be based on driller's log, visual inspection of the well(s), general geology of the area and results of bacteriological analyses performed on raw water samples. Supplies which do not have this data may apply for an exemption as long as sample results verify satisfactory raw water quality which complies with 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part ) The supply shall not have a history of persistent or recurring contamination as indicated by sampling results which show violation of finished water quality requirements for the most recent five year period. Verification will be based on review of the last five years of sample results; the most recent 12 months will be weighted more heavily. New supplies without this data may apply for an exemption based on available samples. 4) The supply shall not provide any raw water treatment other than fluoridation. Treatment will be verified by facility inspection. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

36 5) The supply shall have an active program in accordance with Section approved in writing by the Agency to educate water supply customers on preventing the entry of contaminants into the water system. An outline of the program and copies of handouts to be used shall be sent to the Agency with the exemption application. 6) The supply shall employ on its operational staff a certified operator of the proper class. A community water supply which is exempt from the requirement for a certified operator in accordance with Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch , par. 509 (as amended) shall employ on its operational staff a registered person in responsible charge of operation of the community water supply. Verification of certified operator or registered person shall be made by checking Notification of Certified Operator in Responsible Charge forms or Registration of Person in Responsible Charge forms on file in Agency records. 7) The supply shall submit samples for microbiological analysis at twice the frequency required for non-exempt supplies. Compliance with this requirement shall be verified using Agency monitoring records. 8) A unit of local government seeking to exempt its community water supply from the chlorination requirement shall receive approval of the voters of that local government in accordance with Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch , par. 1017(b)(8) (as amended). A certified copy of the results of the proposition shall be filed with the Division of Public Water Supplies. Section Chlorination Exemption Revocation a) Chlorination exemptions are valid until revoked. b) A chlorination exemption shall be revoked immediately without prior notice if a supply fails to meet any of the exemption requirements. An application for a Construction Permit for the installation of chlorination equipment shall be made within 60 days following revocation. Chlorination equipment shall be installed and a properly certified operator shall be retained or an appeal filed with the Illinois Pollution Control Board within 90 days following revocation. c) One or more of the following conditions will result in revocation: 1) increase in population to greater than 5000; 2) addition of a new source subject to contamination, or finding that an existing source is subject to contamination based on raw water bacteriological analyses records; 3) development of a history of recurring or persistent contamination as indicated by sampling results; 4) addition of treatment other than fluoridation (although a certified operator will not be required if the additional treatment consists of that designated in Ill. Rev. Stat. ch , par 509.1(f)(e)); 5) failure to maintain an active program of educating water consumers on prevention of contamination; 6) failure to have a certified operator or registered person for more than 15 days; or 7) failure to submit bacteriological samples twice a month during more than three months of the past 12 months or for two consecutive sampling periods. A supply which fails to monitor for bacteriological quality on a semi-monthly basis but does have one set of samples analyzed for each TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

37 monthly sampling period will not be required to make public notice for the monitoring violation. SUBPART G: FLUORIDATION Section Fluoridation - Engineering Design Criteria a) Procedure for Submitting Plans and Specifications - Design documents for fluoridation shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 602. b) Basis of Design - Equipment shall have the capacity to maintain the fluoride content in the finished water between 0.9 and 1.2 mg/l. c) Selection of Chemical - Fluoride compounds shall meet requirements of Section and the AWWA Standards. d) Chemical Feed Equipment - Feeders shall be accessible for repair and maintenance, protected against dust hazard and be accessible to the chemical storage area. 1) Weighing scales for measuring the daily amount of chemicals shall be provided for dry feeders. 2) Scales or a volumetric device shall be provided for determining the amount of solution fed. 3) Dust collection equipment and ventilation shall be provided where loading operations may create dust hazards. 4) Corrosion-resistant containers with non-corrodible covers and over-hanging edges shall be provided for solution feeders. Openings shall be constructed to prevent contamination. 5) A free chlorine residual of 10 mg/l shall be maintained in solutions prepared from dry chemicals. This chlorine residual shall not replace the chlorination requirement of 35 Ill. Adm. Code ) Chlorine shall not be added to hydrofluosilicic acid solutions. 7) Corrosion-resistant parts shall be used in the pump headers when hydrofluosilicic acid is fed. e) Point of Application - The point of fluoride application shall be selected to provide uniform fluoride concentrations in the distribution system. Fluoride solutions shall not be applied ahead of ion exchange or lime softening processes. f) Operating Controls - Controls which eliminate any possible hazard of over-dosing shall be provided and operate feed equipment only when there is flow past the point of application. Automatic stop-start operation and proportional feeding shall be used. Separate equipment installations shall be used where fluoridation at a single point is not possible. g) Back-Siphonage Safeguards - Anti-siphon devices shall be provided for all make-up and dilution water lines and on the discharge side of the chemical feeder. An air gap or a siphon breaker in compliance with Section (d) on the downstream side of the last control valve in the water supply line serving the feeder shall be provided. h) Auxiliary Treatment - Water used for preparing batch solutions or used for dry feeders shall be softened or stabilized with polyphosphates if precipitation of fluoride compounds interfere with the accuracy of the fluoride feeding equipment. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

38 i) Safety Items - Rubber gloves and a dust mask shall be provided with each installation using dry chemicals. Rubber gloves, acid-resistant aprons and protective goggles shall be provided where hydrofluosilicic acid solutions are fed. j) Metering - Facilities shall be provided for metering the dilution water and the plant discharge to the distribution system. k) Testing Equipment - Testing equipment for fluoride ion concentration determination shall be provided and shall be: 1) a colorimetric comparator, or 2) a specific ion electrode with expanded scale ph meter. l) Sampling Taps - Sampling taps shall be provided and located such that representative samples can be obtained from: 1) the raw water line before fluoride solution is added, and 2) after fluoride solution is added and has thoroughly mixed with the water being fluoridated. Section Fluoridation Treatment Equipment Start-up a) Operating personnel shall be provided instructions for the use of the fluoridation equipment. b) An Operating Permit shall be obtained prior to initiating operation of the fluoridation equipment. The Illinois Department of Public Health shall be notified as soon as fluoridation has been started. Section Fluoride Sampling a) Samples shall be submitted monthly to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency laboratory. b) Sample containers will be furnished by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Section Fluoride Operating Records a) A copy of the daily operating report record signed by the certified operator or registered person in responsible charge shall be submitted to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency each month as required by 35 Ill. Adm. Code These operating reports shall show: 1) amount of water pumped; 2) fluoride chemical used; 3) amount of fluoride chemical fed 4) gallons of dilution water used; 5) calculated fluoride dosage; and 6) fluoride ion test results. b) An individual set of records shall be maintained for each installation when more than one source of water with separate fluoridation equipment is used. c) A copy of the daily operating report records shall be maintained by the official custodian of the community water supply. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

39 SUBPART H: CROSS-CONNECTIONS Section Cross-Connection Control Program An active cross-connection control program shall be adopted and shall include the following: a) A cross-connection control survey of the distribution system shall be conducted at least every two years by the official custodian or an authorized delegate. 1) The purpose of this survey is to compile and update an inventory of devices; the survey must consist of a pencil and paper collection of information, conducted by telephone, mail or personal visit to the manager or owner of a specific property. 2) This survey is not intended to include an actual visual inspection of piping or plumbing systems. b) An ordinance, tariff, or required condition for service whichever is applicable, which includes a plumbing code at least as stringent as the Illinois Plumbing Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890, shall be adopted and enforced. c) Cross-connection control programs shall include a record system which will maintain data on inspections, re-inspections, repairs, alterations and tests. d) Only cross-connection control devices which are approved by the Research Foundation for Cross-Connection Control of the University of Southern California, American Water Works Association, American Society of Sanitary Engineering, or American National Standards Institute or certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to be in compliance with applicable industry specifications shall be used. e) Installation of approved devices shall be made only as specified by the Research Foundation for Cross-Connection Control of the University of Southern California, American Water Works Association, American Society of Sanitary Engineering, or American National Standards Institute. Maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer of the device shall be performed. Manufacturer's maintenance manual shall be available on-site. (Source: Amended at 9 Ill. Reg , effective October 23, 1985) For Ordering Information on Repair Parts, Whole Valves, and Retrofit Products Contact Us Today!! Toll Free: (866) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

40 TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

41 Section Specific Conditions and Installation Procedures a) Complete removal of the cross-connection or installation of an approved cross-connection control device is required for control of backflow and back-siphonage. b) Cross-connection control devices shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. c) Cross-connection control devices shall be inspected at least annually by a person approved by the Agency as a cross-connection control device inspector (CCCDI). The inspection of mechanical devices shall include physical testing in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. d) Requirements for Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector Approval 1) Each applicant for cross-connection control device inspector (CCCDI) approval must meet the following qualifications: A) Must meet the qualifications to inspect plumbing and plumbing systems as described in the Illinois Plumbing License Law (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 111, par. 1103(1)), and provide proof of qualifications in writing on the application form provided by the Agency. B) Must complete and submit an application for CCCDI Approval at least thirty days prior to the examination date. Examinations shall be held not less frequently than annually. The application must be made on forms provided by the Agency, available at the headquarters and all regional office locations. Applicants shall be notified in writing of their status of eligibility. Notice of eligibility shall include an examination schedule and location. C) Must submit the examination eligibility notice to the examination proctor before being admitted to actual testing. D) Must successfully complete both written and performance examinations demonstrating understanding of the principles of backflow and back-siphonage, and the hazard presented to a potable water system; identifying locations which require installation of cross-connection control devices; identifying, locating, inspecting, testing, maintaining and repairing cross-connection control methods and devices in-line, as located throughout each system which connects to a community public water supply F) Must successfully complete the written examination with a score of 75% minimum. G) Must successfully complete a performance-based examination by demonstrating competency in testing device procedures on all types of devices at the examination center. H) Review of the written examination will be available at the test site on the day of examination. I) An applicant who does not agree with the Agency review of his application qualifications may write to the Agency to request that the application be presented to the Water Supply Advisory Board. The Advisory Board shall review the application and shall review the application and shall make a recommendation to the Agency for reconsideration or confirmation of the Agency evaluation. 2) CCCDI's must meet the renewal requirements of Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 111, par. 1113(l), and must renew the CCCDI Approval each year, between TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

42 May 1 and May 30. An application for CCCDI renewal will be sent by the Agency, and must be completed and returned by May 30 of the renewal year. 3) A CCCDI Approval or admission to examination for CCCDI Approval shall be suspended, revoked or not issued by the Agency for any one or more of the following causes: A) Practice of any fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain a CCCDI Approval, including misrepresentation of approval; B) Any repeated, flagrant or willful negligence or misconduct in the inspection, testing or maintenance of cross-connection control devices; C) Falsification of reports required by these rules; D) Willful violation of the Environmental Protection Act or any rules thereunder. 4) Suspension/Revocation Procedures A) The Agency may initiate the suspension/revocation procedure. B) Any person may initiate the procedure for suspension/revocation of any CCCDI by filing a sworn written complaint with the Agency. If the Agency determines that the complaint is duplicitous or frivolous, it shall notify the person filing the complaint but shall take no further action. C) The decision to institute suspension or revocation shall be based upon the seriousness of the violation and its potential deleterious impact upon public health and safety. Examples of cause for suspension include but are not limited to: failure to comply with proper reporting procedures as described in Section (e)(2), (3) and (4) below; incomplete or improper testing procedures; examples of cause for revocation include but are not limited to: falsification of records; negligence, incompetency or misoperation which results in or could result in a potential or actual health hazard; fraudulent representation of credentials; attempt to obtain CCCDI approval using fraudulent methods; repeated violations meriting suspension. When the suspension/revocation procedure is warranted, the Agency shall notify the CCCDI by certified mail that suspension/revocation is being sought. Such notice shall specify the cause upon which suspension/revocation is sought and include the procedures for requesting a hearing before the Agency. Request for hearing must be made in writing 14 days following receipt of the Agency's certified notification. If no hearing is requested, the Agency will effect the suspension/revocation on the 15th day. D) Should a hearing be requested, the Director shall appoint one or more Agency employees to chair the proceedings. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with hearing requirements of Sections through of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 127, pars through ). E) The Director shall make a decision within 30 days after receiving the hearing transcript. The Director shall give written notice of that decision and reasons for the decision to the CCCDI by certified mail. F) Within 30 days of receipt of a notice of suspension/revocation from the Agency, the CCCDI may appeal the suspension/revocation to the Pollution Control Board. The suspension/revocation of the CCCDI's Approval shall be stayed pending a final decision on the appeal by the Pollution Control Board. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

43 e) Testing and Records 1) Each device shall be tested at least annually or more frequently if recommended by the manufacturer. 2) Records submitted to the community public water supply shall be available for inspection by Agency personnel in accordance with Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch , par. 1004(e). 3) Each device shall have a tag attached listing the date of most recent test, name of CCCDI, and type and date of repairs. 4) A maintenance log shall be maintained and include: A) date of each test; B) name and approval number of person performing the test; C) test results; D) repairs or servicing required; E) repairs and date completed; and F) servicing performed and date completed. f) Cross-connection control devices located in the treatment plant, well house or booster station of a community public water supply facility shall be inspected at least annually by either an approved cross-connection control device inspector or by a certified water supply operator trained for testing, installation, repair and maintenance of cross-connection control devices. 1) Records must be kept as required by Section (e) above and must be signed by an approved CCCDI or a certified water supply operator who has successfully completed a cross-connection control device inspection training program conducted by the Environmental Resources Training Center (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 144, par. 691 et seq.). 2) Certified water supply personnel who successfully complete Environmental Resources Training Center sponsored cross-connection control device inspection training will receive an authorization number which authorizes them to test only those devices located in the treatment plant, well house or booster station of the community public water supply facility. (Source: Amended at 9 Ill. Reg , effective October 23, 1985) Section Cross-Connection Control Devices a) A fixed proper air gap shall be used whenever technically possible. b) Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers may be installed subject to the following conditions: 1) An atmospheric vacuum breaker shall not be installed where back pressure may occur. 2) An atmospheric vacuum breaker shall be installed at the highest point in the waterline and after the last control valve before the point of discharge and a minimum of six inches above the flood level rim of the receptacle. 3) An atmospheric vacuum breaker shall not be used for installations where the substance in the container receiving water is lethal or toxic. Examples of acceptable installations include: A) surface wash piping for a gravity filter; B) solution tanks of gravimetric dry chemical feeders; C) outlets with hose attachments; and D) receptacles with a low level inlet where the substance contained is non-toxic such as food or beverages. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

44 c) Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventers may be installed subject to the following conditions: 1) Installation A) Units shall be accessible for maintenance and testing. B) Minimum clearances recommended by the manufacturer shall be used. C) Units shall be protected against flooding and freezing. D) Relief ports shall not be plugged. A drain which will remain free flowing under all conditions shall be provided. E) A collection system with an air gap under the relief port drain shall be installed with ceiling level units. F) No reduction shall be made in the size of the relief port drain. 2) Bypasses - A second backflow preventer shall be installed parallel to the first if there is only one service line and the water service cannot be interrupted. Bypass lines without reduced pressure principle backflow preventers shall not be installed. 3) Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers shall be used for installations where a fixed proper air gap is not possible. Examples of such installations include: A) the water line used to provide make up water for chemical feeders in a water treatment plant; B) receptacles with a low level inlet where the contents are non-toxic such as food or beverages; and C) receptacles or vessels which can subject the water supply line to back pressure. 4) Water service lines which connect a community water supply to industrial or commercial establishments shall include either a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer or a fixed proper air gap with repumping if those establishments constitute a hazard to the water supply due to the nature of chemicals or other material handled within the facility. (Source: Amended at 9 Ill. Reg , effective October 23, 1985) Section Heat Exchange Cross-Connections a) Instantaneous water heaters or water storage heaters using shell and tube design steam-fired heat exchanger shall be acceptable for heating water for domestic use under the following conditions: 1) The purity of the steam supplied to the heat exchangers shall meet United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) requirements for steam that may contact food. Boiler water and steam condensate additives shall meet requirements of USFDA regulation 21 CFR (1983). 2) Double check-valve assembly meeting requirements of Section (d) shall be installed in the cold water inlet piping of the heat exchanger. The unit shall be tested annually and required service performed within 15 days. 3) A maintenance log shall be maintained and include the information specified in Section (e)(4). b) Instantaneous water heaters and water storage heaters using shell and tube design hot water boiler-fired heat exchanger shall be acceptable for heating water for domestic use under the following conditions: TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

45 1) Chemical additives to control corrosion and scale of the hot water boiler system shall not contain toxic chemicals (e.g., chromate or nitrite based inhibitors). A) Chemicals approved by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) or USFDA which will not breakdown to harmful substances in the system may be applied for scale and corrosion control in public water supplies (e.g., food grade caustic soda, sodium silicate, sodium polyphosphate). B) The addition of sodium sulfite as an oxygen scavenger in hot water boilers is acceptable when approved double check-valves, in compliance with Section (d), are installed. 2) A double check-valve assembly, in compliance with Section (d), shall be installed in the cold water inlet piping of the heat exchanger. A) The unit shall be tested annually and required service performed within 15 days. B) A maintenance log shall be maintained and include information specified in Section (e)(4). (Source: Amended at 9 Ill. Reg , effective October 23, 1985) Section Fire Protection Systems A reduced pressure principle backflow preventers shall be installed to protect the community water supply against backflow and back siphonage when: a) the fire safety system contains antifreeze, fire retardant or other chemicals; b) water is pumped into the fire safety system from another source; or c) water flows into the fire safety system by gravity from a non-potable source; or d) there is a connection whereby water can be pumped into the fire safety system from any other source. (Source: Amended at 9 Ill. Reg , effective October 23, 1985) Survey Report on The Cross-Connection Control Program-United States Environmental Protection Agency This report presents the results of our survey on cross-connection controls. Crossconnections have resulted in significant and dramatic public health adverse effects in certain states and local communities, but we cannot conclude these incidents were representative of a national problem. We were told by 29 of the 45 states we contacted that they have some type of a cross-connection program and that the responsibility for administration and enforcement of the program is generally at the local level. The results showed that the comprehensiveness or scope of these programs varies among states. All but one of the states that do not have programs, advised that a state-level program was appropriate or needed. Also, the level of some state administered cross-connection programs may be reduced in intensity due to federal mandates taking precedence over state initiatives and requirements. Additionally, our survey of industry experts indicated that the contamination of the potable water supply by cross-connections is largely undetected, not investigated, or not sufficiently reported due to the difficulty in identifying cross-connections as the source of the contamination. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

46 The recent Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, signed by the President on March 23, 1995, and the strong Congressional support for this historic bill, redefines the relationship between the federal government, states, and local partners. We encourage EPA to work with the states to identify the most cost effective approaches for measuring the public health significance of cross-connections at the state and local levels. Also, when EPA and a state determines that it is in the best interest of the public health to establish or improve an existing cross-connection control program, we believe EPA should assist the state in developing an acceptable solution. This would be an opportunity to put into practice some of the Administration's guiding principles for reinventing environmental regulation announced on March 16, We encourage EPA to include in its sanitary survey guidelines a step to reexamine cross-connection activities in state priority guidance to elevate the visibility of the level of cross-connection programs implemented by water suppliers. We suggest that the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), which is a system modernization initiative currently in process and system replacement for the Federal Reporting Data System (FRDS), be designed with the ability to identify those public water suppliers that have implemented cross-connection programs and those that have not. We suggest also that when EPA establishes its program intended to help identify and study emerging environmental problems, under Reinventing Environmental Regulation, EPA address cross-connections. We are closing this survey upon issuance of this report and no response is required by your office. BACKGROUND This survey was requested by the Director of the Program Implementation Division within the Office of Groundwater & Drinking Water (OGWDW). The Director was concerned that cross-connection control, which is not federally mandated, may not receive the attention it deserves since state and local government funding shortages hamper implementation and enforcement of current drinking water regulations. Cross-Connections Program The Office of Water defines cross-connections as any actual or potential connection between a drinking (potable) water system and an unapproved water supply or other source of contamination. For example, if you have a pump moving nonpotable water and hook into the drinking water system to supply water for the pump seal, a crossconnection or mixing between the two water systems can occur. This mixing may lead to contamination of the drinking water. (footnote 1) EPA's Cross-Connection Control Manual states cross-connections are the links through which it is possible for contaminating materials to enter a potable water supply. The contaminant enters the potable water system when the pressure of the polluted source exceeds the pressure of the potable source. The action may be referred to as backsiphonage or backflow. A "backflow" is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source or sources other than its intended source. Backsiphonage is one type of backflow. A "backsiphonage" results from negative pressures in the distributing pipes of a potable water supply. This manual provides several cases where cross-connections have been responsible for contamination of drinking water. For example, water from a heating boiler entered a high school's drinking water system. Chromium used in the heating system boilers to inhibit corrosion of metal parts entered the potable water supply as a result of backflow through leaking check valves on the boiler feed lines. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

47 Presently, there are no federal reporting requirements for potable water contamination caused by cross-connections problems. Consequently, there are no national statistics available which show the actual number of instances where water source contamination was caused by cross-connection problems. EPA does not have a regulation mandating a cross-connection control program. EPA does, however, indirectly recognize the importance of cross-connection controls in Section (d) (3) of its Total Coliform Rule (TCL). In this rule, EPA identified proper maintenance of the distribution system as one of the best techniques for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total coliform. In a memorandum, "Clarification of Issues Concerning the Revised Total Coliform Rule", the Director of the Office of Drinking Water explained that the rule was intended to include a crossconnection control program as part of proper maintenance. It is the states responsibility to ensure that local water suppliers have proper maintenance programs. In the July 29, 1994, Federal Register (page 38832), EPA sought public comment on or before May 30, 1996, on whether EPA should amend the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) to provide additional protection against disease-causing organisms in drinking water. The statutory authority cited for the SWTR is the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended in 1986, which requires EPA to publish a "maximum contaminant level goal" for each contaminant which, in the judgement of the EPA Administrator, "may have any adverse effect on the health of persons and which are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems." The goals are to be set at a level at which "no known or anticipated adverse effects on the health of persons occur and which allows an adequate margin of safety." EPA also sought public comment on whether it should require states and/or water systems to have a cross-connection control program; what specific criteria, if any, should be included; and how often such a program should be evaluated. In addition, the Agency requested the public to identify other regulatory measures EPA should consider to prevent the contamination of drinking water already in the distribution system (e.g. minimum pressure requirements in the distribution system). The responses to this request may be useful to EPA and individual states in evaluating and targeting the need for additional attention on cross-connection controls. Reinventing Environmental Regulation On March 16, 1995, the President announced the establishment of 10 principles for reinventing environmental regulation. Under these principles, federal, state, tribal, and local governments must work as partners to achieve common environmental goals, with non-federal partners taking the lead when appropriate. Under the Administration's strategy to reinvent environmental protection, drinking water treatment requirements should be refocused on highest health risks. EPA will reorder its priorities for drinking water regulations based on a careful analysis of public health risks and discussions with stakeholders. Also, EPA will establish a program to help identify and study emerging environmental problems. EPA will commission an independent study that will provide recommendations to improve data collection and management at EPA. These recommendations will be used to design a center for environmental information and statistics. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 On March 22, 1995, the President signed into law the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, which requires federal agencies writing new regulations to carefully study their economic impacts before issuing the rules. This law is historic because it redefines the relationship between the federal government, states, and local TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

48 partners and provides that Congress must have Congressional Budget Office estimates for the cost of the mandates it imposes on state and local governments and the private sector. This law allows members of Congress to object to consideration of any legislation that imposes a cost of more than $50 million on state and local governments or more than $100 million on the private sector, unless the costs are covered in the bill. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act requires federal agencies to (1) analyze the effects of their rules on state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector and to prepare written statements detailing the costs and benefits of rules expected to cost over $100 million and (2) select the least costly or most cost-effective rule where possible. Within 30 days of the beginning of the fiscal year, federal agencies must inform Congress that it has sufficient funds to implement a mandate or provide legislation recommendations to scale back an underfunded mandate in order to meet a partial level of funding. Both of these determinations must be ratified by Congress within 60 days of its submission by the federal agency. If the Congress fails to act within this 60-day time period, then the mandate shall be ineffective for that fiscal year. Data Management EPA's "PWSS Priority Guidance," dated June 24, 1992, encourages states to maintain a data management system that accurately and timely identifies inventories, maintains water quality monitoring information, and calculates monitoring and Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations. The guidance requires regions to work with states to incorporate this guidance into their workplans. States are expected to aggressively develop adequate funding to oversee the entire Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) Program. EPA recognized that states might need to temporarily use manual systems, but expects all states to ultimately use automated systems by fiscal In 1992, the OGWDW formulated its plan to automate public water system information and began developing the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). The development efforts focused on responding to information needs and performing functions necessary to achieve success. SDWIS will provide a comprehensive automated data system for EPA and states to manage public drinking water programs. SDWIS is intended to replace the Federal Reporting Data System (FRDS), which is the current national data base for EPA for tracking public water systems violations and enforcement actions. EPA has held several conferences with state managers to ensure that SDWIS will meet states' data needs. As of April 1995, the OGWDW indicated that 19 states have communicated their intent to adopt SDWIS as partner states. An additional 5 states are currently evaluating SDWIS for potential adoption. The SDWIS Project Team is currently working on four projects at the EPA Systems Development Center (SDC): the Inventory Business System (IBS) Reengineering Project, the FRDS-II Conversion Project (FCP), the Sampling Business System (SBS) Project, and the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) Non-Compliance Determination Business System Project. All four projects will increase the capabilities of the SDWIS to assist EPA and the states in managing public drinking water programs. The FCP is being conducted to convert the existing Federal Reporting Data System (FRDS-II) System 2000 data base to a DB2 data base. According to the OGWDW, it plans to implement this conversion on June 1, Sanitary Surveys TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

49 EPA's "PWSS Priority Guidance" encourages states to maintain some capability to perform sanitary surveys. A sanitary survey is an on-site review, evaluation, or inspection of the water sources, facilities, equipment, operations, and maintenance of a public water system for the purpose of determining its adequacy for producing and distributing safe drinking water. According to GAO in their report entitled Sanitary Surveys of Public Water Systems, dated April 1993, "a comprehensive sanitary survey can be a powerful tool for regulators to help ensure that a water system can deliver safe drinking water to consumers. As noted by EPA's sanitary survey course coordinator, evaluating all of the components and operations that the agency recommends be evaluated during a survey can significantly reduce the risk that consumers may ingest contaminated drinking water. EPA's guidance recommends, for example, that the water distribution system be checked for areas of stagnant water ("dead-ends") in which harmful bacteria may grow, and that "cross-connections" be monitored to decrease the chances that contaminated water and potable water will mix." SCOPE OF SURVEY WORK PERFORMED Eastern Audit Division The Eastern Audit Division performed a limited scope survey of cross-connection control programs administered at the state level. The objectives of the survey were to determine whether: 1) the primacy states administer statewide cross-connection programs and 2) what, if any, assistance from EPA is needed regarding crossconnection prevention programs. In order to address our objectives we: reviewed the EPA's Cross-Connection Control Manual; interviewed EPA's Region I Water Supply Section staff; reviewed GAO's report titled "Drinking Water Key Quality Assurance Program Is Flawed and Underfunded; met with the GAO staff who performed the review, and reviewed their workpapers; interviewed the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' coordinator for the statewide Cross-Connection Control Program; and conducted a telephone survey of 45 primacy states. Our telephone survey requested that the states identify whether or not they administered a statewide cross-connection control program; if not, whether one was needed; a description of the program; and what, if any, assistance is needed from EPA. OIG's Engineering and Science Staff The OIG's Engineering and Science Staff researched cross-connections to identify and review the data and studies available nationally. This research included telephone surveys of senior management officials from EPA's Office of Research and Development's Drinking Water Research Division, Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory, and Health Effects Research Laboratory; Region 1's Water Management Division's Ground Water Management and Water Supply Branch; and Region 2's Water Management Division's Drinking/Ground Water Branch. Technical experts were interviewed from the (1) Department of Health and Human Services' Public Health Service's Centers for Disease Control; (2) University of Southern California's School of Engineering's "Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research; (3) American Water Works Association (AWWA) and AWWA's New England Water Works Association and the Pacific Northwest Section; (4) American Backflow Prevention Association; (5) Global Consulting for Environmental Health; (6) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

50 International Studies and Training Institute; (7) Missouri Department of Natural Resources; (8) Boston Water and Sewer Commission's Cross-Connection Program Office; (9) The York Water Company; and (10) Watts Regulator Company. The OIG's Engineering and Science Staff reviewed information on cross-connections provided by the survey respondents. RESULTS OF REVIEW Results of Telephone Survey Our telephone survey found that the majority of states contacted do have some type of a cross-connection program. Twenty-nine of the forty-five states (64%) included in our survey have a cross-connection program. However, the comprehensiveness or scope of these programs varies from state to state. Some states have active programs requiring each water system to adopt the state's cross-connection policies and procedures, including yearly inspection of devices, annual permitting of devices by the state agency, and required surveys and inspections by the local water suppliers. While other state officials advised that their program consists of adopting a regulation prohibiting cross-connections and requires the local suppliers to establish a program. However, there is little follow-up or enforcement at the state level. The responsibility to administer and enforce the program is at the local level. All but one of the states that do not have a program, advised that a state-level program was appropriate or needed. The following summary of information on cross-connection control programs provided by the surveyed states illustrates the varying scopes of their programs: One state program requires all water authorities to adopt the state's crossconnection control requirements which includes obtaining a permit for each device and inspecting all devices annually by a state certified tester. Other state programs require the local water authorities to develop their own cross-connection control programs which may or may not need the state's approval. However, the emphasis on implementing and enforcing the program is left up to the local water authority. One program requires cross-connection control devices to be installed to protect both the public water system and the potable water within the premises of all buildings. Another state's program requires devices which only protect the public water source. While one state requires that only systems serving 10,000 or more people have a program. One state's program requires that only facilities which are known to have cross-connection control devices must have a permit. The most common type of assistance called for by the states in our telephone survey, was for a federal mandate or a clearer definition or recognition of the necessity for such a program by EPA. These responses indicated a range of possible alternatives. Several state officials suggested that EPA should provide more educational information to states and localities concerning the importance of cross-connection control programs. Others suggested that EPA should take a lead in standardizing the requirements of a cross-connection control program for all states to follow and enforce, thereby, making the laws consistent between the states. A questionnaire used in GAO's review of state sanitary survey programs (footnote 2), asked states to assess the overall adequacy of the operations and conditions of public water systems under their jurisdiction. For each of 12 different elements TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

51 included in the questionnaire, states were asked to estimate the percentage of small, medium-sized and large water systems that are adequate, in need of minor improvements, or in need of major improvements. The results of the questionnaire found that cross-connection control programs needed major improvements in 50% of small systems; 35% of medium systems and 19% of large systems. In addition, GAO reported that only 21 of the 50 states (42%) always or almost always evaluated the cross-connection control program at the local level while conducting their sanitary surveys. Several of the states' staff who participated in our survey advised that until crossconnection control programs are either required, recognized, or more clearly defined by EPA, state cross-connection control programs may not be actively administered or enforced. This generally occurs because the many federally mandated requirements take precedence over state initiatives, and limited resources are allocated to the federal requirements rather than to state initiatives. Elevating the requirements for a cross-connection control program to the federal level would make it easier for some states to establish and enforce such a program. Other state officials advised that while a federal requirement for a cross-connection control program is needed; they caution that EPA should not make another mandated requirement without providing resources. These state officials also believed EPA should allow them latitude in tailoring their own program. States do not want to significantly change their existing programs because it could be costly to do so. Results of OIG's Engineering and Science Staff Research Generally, the results of the OIG's Engineering and Science Staff research confirmed that many state cross-connection control programs vary from active and comprehensive programs, to others which require that local water suppliers establish a program. Also, the research indicates that the contamination of the potable water supply by cross-connections is largely undetected, not investigated, not documented, or not reported. This can be attributed to the dynamic and complex nature of plumbing cross-connections. It is sometimes difficult to recognize a cross-connection problem or identify the total number of actual cross-connection incidents. Also, based on the research, cross-connection and backflow deficiencies are a potential threat to many drinking water systems, especially if a system has a high density of service connections per block; a variety of service line attachment devices; areas of static water, or a high number of storage tanks; reversals of flow and temporary low water pressures caused by line breaks; and increased fire control and customer demand during heat wave emergencies. According to the paper on EPA's joint research with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, "Impact of Tanks and Reservoirs on Water Quality in Drinking Water Distribution Systems: Regulatory Concerns," (footnote 3) most of the regulations established under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 and its Amendments of 1986 (SDWAA) have been promulgated with little understanding of the effect that the system can have on water quality. The paper concluded that maintenance of water quality may conflict with the fact that distribution systems are frequently designed in this country to insure hydraulic reliability. Two factors that contribute to water quality deterioration are long residence times and the reaction that occurs between disinfectant and system materials to reduce disinfectant residuals. According to the paper, storage tanks and reservoirs are perhaps the most visible components of a drinking water distribution system but are generally the least understood in terms of their impact on water quality. Although storage tanks and reservoirs can play a major role in insuring TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

52 hydraulic reliability for fire fighting needs and in providing reliable service, they can also serve as vessels for complex chemical and biological changes that may result in diminished water quality. In addition to the SDWAA regulations, the paper discusses four case studies that demonstrate infrastructure failure (i.e., a cross-connections event) can also contribute to diminished water quality and ultimately be a threat to public health. Two of the four case studies discuss outbreaks that occurred in Cabool and Gideon, Missouri. In December 1989, Cabool experienced an apparent cross connection between sewage overflow and two major distribution system line breaks caused by freezing temperatures, resulting in 200 cases of E. coli 0157H:7 infection in a town of 2000 people. Four people died and 85 others were sick. In November 1993, in Gideon, about one half of its population of 1,000 contacted Salmonella Typhimurium. The Salmonella outbreak contributed to the death of three people. The paper stated it is presumed that bird droppings contaminated the community's storage tanks. As with Cabool, the city used non disinfected ground water. Various experts indicated to the OIG's Engineering and Science Staff that contamination of the potable water supply by cross-connections is largely undetected, not investigated, not properly documented, or not reported. For example, the Chief Engineer, Foundation for Cross-connection Control and Hydraulic Research at the University of Southern California (USC), indicated that the Foundation's staff has estimated that more than 90 percent of the backflow incidents coordinated with the Foundation are not included in the Summary of Case Histories reported by the University of Southern California in its Manual of Cross-Connection Control due to the inadequacy of the documentation submitted. The Foundation's Chief Engineer attributed the lack of proper documentation to two primary factors. First, in most instances it is difficult, if not impossible, to trace the origin of pollution or contamination of the potable water supply. Second, due to the climate in today's legal system, most agencies do not want to disclose the possibility that pollutants or contaminants have entered the potable water supply. Additionally, the Engineering and Science Staff were apprised by various experts that the majority of water supply personnel could not find the source of a crossconnection incident because they have not been trained to do so. According to the Summary of Case Histories reported by the University of Southern California in its Manual of Cross-Connection Control, Ninth Edition, dated December 1993, a minimum of 1,450 cross-connection incidents were submitted to the Foundation from However, the Foundation's Chief Engineer maintained that the number submitted to USC represents a small percentage (10%) of actual cross-connection incidents that occur nationwide. Representatives of two separate American Water Works Association AWWA Sections confirmed that a small percentage of cross-connections incidents occurring nationwide are actually reported. Gunther F. Craun in his "Waterborne Disease Outbreaks in the United States of America: Causes and Prevention," states that a total of 1,702 waterborne disease outbreaks (WBDOs) (footnote 4) with 542,018 cases of illness and 1,089 deaths were reported from From 192O-1979, cross-connections caused 226 WBDOs with 59,698 cases of illness and 392 deaths from (footnote 5). More recently this source documents an additional 145 cross-connection events occurring from During the ten year period ending in 1990, Gunther F. Craun indicates that 291 waterborne disease outbreaks were reported in community (43%) and non- TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

53 community (33%) systems and from the ingestion of contaminated water from recreational (14%) and individual (10%) water sources. The average frequency of 29 outbreaks per year, is only slightly less than reported during the prior decade and comparable to the number reported during the 1930s and 1940s. More outbreaks are usually reported in community than in non community systems and among these, most outbreaks are in small communities. From 1981 to 1985, 186 waterborne outbreaks were reported with only 105 reported during In community systems, most outbreaks were caused by inadequate disinfection of surface water (28%) and contamination of water in the distribution systems (24%), primarily through cross-connections and repairs of mains. Of these community type waterborne disease outbreaks, approximately 30 (24% times 125) were attributed to contamination of water distribution systems, primarily through cross-connections and repairs of mains. This means that the average frequency of waterborne disease outbreaks caused by cross-connections could be as high as three outbreaks nationwide per year. In non community systems, most outbreaks (77%) were caused by contaminated, untreated and inadequately disinfected groundwater. None of these, however, were attributed to cross-connections. EPA's Office of Research and Development's (ORD's) report entitled "Waterborne Disease Outbreak Investigations," identified the causes of WBDOs within community water systems by various deficiencies. As discussed above, community distribution system contamination can be primarily attributed to cross-connections and backflow deficiencies. The following table from this ORD report identified the major causes of WBDOs by deficiency. This table shows that distribution causes contributed to 33% (41 of 123) of the WBDOs during the period and 24% (32 of 132) of the WBDOs during the period CAUSES: WATERBORNE OUTBREAKS by DEFICIENCIES Community Systems Deficiency % (N) % (N) Groundwater Untreated 11 (13) 12 (16) Disinfection Only 16 (20) 12 (16) Filtration 0 (0) 2 (2) Surface Water Untreated 3 (4) 2 (2) Disinfection Only 23 (28) 26 (34) Filtration 6 (7) 15 (20) Distribution 33 (41) 24 (32) Inadequate Chemical Feed 3 (4) 2 (3) Unknown, Misc 5 (6) 5 (7) Total 100 (123) 100 (132) Community water systems serve 91% of the U.S. population. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

54 The above 41 WBDOs for the 10-year period ending in 1980 were equivalent to 4.1 waterborne disease outbreaks per year. The 32 WBDOs for the 12-year period ending in 1992 were equivalent to 2.7 waterborne disease outbreaks per year, or 1.4 less waterborne disease outbreaks per year than the average per year in the prior decade. In December 1991, the Department of Health and Human Services' Public Health Service's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 12% of WBDOs, from were attributed to a distribution system deficiency (e.g., a cross-connection, backsiphonage, contamination of water mains during construction or repair, or contamination of a storage facility). In November 1993, the CDC also reported that for the 2-year period , 17 states and territories reported 34 WBDOs associated with water intended for drinking. The outbreaks caused illness in an estimated 17,464 persons. Of the total 34 WBDOs, 5 or 15% were attributed to a distribution system deficiency. These 5 WBDOs for this 2-year period were consistent with Gunther F. Craun's determination, that as many as three waterborne disease outbreaks per year could result from cross-connections. It should be noted that the reporting of any waterborne disease outbreaks is voluntary. EPA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will provide assistance when requested in the investigation of a WBDO. Furthermore, there is no central agency or authority that aggressively accumulates and compiles a complete list of cross-connection incidents nationally. In July 1994, the President of the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) wrote to EPA's Director, OGWDW about the guidance on Emergency Authority under Section 1431 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The ABPA President stated it is apparent a major contributor to drinking water contamination, cross-connections within the distribution system, has been overlooked. According to the letter, research funded and compiled by the EPA found that cross-connections and backflow were responsible for 78 per cent of the outbreaks and 95 percent of the disease caused by community distribution system contamination in the United States between the years of The American Water Works Association presented in 1994 a national satellite teleconference entitled, "Preventing Waterborne Disease: Is Your System at Risk?." Cross-connections were identified as the primary cause (31.8%) of waterborne outbreaks from This data is associated only with surface water supplies. At the November 1994 Water Quality Technology Conference, San Francisco, California, a paper was presented by Rebecca L. Calderon of EPA's Health Effects Research Laboratory and Gunther F. Craun of Global Consulting for Environmental Health, which identified causes of WBDOs within water systems by various deficiencies. The authors identified 8,975 cases of illness from , resulting from 51 WBDOs that were attributed specifically to cross-connections and backsiphonage type deficiencies of distribution systems. Conclusions The subject of cross-connections is very complex to evaluate because of the nature of plumbing cross-connections and the reported inability of state and local levels to identify a cross-connection control problem and its source. Our survey results identified that contamination of the potable water supply by cross-connections is largely undetected, not investigated, or not sufficiently reported. Infrastructure failure and breakdowns in distribution systems can result in significant and dramatic public health adverse effects in certain states and local communities, but we cannot TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

55 conclude that these incidents were representative of a national problem justifying the need to establish a federal cross-connection control program. The absence of a high number or significantly growing number of waterborne disease outbreaks caused by cross-connections further contribute to the uncertainty of the level of resources needed for this program. We were told by 29 of the 45 states we contacted that they have some type of a cross-connection program, and the responsibility for administration and enforcement of the program is generally at the local level. Based on the state responses to our survey, we concluded that local government enforcement varies among states with some using state guidelines to enforce and others using local requirements to enforce. All but one of the states that do not have programs, advised that a statelevel program was appropriate or needed. Also, the level of some state administered cross-connection programs may be reduced in intensity due to federal mandates taking precedence over state initiatives and requirements. Considering the Administration's recent announcement on Reinventing Environmental Regulation and building partnerships between EPA, state, and local governments, we encourage EPA to work with the states to identify the most cost effective approaches for measuring the public health significance of crossconnections at the state and local levels. When EPA and a state determines that it is in the best interest of the public health to establish a cross-connection program or elevate the intensity of an existing program, we believe EPA should assist the state in developing an acceptable solution. This would be an opportunity to implement some of the Administration's guiding principles for reinventing environmental regulation issued on March 16, We encourage EPA to include in its sanitary survey guidelines a step to determine the level of cross-connection activities. Also, we encourage EPA when it revises the PWSS Priority Guidance to cite cross-connection activities as an example of local issues states can prioritize, or include in its overall program strategy. This will elevate the visibility of cross-connection control programs implemented by water suppliers. We suggest that the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) be designed with the ability to identify those public water suppliers that have implemented crossconnection programs and those that have not. We suggest also that when EPA establishes its program intended to help identify and study emerging environmental problems, under Reinventing Environmental Regulation, EPA address crossconnections. Should you or your staff want to discuss this matter further or require additional information, please contact Ernie Ragland, of my staff, on (202) APPENDIX I TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

56 DISTRIBUTION Inspector General (2410) Assistant Administrator for Water (4101) Director, Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water (4601) Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and State/Local Relations (1501) Associate Administrator for Congressional and Legislative Affairs (1301) Associate Administrator for Communications, Education and Public Affairs (1701) Headquarters Library (3304) Regional Administrator, EPA New England (RAA) Director, Water Management Division (WAA) Chief, Ground Water Management and Water Supply Branch (WSB) Regional Administrator, Region 2 Regional Administrator, Region 3 Regional Administrator, Region 4 Regional Administrator, Region 5 Regional Administrator, Region 6 Regional Administrator, Region 7 Regional Administrator, Region 8 Regional Administrator, Region 9 Regional Administrator, Region 10 Footnotes 1 "Drinking Water Glossary: A Dictionary of Technical and Legal Terms Related to Drinking Water," EPA 810-B , June Source: GAO report entitled Drinking Water Key Quality Assurance Program Is Flawed and Unfunded, dated April Written by (1) Robert M. Clark, Director, Drinking Water Research Division, Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL), EPA; (2) John E. Hill, Environmental Engineer, Missouri Department of Natural Resources; (3) James A. Goodrich, Environmental Scientist, RREL; (4) Judith A. Barnick, Computer Specialist, RREL; and (5) Farzaneh Abdesaken, Statistician, Technical Application, Inc. 4 The definition for a waterborne disease outbreak ("WBDO") comprises two criteria: (1) at least two persons must have experienced a similar illness after ingesting or using water intended for drinking, or after being exposed to or unintentionally ingesting or inhaling fresh or marine water used for recreational purposes; and (2) epidemiologic evidence must implicate the water as the source of the illness. 5 Section 11, Case Histories, Manual of Cross-Connection Control Sixth Edition, Published by Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. The early data were collected by the Department of Water and Power, City of Los Angeles, California. The more recent data were taken from records submitted to the Foundation TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

57 Municipal Plumbing Code of Chicago A potable water supply system shall be designed, installed and maintained in such a manner so as to prevent contamination from non-potable liquids, solids or gases being introduced into the potable water supply through cross-connections or any other piping connections to the system. Backflow preventer applications shall conform to table 29 ( ) as found in the Municipal Code of Chicago with amendments through April 26, The supply lines or fittings for every plumbing fixture shall be installed so as to prevent backflow Special equipment, water supply protection. The water supply for hospital fixtures shall be protected against backflow with a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer, an atmospheric vacuum breaker or an air gap. Vacuum breakers for bedpan washer hoses shall not be located less than 5 feet above the floor Backflow protection. Means of protection against backflow shall be provided in accordance with sections 29 ( ) Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers. Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers shall conform to ASSE 1013, AWWA C511 or CSA-CAN/CSA B64.3. These devices shall be permitted to be installed in areas subject to continuous pressure conditions. The relief opening shall discharge by ari gap and shall be prevented from being submerged Atmospheric-type vacuum breakers. Pipe-applied atmospheric-type vacuum breakers shall conform to ASSE 1001 or CSA CAN/CSA-b Hose connection vacuum breakers shall conform to ASSE 1011, TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

58 CSA CAN/CSA-B64.2, ASSE1019, ASSE 1035, CSA B64.7 or ASSE These devices shall operate under normal atmospheric pressure when the critical level is installed at the required height Double check- valve assemblies Double check-valve assemblies shall conform to ASSE 1015 or AWWA C510. Doubledetector check valve assemblies shall conform to ASSE These devices shall be capable of operating under continuous pressure conditions Location of backflow preventers. Access shall be provided to backflow preventers as specified by the installation instructions of the approved manufacturer Protection of potable water outlets. All potable water openings and outlets shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the following: Openings and outlets shall be protected by an air gap between the opening and the fixture flood level rim as specified in table 29 ( ). Openings and outlets equipped for hose connection shall be protected by means other than an air gap. 1. Openings and outlets shall be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer. 2. Openings and outlets shall be protected by a backflow preventer with a intermediate atmospheric vent. 3. Openings and outlets shall be protected by atmospheric-type vacuum breakers. The critical level of the vacuum breakter shall be set at a minimum of 6 inches (150 mm) above the flood level rim of the fixture or deivce. Ball cocks shall be set in accordance with Section Vacuum breakers shall not be installed under exhaust hoods or similar locations that will contain toxic fumes or vapors. Pipe applied vacuum breakers shall be installed not less than 6 inches (150 mm) above the flood level rim of the fixture, receptor, or device served. 4. All pull-out spout-type faucets shall be in compliance with CSA CAN/CSA- B125 and have an integral vacuum breaker or vent to atmosphere in their design or shall require a dedicated deck- or wall-mounted vacuum breaker. Approved deck-mounted or equipment-mounted vacuum TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

59 breakers and faucets with integral atmospheric or spill proof vacuum breakers shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions and the requirements for labeling them with the critical level not less than 1 inch (25 mm) above the flood level rim. 5. Sill cocks, hose bibs, wall hydrants and other openings with a hose connection shall be protected by an atmospheric-type or pressure-type vacuum breaker or a permanently attached hose connection vacuum breaker. 6. Exceptions 1. This Section shall not apply to water heater and boiler drain valves that are provided with hose connection threads an that are intended for only tank or vessel draining. 2. This Section shall not apply to water supply valves intended for connection of clothes washing machines where backflow prevention is otherwise provided or is integral with the machine. Connections to the potable water system. Connections to the potable water system shall conform to Sections 29( ) through 29( ) Beverage Carbonator. Every water supply pipe servicing a beverage carbonator shall receive its supply through a receiving tank constructed in accordance with Section 29( ) of this Article or shall have installed in the pipe an approved stainless steel in-line pressure-type backflow preventer consisting of two check valves separated by an open air port conforming to ASSE 1012 or ASSE The air port shall not be directly connected to the drainage system Backflow Preventer. The backflow preventer shall be installed in an accessible location on the discharge side of the carbonator water supply valve. No copper tube or pipe or copper lined components shall be used for the receiving tank or its piping to the carbonator or the outlet of the stainless backflow preventer Fire protection equipment, risers, standpipes, tanks to be drained and flushed. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

60 All fire protection equipment, tanks, risers, standpipes, domestic house tanks, compression tanks and all other tanks that have a weight check valve for the backflow prevention and are supplied with water from the Chicago Waterworks System shall be drained and flushed at least every 12 months in the presence of a plumbing inspector. Further, fire protection systems and equipment shall be kept free from accumulations of sand, silt, and stagnant water which would nullify the action of the chlorine content of the city water. Testing and Inspections per The Chicago Plumbing Code Permit holders shall make applicable tests prescribed in Sections 29 ( ) through 29 ( ) to determine compliance with provisions of this Chapter. A permit holder shall give reasonable advance notice to the Executive Director of the Department of Construction and Permits and the Commissioner of Water Management when plumbing work is ready for tests. The equipment, material, power and labor necessary for the inspection and test shall be furnished by the permit holder and the permit holder shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in the following tests. All plumbing system piping shall be tested with water, smoke or air Cross connection control device inspections. The department of Water shall inspect backflow prevention assemblies to determine proper installation including testing by a licensed Cross Connection Control Device Inspector. Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assemblies, double-check valve assemblies, double-detector check-valve assemblies and pressure vacuum breaker assemblies shall be tested at minimum, annually, the results of annual tests shall be reported within 30 days of tests to the Department of Water. In the event of test failure, immediate notification must be made to the Department of Water and remedial action taken to prevent the contamination of the potable water supply. The testing procedure shall be performed in accordance with one of the following standards: ASSE , Sections 1-2, ASSE , Sections 1-2, ASSE ASSE Sections 1-2, ASSE Sections 1-2, ASSE Sections 1-2, ASSE Sections , ASSE Sections , ASSE , ASSE Sections , ASSE Sections , CSA B64.1 For Further information please call the Plumbing Inspector In Charge of Cross Connection at The Chicago Water Department at For applications for re-test please fax information to please include the address or the assembly being tested, what type of assembly, manufacturer s information and what the assembly is connected to and protecting as TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

61 well as contact information for the tester and the company the tester is employed by so a B Permit can be issued Water Meter Procedures for The City of Chicago Each water meter, proportional, indication or recording device, including meters for domestic supply, for fire lines, sub-meters, or any other kind, which is connected or is to be connected with any pipe supplied by the Chicago waterworks system shall be of a type, design and size recommended by the commissioner, and approved by the City Council. All work of installing meter vaults or boxes for such meters shall be done and performed by and under the direction of the commissioner. (Amend. Coun. J p3415; , p 2010; , p ) All new meters must be delivered to 3148 S Sacramento, Chicago Illinois for registration and calibration. All new meters will be picked up at 1424 W Pershing, Chicago Illinois For further information please contact The Meter Department at Just Completed a Backflow Inspector Course? Call Us Today For a Discount Off Of a New Midwest Instrument Test Kit!!! Toll Free: (866) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

62 Backflow Case Studies BACKFLOW AT A POULTRY FARM DATE OF BACKFLOW INCIDENT: June 1991 LOCATION OF BACKFLOW INCIDENT: Casa, Arkansas SOURCE(S) OF INFORMATION: - Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association, Summary of Backflow Incidents, Fourth Edition, Watts Industries, Inc.; Watts Regulator News/Stop Backflow CASE HISTORY During the week of June 23, 1991, residents near a poultry farm in Casa, Arkansas, became concerned when their water appeared discolored. In response to complaints from one water customer, it was discovered that the public water system had been contaminated by backflow from a chicken house at the poultry farm. Both the public water system and auxiliary water well supplied water to the plumbing in the chicken house. The water service connection from the public water system to the chicken house included two single check valves in series for backflow prevention. Workers were using the water in the chicken house to administer an antibiotic solution to the chickens. When the Casa water system manager became aware of the problem, the manager shut off water service to the chicken house and flushed the public water main serving the area. He later removed the water meter serving the chicken house until a proper backflow preventer could be installed. The feeding of antibiotic solutions and live virus vaccines into water to treat and immunize chickens is a popular practice at poultry farms. Such antibiotic solutions could cause severe adverse effects in humans who are hypersensitive to the drugs, and most of the virus vaccines used to immunize chickens is pathogenic to humans. Therefore, poultry farms should be considered a significant health hazard to public water systems, and a reduced-pressure principle backflow-prevention assembly should be installed at the water service connection to each poultry farm. BACKFLOW AT A MORTUARY SOURCE(S) OF INFORMATION: - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cross-Connection Control Manual, 1989 CASE HISTORY The chief plumbing inspector in a large southern city received a telephone call advising that blood was coming from drinking fountains at a mortuary (i.e., a funeral home). Plumbing and health inspectors went to the scene and found evidence that blood had been circulating in the potable water system within the funeral home. They immediately ordered the funeral home cut off from the public water system at the meter. City water and plumbing officials did not think that the water contamination problem had spread beyond the funeral home, but they sent inspectors into the neighborhood to check for possible contamination. Investigation revealed that blood had back flowed through a hydraulic aspirator into the potable water system at the funeral home. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

63 The funeral home had been using a hydraulic aspirator to drain fluids from bodies as part of the embalming process. The aspirator was directly connected to a faucet at a sink in the embalming room. Water flow through the aspirator created suction used to draw body fluids through a needle and hose attached to the aspirator. When funeral home personnel used the aspirator during a period of low water pressure, the potable water system at the funeral home became contaminated. Instead of body fluids flowing into the waste water system, they were drawn in the opposite direction-- into the potable water system. Propane in the water supply SOURCE(S) OF INFORMATION: - Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association, Summary of Backflow Incidents, Fourth Edition, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cross-Connection Control Manual, Watts Industries, Inc.; Watts Regulator News/Stop Backflow CASE HISTORY In August 1982, residents in a Connecticut town reported hissing, bubbling noises coming from washing machines, sinks, and toilets. Faucets sputtered out small streams of water mixed with gas. Propane gas had back flowed into the town's public water system. Local firefighters and other officials asked hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes and businesses. The town provided water to a propane storage facility in the area. Water was furnished to the facility for both domestic use and fire protection and entered the facility through a single eight-inch-diameter service connection. The facility included 26 subsurface 30,000-gallon liquid propane storage tanks. On the day of the backflow incident, workers needed to repair a storage tank at the propane storage facility. Before repairing the tank, workers had to purge the tank of residual propane. There are two common methods for purging liquid propane storage tanks. One method is to use an inert gas such as carbon dioxide. The other method is to use water. The use of water is the preferred method because it is a more positive method and will float out any sludge as well as gas vapors. Accordingly, workers attempted to purge the tank using water in this case. They connected a hose to the tank from one of the two fire hydrants at the facility. Unfortunately, the pressure in the propane tank was about 85 to 90 psig, while the pressure in the town's public water system was about 65 to 70 psig. Consequently, propane gas back flowed into the town's public water system. It was estimated that about 2,000 cubic feet of gas flowed into the water system over a period of about 20 minutes. This is enough gas to fill approximately one mile of eight-inch diameter water main. Fires were reported at two houses, and fire gutted one of these houses. At another house, a washing machine exploded. Police, propane company workers, and town water works personnel, however, limited damage and injuries by quickly sealing off the affected area. The town flushed fire hydrants and individual building plumbing systems and monitored for gas. The propane company promptly instituted revised propane tank purging procedures at its storage facility. An ominous cloud sits over Nicor TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

64 Source: The Beacon News Ruben Luna s doctor was stumped. The Aurora resident s teeth were falling out, he had no control over his bowels and the sharp jabs in his gut left him hunched over daily. You can t be this sick, the doctor told Luna. You have the body of an 80-year-old and you re 30. The doctor gave him pills. Nothing changed. They took out part of his stomach, removed some gallstones. But the grinding ache persisted. At work, he was known as The Bone Chewer, since he went after overtime hours like a dog fighting for the last bone on the block. With that reputation, Luna didn t want to tell people he was suffering. So it was a long time before he found out he wasn t alone. At the Nicor facility in Aurora where Luna worked for 12 years, plenty of others were in pain. According to a lawsuit filed in 2004, dozens of people who worked at the Nicor building at 408 S. River St. developed liver failures, suffered persistent diarrhea and threw up every day. Tom Schultz, a part-time martial arts instructor with two kids, had three urinary tract infections and doctors used sound waves to bombard kidney stones out of him. At night, the 40-year employee s agony made him think about suicide. Health nut Anna Sutton, 44, was plagued by migraine headaches and struggled with bladder control. Libby Thompson, 42, found groups of small lumps under the skin of her neck, stomach and pelvis. Health nut Anna Sutton, 44, was plagued by migraine headaches and struggled with bladder control. Libby Thompson, 42, found groups of small lumps under the skin of her neck, stomach and pelvis. They all believe their suffering was caused by faulty plumbing that city records show could have allowed chemicals to leak into the drinking water. It s a problem health officials believe could be responsible for hundreds of illnesses across the country every year, sickening people who drink from the water fountains in their offices, or using contaminated water to wash their food. Bruce Brummel, a former Nicor employee, has been working for years to get the company to acknowledge what city of Aurora documents already show: Bad plumbing in the building s break room meant employees could have been sipping water tainted with three times the legal levels of methylene chloride. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, methylene chloride can do damage to the nervous and blood systems during short exposures. Over years, experts believe it causes liver damage, cancer and destroys the digestive system. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

65 I just get so weak, said Brummel. You can t imagine. I call it the surge. If I move my body, I can feel every bone. Nicor officials deny there was ever a problem at any of their facilities. Nicor Gas at all times has responded aggressively and thoroughly in investigating all complaints made about the drinking water in order to ensure the quality of our employees drinking water, wrote Nicor spokesman Annette Martinez. But city documents suggest a different story: Nicor was trying to fix an issue they told employees not to worry about. The situation has caught the attention of local politicians, including Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, who questions how Nicor handled its investigation. I have to say, I am concerned by the question of whether the health problems suffered by Bruce Brummel and others are related to their work environment and whether the situation has been significantly investigated, the mayor said. They treated us so bad, Brummel said. We didn t even know. We just knew the coffee didn t smell right. Tastes like boiler water For the workers in the street the men and women installing and repairing the gas lines for Nicor the job was a great opportunity. Although most of them had no education past high school, dedicated employees could make a sizable salary. The street crew became a tight-knit, informal club, and their camaraderie meant it wasn t unusual to find a handful of workers gathered in the company s break room, sipping coffee from foam cups an hour before their shift started. A regular part of the morning chatter was griping about the coffee. While those jokes are common at most workplaces, the brew in the Nicor break room seemed to exceed bad flavor. It was grimy, thick and smelled a little like oil, employees say. I think I said it first: I said this water tastes like boiler water, said one current Nicor employee, who asked to remain anonymous. It was a joke. But the comment got people thinking. Brummel says he and a co-worker traced the pipe back to its source. According to city of Aurora records, the pipe was coming straight out of the building s boiler, a massive piece of machinery used to supply heat to the offices. Quickly overwhelm the whole system TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

66 In a typical plumbing system, water comes in from the city s main pipes, then splits into drinking water and non-potable water used for things like fire prevention sprinklers or, in the case of Nicor, to run the boiler. In those non-potable areas, the water mixes with various chemicals. In a safe system, any place chemicals mix with the water, safety devices called backflow preventers must be installed to ensure the tainted water can t move back into the drinking supply. Health officials believe every year hundreds of people across the nation are sickened by drinking water contaminated in plumbing that lacks backflow protection. Unlike the Nicor employees, most victims suffer short-term but severe symptoms, which they attribute to the 24-hour flu or something they ate. Health experts and plumbers contend holes in the state plumbing code or incomplete testing are just as likely culprits. It s a little scary to realize how vulnerable the water systems are, said Lou Allyn Bius, manager of the Division of Public Water Supplies for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, who retired in It s so easy to connect something that can quickly overwhelm the whole system. The average person probably isn t aware of it all. According to city documents, pipes at Nicor that were supposed to be one-way could allow water to mix with toxic chemicals from the boiler during low water pressure. Brummel felt he might have discovered an explanation for the bad coffee and a few other odd occurrences at the office. The most obvious was the daily lines at the men s rooms. Every morning, shortly after drinking coffee, the workers would rush to the bathroom. Men in their 20s and 30s describe lining up three-deep for a stall or running up two floors to make it to an upstairs bathroom before their diarrhea hit. But no one talked about it. Two things in life are personal: health and death, Brummel said. People don t talk much about either. Brummel began subtly asking around and quickly found similar stories. Otherwise healthy young men and woman were pulling over to vomit after leaving the Aurora building. Others had defecated in their pants on the job. Dozens of workers had severe weight loss, debilitating headaches and rotator cuffs that were disintegrating. Brummel, always thin, dropped 35 pounds suddenly. His eyes sunk into his head, rashes appeared on his chest. At 35, Brummel s joints creaked and crackled like an old man s. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

67 Brummel s doctor said his symptoms appear to be consistent with chemical poisoning. A person who appears somewhat emaciated and has symptoms affecting virtually every organ in their system, it s often chemically involved, said Pauline Harding, a Winfield physician who has been treating Brummel. Harding said we are all assaulted by toxins like mold in the garage, but it takes something extra to do real damage. Most of us manage to survive all those, she said. But if you get an assault by chemicals in your drinking water, it can be overwhelming. Poses a threat Brummel says he took his concerns to his immediate supervisor. He and coworkers went up the management chain, but at each step the company denied there was a problem, Brummel contends. After months of working within the company and still unable to get help, on Oct. 14, 2003, Brummel took pictures of the company s plumbing to Aurora s Division of Building and Permits. According to Brummel and to city records, within 20 minutes, officials from the city of Aurora descended on Nicor s building to investigate Brummel s claims about the drinking water. By all accounts, heated accusations were slung by all sides that day. It ended with Brummel who was on sick leave at the time being banned from Nicor property for the rest of the week. It also resulted in an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal organization that promotes safe working environments. An OSHA report started that day shows Nicor was made aware of a potentially dangerous plumbing situation in its building. According to the OSHA report, on Oct. 14, the city of Aurora took a sample of tap water from the Nicor plant to be tested by an independent agency. That test detected methylene chloride levels at 17.5 parts per billion more than three times the limit of 5 parts per billion allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the report shows. Methylene chloride is a colorless chemical compound that s typically used to strip paint. In past decades, methylene chloride gas was used in Christmas lights and jukeboxes to create a bubbling effect, until health risks led companies to search for safer alternatives. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

68 According to plumber Marty Feltes, who viewed the boiler with city inspectors on Oct. 14, methylene chloride was most likely being used to protect the pipes, slowly being injected to erode build-up from steam production. Questions were raised regarding the test but, according to the OSHA report, a second test on Oct. 24, this time run by Nicor, showed methylene chloride levels at 16.1 parts per billion, still three times the limit allowed by the EPA. Citing the violation as serious, OSHA was prepared to fine the company $2,125, OSHA records show. Later, a third test, according to OSHA records, showed methylene chloride at 0.89 parts per billion below the legal limit of five parts per billion and the fine was not imposed. Shortly after that Oct. 29 test, OSHA closed its investigation, saying the agency could not prove the case, although the agency did not retract its findings. A week after Nicor got test results showing methylene chloride above legal limits, the company also received a warning letter from the city. The Oct. 21 letter, written by city of Aurora plumbing inspector Robert Thompson to Nicor s building supervisor, said the company was in violation of the Illinois State Plumbing Code. After inspecting the boiler room, Thompson wrote that he found the drinking water was directly connected to a chemically-fed tank. This type of connection poses a threat to the quality of potable water for both the employees in the building and the city s water main, Thompson s letter said. Thompson advised Nicor to immediately have a licensed plumber install backflow protection to stop the drinkable and dangerous water from mixing, or permanently disconnect the pipe, city records show. However, city and company documents show after Nicor officials received the city s letter, they continued to assure employees the water was safe while also trying to fix plumbing problems the city had deemed hazardous. Less than a month after the city s alert, Nicor posted a memo to employees telling them the water was safe to drink. And, on Nov. 19, 2003, the company s vice president of human resources, in a letter to Brummel, wrote that an investigation by OSHA had determined boiler piping was not improperly connected to the potable drinking water. The letter went on to assert that no violations of any safety or health regulations relating to company drinking water were found. OSHA records appear to indicate that the spigot where workers were routinely filling up their water jugs and coffee pots was not considered drinking water by Nicor, so could not be investigated by OSHA in the same way. Then, on Nov. 25, Aurora city records show Nicor s area manager applied for a remodeling permit to correct a problem the company denied existed. The application notified the city that, for the cost of $1,600, Nicor would add a backflow protection device to each service entering in the building. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

69 We will also disconnect the existing boiler water supply, the application added. Without backflow protection, the building was in violation of the Illinois State Plumbing code, which has required a safeguard system since City documents show the backflow devices were finally installed by January of Yet, for more than three years, even as workers protested outside their headquarters, the company has steadfastly denied any problems with the water. Nicor refused repeated requests for an in-person interview with The Beacon News, but issued two written statements, one through the corporate spokesman and one from the company s legal department. Martinez, the spokesman, said all Nicor buildings do, and have always, operated in compliance with all applicable codes. It is apparent these allegations of a hazard were found not to have merit almost two years ago, said Jill Kelly, assistant legal counsel representing Nicor. Accordingly, we trust that any story that is forthcoming will not inaccurately assert that any hazard existed at the facility. The company refused any further comment on the OSHA or city reports that showed serious plumbing issues. My biggest fear After years of good reviews, Brummel was fired in April He believes it is because he tried to expose what he saw as a dangerous problem at Nicor s building. He filed grievances through his union (which were dropped, he said) and held candlelight vigils for the sick employees. Chicago law firm Cascino Vaughan Law Offices Ltd., filed suit on behalf of Brummel and 32 other current or former Nicor employees. Partner Allen Vaughan said there could be complications with the lawsuit because some of the older workers may have been exposed to mercury while working at Nicor. The attorneys held public meetings, wrote to local politicians. After months of work, the lawyers withdrew from the case, saying the case was not economically feasible to pursue. Since then, Brummel and other Nicor current and former employees have been working with Waukegan attorney Rick Daniels. Daniels said he is still in the investigation phase of his work, but confirmed his firm, Daniels, Long and Pinsel, is prepared to file a federal suit. It s tough when the little guy takes on the big corporation but we re going to do this, Daniels said. I feel confident with our case. We re full steam ahead. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

70 Daniels said he is not intimidated by the cost or complexity of a suit. His only worry was that all of the plaintiffs would see the end of their efforts. It s going to be a huge case, one of the biggest in Illinois history, Daniels predicted. It s an absolute tragedy what happened. State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, an Aurora Democrat whose sister worked for Nicor, has also met with some current and former Nicor employees. If there aren t laws protecting people from this, I plan to pull together some legislation, she said. There s just too many coincidences surrounding Brummel and others. People need to know everyone s life matters. In this case, we have quite a few coincidences to quite a few people in a fixed amount of time that you can t overlook. But as those legal and legislative wheels start to turn, workers are still suffering, almost three years after the city inspection. Schultz, the former karate instructor, is constantly on the toilet. Doctors still can t get rid of the lumps under Thompson s skin. She left for a new job in 2004, but her lungs are so weak it s hard for her to walk up stairs. And Luna, 49, can t work at the landscaping company he started after he left Nicor. My biggest fear is that I m really sick and my family will have to take care of me like a baby, he said. I told them just let me die. Source: The Beacon News Water into Wine SOURCE(S) OF INFORMATION: - Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association, Summary of Backflow Incidents, Fourth Edition, 1995 At a winery in the City, someone inadvertently left open a water supply valve to a wine distilling tank after flushing out the tank. During a subsequent fermenting process, wine back flowed from the tank into the City water mains and out of the faucets of nearby homeowners. This reversal of flow through the water piping occurred because the pressure in the wine distilling tank was greater than the pressure in the City water system. Antifreeze taints water at school Drinking fountains poison eight students By Jim Kirksey Denver Post Staff Writer TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

71 Eight Brighton middle-school students were sent to the hospital yesterday after drinking antifreeze that had seeped into the water in the school s drinking fountains. Overland Trail Middle School was closed after 11 a.m. yesterday, and it will remain closed today while authorities seek the source of the pollution. Rodger Quist, principal of the 6-year-old school, said the ethylene glycol substance is used in the building s hot water heating system, which isn t supposed to be connected to the drinking water system at Overland Trail.SOURCE(S) OF Pest Control Chemicals in the Water Summary of Backflow Incidents, Fourth Edition, Watts Industries, Inc.; Watts Regulator News/Stop Backflow On June 24, 1987, a construction crew inadvertently broke a water main while widening a bridge in New Jersey. Several hours after the water main was repaired, a customer called the water department to complain that the water was milky and smelled bad. Pesticides had back flowed into the public water system. The backflow incident happened at the time the bridge construction crew broke the water main. Because of the water main break, a siphoning action occurred in the water mains. Concurrently, a pest control company employee was rinsing a tank that contained a weak solution of the pesticides heptachlor and chlordane. The hose that the employee was using had the pesticide Dursban on it. One to three gallons of the pesticides were sucked through the pest control company's potable water system and into the public water system. Several people drank, and watered their gardens with, the contaminated water. Fortunately, however, there were no immediate illnesses or injuries. After receiving the complaint about milky and bad smelling water, the water department immediately shut off the water supply to the 63 customers affected by the water main break and notified them not to drink the water or use it to cook, bathe, or wash clothes. The 63 homes and businesses went without usable water service for several days while affected water mains and plumbing were flushed and disinfected. A tank truck provided potable water for drinking and cooking. Shower facilities at the local public high school and middle school were made available for use by affected residents. Because the pesticides stuck to piping, the plumbing at nine locations had to be replaced. At all other locations, analysis of water samples showed that the pesticides were not detectable. The pest control company assumed responsibility for the backflow incident and paid for the necessary replacement of plumbing. Nevertheless, 21 homeowners sued the pest control company for $21,000,000. They claimed that the pest control company irreparably damaged plumbing fixtures, that residents continue to suffer physical injury, and that residents have been subjected to mental distress, inconvenience, and loss of property. In addition, the homeowners asked the pest control company to TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

72 pay medical expenses incurred because of the incident and to maintain a health surveillance program for affected residents. The water department ordered the pest control company to cease operating until a backflow preventer was installed at the water service connection to the pest control company. Following installation of a backflow preventer, the pest control company resumed operating. Backflow Software Companies EngSoft Solutions XC2 Software BMI 729 Molalla Ave, Ste NE San Rafael St. Oregon City, Or Portland, Oregon (503) Fax: (503) Toll free: (800) Tokay Software BPMS Software P.O. Box Irmin Street Framingham, MA Burnaby, BC (508) North East Canada V5J 1X4 (954) South East (Toll-Free) (323) West Coast (Telephone) (800) Toll Free Backflow Management Companies in Illinois American Backflow Management Backflow Solutions Inc Wall Street PO Box 246 Carterville, IL Worth, Illinois (618) (office) (800) (618) (fax) Aqua Backflow, Inc. Hydro Designs, Inc. 977 Elizabeth Street Main Office Elgin, IL Crooks Road (847) Phone Suite #100 (847) Fax Troy, Michigan Phone: (800) Hydro Designs, Illinois Office (248) West State Street Fax: (248) P.O. Box 116 Jacksonville, IL Phone: TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

73 Training Facilities Environmental Resources Training Center Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Campus Box 1075 Edwardsville, IL (618) Fax: (618) About the Environmental Resources Training Center In 1977, the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) was designated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) as the Illinois center for the continuing education of personnel involved in the operation, maintenance and management of drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. In 1983/84, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency additionally designated ERTC to train Illinois licensed plumbers and Illinois certified water operators to become IEPA certified Cross-Connection Control Device Inspectors. ERTC courses are designed to assist both entry level personnel who are preparing for a career in drinking water and wastewater treatment systems and persons already employed in such systems who desire education to upgrade job skills, obtain advanced certification levels and prepare for more responsible positions. Also, the ERTC offers courses for licensed plumbers in cross connection control or backflow prevention. Persons who complete ERTC courses are awarded continuing education units (CEUs) by the University and receive education credits applicable to official certification as drinking water or wastewater treatment system operators or in cross connection control under requirements administered by the IEPA. Test Gauge and Backflow Supply 2587 Millennium Drive Elgin, Illinois (847) Fax (847) info@testgauge.net About Test Gauge and Backflow Supply Course In 2008 Test Gauge and Backflow Supply began hosting a 4 hour CEU course on backflow testing and repairs. The course, which also includes a section on test kit functions, is focused on refreshing the Cross Connection Tester on testing procedures as well as hands on of repairs for approved assemblies for the state of Illinois. The assemblies range from ¾ to 4 and include today s commonly used and seen backflow assemblies. Courses run from October through April and happen twice a month. For Registration or questions please call TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

74 Industry Information for Upcoming Seminars American Water Works Association W. Quincy Ave., Denver, CO AWWA 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver CO Fax About AWWA Founded in 1881, AWWA is the authoritative resource on safe water, providing knowledge, information and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the water community. AWWA is an international nonprofit and educational society and the largest and oldest organization of water professionals in the world. Its more than 60,000 members represent the full spectrum of the water community: treatment plant operators and managers, scientists, environmentalists, manufacturers, academicians, regulators, and others who hold genuine interest in water supply and public health. Membership includes more than 4,600 utilities that supply water to roughly 180 million people in North America. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment. The National Fire Sprinkler Association 40 Jon Barrett Road Patterson, New York Telephone (845) The Members Of the National Fire Sprinkler Association recognize that their work has a direct, as well as indirect, impact on the quality of life for all humanity. Accordingly, the services provided by NFSA members require honesty, impartiality, fairness and equity, and must be dedicated to the preservation of life and property and the further enhancement of the public safety, health and welfare. In practice of their profession, members of the National Fire Sprinkler Association must maintain and constantly improve their competence and perform under a standard of professional behavior which requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct with balanced regard for the interests of the public, clients, employees, colleagues and the greater fire protection community they serve. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

75 Industry Information for Upcoming Seminars Northern Illinois American Backflow Prevention Association Rick Marvel- President Phone: The American Backflow Prevention Association is an organization whose members have a common interest in protecting drinking water from contamination through cross-connections. ABPA is an organization dedicated to education and technical assistance. Through its network of regions and chapters, local needs and interests are supported with the resources of the national organization. ABPA is committed to advancing all aspects of backflow prevention for the continued protection of all water users. Illinois Fire Prevention Association 951 Estes Court Schaumburg, IL The association is organized for the following purposes and objectives: To promote fire prevention and fire protection, to bring the matter of adequate and approved fire prevention and fire protection practices to the attention of proper State and Municipal authorities, the industry, and the general public. The word approved shall mean according to the Rules and Regulations of the National Fire Protection Association. To cooperate in the enforcement of state and municipal codes and enactments for fire prevention and fire protection. To collect and disseminate information useful in the education of fire prevention and protection, including but not limited to technological advances, research development and current events in the industry. This Association shall be conducted not for profit. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

76 Fire Protection Retrofit Guidance Information Codes and Regulations State of Illinois Cross-Connection Control Summary Community public water supplies are required by State regulations to maintain active cross-connection control programs to protect the safety of water consumers. Increased health and safety protection for water consumers necessitated by recent backflow incidents across the country and within Illinois have increased enforcement of cross-connection regulations. Soaring liability insurance costs which specify exclusionary clauses for pollution related claims have begun to impact water supplies which do not enforce stringent cross-connection control. Industries or facilities installing or possessing backflow prevention devices must have those devices inspected and tested at the time of installation and at least annually thereafter to ensure continued proper operation. Verification of inspection must be submitted to community public water supply officials, who must ensure that appropriate inspections and maintenance of all cross-connection control devices has been performed. The cross-connection control device inspector (CCCDI) approval program is coordinated by the FOS as a basic element of the water supply program. Actual registration and instruction is primarily conducted by the Environmental Resources Training Center, Edwardsville (ERTC at SIU-E). One and two day refresher courses for device inspectors which provide hands-on testing opportunities are also held. Oneday symposiums on state-of-the-art changes and regulatory developments are held annually, coordinated by ERTC. Schedules, registration materials and other waterrelated course offerings can be received by telephoning , or faxing Municipal Plumbing Code of Chicago A potable water supply system shall be designed, installed and maintained in such a manner so as to prevent contamination from non-potable liquids, solids or gases being introduced into the potable water supply through cross-connections or any other piping connections to the system. Backflow preventer applications shall conform to table 29 ( ) as found in the Municipal Code of Chicago with amendments through April 26, The supply lines or fittings for every plumbing fixture shall be installed so as to prevent backflow Special equipment, water supply protection. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

77 The water supply for hospital fixtures shall be protected against backflow with a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer, an atmospheric vacuum breaker or an air gap. Vacuum breakers for bedpan washer hoses shall not be located less than 5 feet above the floor Backflow protection. Means of protection against backflow shall be provided in accordance with sections 29 ( ) Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers. Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers shall conform to ASSE 1013, AWWA C511 or CSA-CAN/CSA B64.3. These devices shall be permitted to be installed in areas subject to continuous pressure conditions. The relief opening shall discharge by air gap and shall be prevented from being submerged Atmospheric-type vacuum breakers. Pipe-applied atmospheric-type vacuum breakers shall conform to ASSE 1001 or CSA CAN/CSA-b Hose connection vacuum breakers shall conform to ASSE 1011, CSA CAN/CSA-B64.2, ASSE1019, ASSE 1035, CSA B64.7 or ASSE These devices shall operate under normal atmospheric pressure when the critical level is installed at the required height Double check- valve assemblies Double check-valve assemblies shall conform to ASSE 1015 or AWWA C510. Doubledetector check valve assemblies shall conform to ASSE These devices shall be capable of operating under continuous pressure conditions Location of backflow preventers. Access shall be provided to backflow preventers as specified by the installation instructions of the approved manufacturer. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

78 Protection of potable water outlets. All potable water openings and outlets shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the following Openings and outlets shall be protected by an air gap between the opening and the fixture flood level rim as specified in table 29 ( ). Openings and outlets equipped for hose connection shall be protected by means other than an air gap. 8. Openings and outlets shall be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer. 9. Openings and outlets shall be protected by a backflow preventer with an intermediate atmospheric vent. 10. Openings and outlets shall be protected by atmospheric-type vacuum breakers. The critical level of the vacuum breaker shall be set at a minimum of 6 inches (150 mm) above the flood level rim of the fixture or device. Ball cocks shall be set in accordance with Section Vacuum breakers shall not be installed under exhaust hoods or similar locations that will contain toxic fumes or vapors. Pipe applied vacuum breakers shall be installed not less than 6 inches (150 mm) above the flood level rim of the fixture, receptor, or device served. 11. All pull-out spout-type faucets shall be in compliance with CSA CAN/CSA- B125 and have an integral vacuum breaker or vent to atmosphere in their design or shall require a dedicated deck- or wall-mounted vacuum breaker. Approved deck-mounted or equipment-mounted vacuum breakers and faucets with integral atmospheric or spill proof vacuum breakers shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions and the requirements for labeling them with the critical level not less than 1 inch (25 mm) above the flood level rim. 12. Sill cocks, hose bibs, wall hydrants and other openings with a hose connection shall be protected by an atmospheric-type or pressure-type vacuum breaker or a permanently attached hose connection vacuum breaker. 13. Exceptions 1. This Section shall not apply to water heater and boiler drain valves that are provided with hose connection threads an that are intended for only tank or vessel draining. 2. This Section shall not apply to water supply valves intended for connection of clothes washing machines where backflow prevention is otherwise provided or is integral with the machine. Connections to the potable water system. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

79 Connections to the potable water system shall conform to Sections 29( ) through 29( ) Beverage Carbonator. Every water supply pipe servicing a beverage carbonator shall receive its supply through a receiving tank constructed in accordance with Section 29( ) of this Article or shall have installed in the pipe an approved stainless steel in-line pressure-type backflow preventer consisting of two check valves separated by an open air port conforming to ASSE 1012 or ASSE The air port shall not be directly connected to the drainage system Backflow Preventer. The backflow preventer shall be installed in an accessible location on the discharge side of the carbonator water supply valve. No copper tube or pipe or copper lined components shall be used for the receiving tank or its piping to the carbonator or the outlet of the stainless backflow preventer Fire protection equipment, risers, standpipes, tanks to be drained and flushed. All fire protection equipment, tanks, risers, standpipes, domestic house tanks, compression tanks and all other tanks that have a weight check valve for the backflow prevention and are supplied with water from the Chicago Waterworks System shall be drained and flushed at least every 12 months in the presence of a plumbing inspector. Further, fire protection systems and equipment shall be kept free from accumulations of sand, silt, and stagnant water which would nullify the action of the chlorine content of the city water. In addition, as per the Plumbing Code Interpretations as found on page Int.3 in the April 2006 Municipal Code of Chicago Plumbing Book, Automatic Sprinkler System Required in Basement Areas of Night Clubs or Restaurants Every existing and new building occupied as a night club or restaurant with occupancy of more than 100 persons located in the basement shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. The sprinkler system can be limited only to the basement level. The occupancy count shall be in accordance with Section 3 ( ). TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

80 If the occupant load of the basement level is 100 persons or less, then a sprinkler system per this section is not required in the basement level. As per the Plumbing Code Interpretations as found on page Int.4 in the April 2006 Municipal Code of Chicago Plumbing Book, New Buildings with an Automatic Sprinkler System and Omissions From Fire Sprinklers In order for any existing or new building to be considered fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system, all rooms or areas of the building must have sprinklers. However, Section 9( ) allows the omission of sprinklers in certain rooms or areas of the building must have sprinklers. However, Section 9( ) allows the omission of sprinklers in certain rooms or areas of building where the application of water to the contents in the room or area may cause hazard, 1. Rooms or vaults dedicated for electrical transformers, CECO vaults 2. Dedicated main building switchboard rooms 3. Generator rooms, supplying electrical power to the building 4. Dedicated electrical closets or rooms where voltage exceeds 600 volts 5. Elevator Machine Rooms 6. Elevator shafts (Sprinklers are required at bottom of the elevator pit for all newly installed sprinkler systems 7. Freezers under 200 sq ft in area 8. Rooms containing chemicals that may cause serious life or fire hazard upon the application of water. When a building is protected by a required standard or high-rise fire alarm system, the above elevator machine and electrical rooms or areas shall be protected by an appropriate detection. Note that the electrical code Section required higher temperature sprinkler heads in electrical closets and distribution rooms that are required to have sprinklers and not included on the above list Testing and Inspections per The Municipal Code of Chicago Permit holders shall make applicable tests prescribed in Sections 29 ( ) through 29 ( ) to determine compliance with provisions of this Chapter. A permit holder shall give reasonable advance notice to the Executive Director of the Department of Construction and Permits and the Commissioner of Water Management when plumbing work is ready for tests. The equipment, material, power and labor necessary for the inspection and test shall be furnished by the permit holder and the permit holder shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in the following tests. All plumbing system piping shall be tested with water, smoke or air. TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

81 Cross connection control device inspections. The department of Water shall inspect backflow prevention assemblies to determine proper installation including testing by a licensed Cross Connection Control Device Inspector. Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assemblies, double-check valve assemblies, double-detector check-valve assemblies and pressure vacuum breaker assemblies shall be tested at minimum, annually, the results of annual tests shall be reported within 30 days of tests to the Department of Water. In the event of test failure, immediate notification must be made to the Department of Water and remedial action taken to prevent the contamination of the potable water supply. The testing procedure shall be performed in accordance with one of the following standards: ASSE , Sections 1-2, ASSE , Sections 1-2, ASSE ASSE Sections 1-2, ASSE Sections 1-2, ASSE Sections 1-2, ASSE Sections , ASSE Sections , ASSE , ASSE Sections , ASSE Sections , CSA B64.1 For Further information please call the Plumbing Inspector in charge of Cross Connection at The Chicago Water Department at For applications for re-test please fax information to please include the address or the assembly being tested, what type of assembly, manufacturer s information and what the assembly is connected to and protecting as well as contact information for the tester and the company the tester is employed by so a B Permit can be issued. 4( ) Inspection Municipal Code of Chicago Fire Prevention The entire fire protection system as required by this chapter shall be tested on an annual basis by an individual or organization approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Reports of these tests shall be submitted and approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. On December 5 th 2004, the city codes were changed to require most pre-1975 highrise buildings to be retro-fitted with automatic sprinklers. Landmark and nontransient residential high-rise buildings were excluded from this requirement. Instead, a life safety evaluation will be required to be performed on these buildings. 34( ) lists materials and installation standards that existing pre-1975 high-rise buildings can use to retrofit the building with sprinklers. This code can be applied if the building is not required by code to retrofit with automatic sprinklers. Also reference 34 ( ) in The Municipal Code of Chicago Fire Prevention Code Book and 34( ) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

82 29( ) All fire protection equipment, tanks, risers, standpipes, domestic house tanks, compression tanks and all other tanks that are supplied with water from the Chicago water works system shall be drained and flushed at least every twelve months in the presence of a plumbing inspector and be kept free from accumulations of sand, silt and stagnant water which would nullify the action of the chlorine content of city water. 29( ) No city water pipe lines in any building, premises, material or storage yard which receives service from the Chicago water works system shall have for fire extinguishing purposes a Siamese or other connection that is or has been installed near any river or lake waterway where a city fire boat or city fire engine or pump may pump river or lake shore water into the city water pipes through a cross-connection is prohibited. No stationary pump or privately owned fire equipment shall be maintained for emergency use as described above in any premises adjacent to the rivers or lakes, nor shall they use cisterns or wells adjacent to the rivers or lakes for cross-connections to city water supplied pipes for emergency fire-extinguishing purposes. Just Completed a Backflow Inspector Course? Call Us Today For a Discount Off Of a New Midwest Instrument Test Kit!!! Toll Free: (866) TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

83 ILLINOIS FIRE PREVENTION ASSOCIATION 951 Estes Court Schaumburg, IL Visit us on the WEB at Application for Membership 2010 APPLICATION DATE: NEW MEMBER RENEWAL COMPANY (MEMBER) NAME: STREET ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: FAX: PRIMARY MEMBER NAME: SECONDARY MEMBER NAME (Dual Members) E- MAIL: SINGLE MEMBERSHIP COST: $ DUAL MEMBERSHIP COST: $ PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO IFPA THE IFPA MEMBERSHIP ENTITLES EACH MEMBER TO DINNER AT EACH OF THE SCHEDULED MEETINGS (2 DINNERS FOR DUAL MEMBERS). MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE IFPA WEBSITE ( A COPY CAN BE ED TO YOU UPON REQUEST. YES: NO: WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR COMPANY LISTED IN THE IFPA WEBSITE MEMBERS DIRECTORY YES: NO: IF YOU HAVE A COMPANY LOGO THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPEAR ON THE IFPA WEBSITE PLEASE FORWARD AN ELECTRONIC COPY TO OUR SECRETARY VINCE vrodriguez@262apex.com TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

84 Retrofit Sizing Guide TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)

85 Retrofit Sizing Guide TEST GAUGE & BACKFLOW SUPPLY (866)