MH-5-3601 - DEFINITIONS.

The following words when used in any provision of this chapter shall be construed to have the following meaning:

(a)

Air-Gap Separation. The term "air-gap separation" means a physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel. The air-gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel, in no case less than one inch (1″).

(b)

Approved Backflow Prevention Device. The term "approved backflow prevention device" shall mean devices which have passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated their competency to perform such tests to the California Department of Health Services.

(c)

Approved Water Supply. The term "approved water supply" means any water supply whose potability is regulated by a state or local health agency.

(d)

Auxiliary Supply. The term "auxiliary supply" means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the approved water supply.

(e)

AWWA Standards. The term "AWWA Standard" means an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

(f)

Backflow. The term "backflow" shall mean a flow condition, caused by a differential in pressure that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source. Back siphonage is one cause of backflow. Back pressure is the other cause.

(g)

Contamination. The term "contamination" means a degradation of the quality of the potable water by any foreign substance which creates a hazard to the public health, or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.

(h)

Cross-Connection. The term "cross-connection" as used in this chapter means any unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome, and potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.

(i)

Double Check Valve Assembly. The term "double check valve assembly" means an assembly of at least two (2) independently acting check valves including tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the water tightness of each check valve.

(j)

Health Agency. The term "health agency" means the California Department of Health Services, or the local health agency with respect to a small water system.

(k)

Local Health Agency. The term "local health agency" means the county or city health authority.

(l)

Person. The term "person" means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.

(m)

Premises. The term "premises" means any and all areas on a water user's property which are served by the public water system.

(n)

Public Water System. The term "public water system" means a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption that has five (5) or more service connections or regularly serves an average of twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days out of the year.

(o)

Reclaimed Water. The term "reclaimed water" means a wastewater, which as a result of treatment, is suitable for uses other than potable use.

(p)

Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device. The term "reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device" means a device incorporating two (2) or more check valves and an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two (2) checks, a tightly closing shut-off valve on each side of the check valve assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks for testing.

(q)

Service Connection. The term "service connection" refers to the point of connection of a user's piping to the water supplier's facilities.

(r)

Water Supplier. The term "water supplier" means the person who owns or operates the approved water supply system.

(s)

Water User. The term "water user" means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply system.

(Ord. 4192 § 1 (part), 2003)