Sarasota County, FL
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Backflow Prevention
GENERAL
Utilities adopts a containment backflow prevention program providing a high level of protection for drinking water distribution system. The primary source of protection is provided through the internal backflow protection as required by the Florida Building Code and administered by the local building department. The SCPU Cross Connection Control Program prescribes secondary containment backflow preventers to be installed at the outlet side of the water meter service connection whenever Utilities has been determined that the potential for a cross-connection exists.
WATER CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY
As a condition of water service, it is the responsibility of the water service customer, as listed on the water utility account, for compliance with survey notifications, and install, operate, test, and maintain approved backflow preventer as directed by Utilities in accordance with local codes and other applicable regulations. Assignment of any of these responsibilities between a water service customer and a third party (property owner, property manager, lessor, etc.) shall be the sole responsibility of the water service customer.
All commercial water customers are required to maintain a backflow preventer at the water meter.
- Backflow preventers are required to be tested yearly to ensure they are working properly.
- Commercial customers are notified 30 days before their yearly test is due. The printed information regarding your backflow preventer(s) should be provided to your tester.
- Your tester can provide you with a confirmation number and time stamp when they have successfully submitted your annual test results.
- Repairs should be made promptly.
- Violations may result in water service being disconnected and applicable fees.
It is Utilities responsibility to notify the water customer of required compliance actions. Notifications (SAMPLE NOTICE) will be mailed first class mail to the billing address of the customer accounts. The notification contains important service information on the reverse side that should be given to the tester.
The Program will give written notice to the affected customer whenever it becomes necessary to survey, install, or test required containment backflow preventers. At a minimum, two written notices will be sent to the billing address or alternate address as specified by the customer.
1st Notice – 45 - 60 days prior to the due date the utility shall provide notice of action required.
2nd Notice - Overdue notice will be given to customers who have not complied with action required as previously directed. The second notice shall extend the due date by 21 calendar days.
3rd Notice (optional)- The Program will have the option to provide a “Final Notification” informing the customer of approaching violation and penalty to be incurred. If a Final Notification is given, it will be provided and extension of 14 calendar days to comply.
Service of water to any premises shall be discontinued by Utilities if a backflow preventer required by this manual is not installed, tested, and maintained, or if it is found that a backflow preventer has been removed, by-passed, or an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises. Notification shall be provided in accordance with Section 22-95, of the Code. In the event of a hazardous situation where contaminants are actually in the process or suspected of entering the public potable water distribution system, Utilities is authorized to take immediate steps deemed necessary to correct a hazardous condition. This shall include the right to discontinue potable water service to a premises where a hazardous condition may be occurring. Such emergency steps, including discontinuance of potable water service, may be taken without advance notice to the property owner. In any case of discontinuance, service shall not be restored until such conditions or defects that led to the discontinuation of service are corrected at the owner’s expense. The Utilities Director or designee shall notify the Department of Health within 24 hours whenever such action has been taken.
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