§ 15.12.070. Cross-connections prohibited—Contamination prevention requirements.

A.

A cross connection is any connection between the water supply system ("system") of the metropolitan government and any other water supply system or any connection between the system and any other system or device that could cause a backflow, backsiphonage or provide an entry point of any material, fluid or otherwise, into the system.

B.

In the interest of protecting the public drinking water supply from contamination resulting from cross connections, the department of water and sewerage services ("department") is authorized to develop and administer a cross connection control plan ("plan") in accordance with standards established under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 and statutes and rules of the State of Tennessee governing public water systems. A copy of the plan shall be placed on file with the metropolitan clerk, and may be modified from time to time by the department as necessary.

C.

To the extent the plan calls for the department to test private equipment and devices, the reasonable costs of such tests shall be the responsibility of the owner of such equipment and devices. The department shall bill and collect such costs in the same manner as other charges for water and sewerage services.

D.

It is unlawful for any person to cause a cross connection to be made or to allow one to exist for any purpose without the express written consent of the department.

E.

The department will approve requests for cross connections only where such requests are consistent with the criteria established in the plan.

F.

The department shall, after reasonable efforts to notify the owner or other responsible entity, physically disconnect the water service line serving any property having or maintaining an unapproved cross connection. Service shall be restored only after the cross connection has been eliminated or an approved and functioning backflow prevention device is installed in accordance with the plan.

(Ord. BL2005-844 § 1, 2006; prior code § 40-1-12)