HAR §15-319-24. Backflow Preventer and Valves

(a) Prohibition of certain connections and installations. To provide proper sanitary protection to the corporation's water supply, and to comply with the applicable statutes, rules and regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and of the state department of health, as presently adopted and from time to time amended, no cross-connections with other water supplies, or other physical connections shall exist, or be installed, located, maintained or operated, which could permit backflow of contaminated water from the consumer's premises into the corporation's water supply system, except as provided below: (1) Cross-connections with other water supplies. Existing water supplies which are in active use and cross-connected to the corporation's system will be allowed only under the following conditions: (A) Where such water supplies are regularly analyzed by the corporation, or other agencies satisfactory to the corporation, meet the requirements of the State's Safe Drinking Water Regulations and have no cross­ connections which could permit backflow of contaminated water into those water supplies; and (B) Where such water supplies do not meet the requirements of paragraph (1) above, are not normally under pressure, and are maintained solely for firefighting purposes, and, where adequate protection against backflow to the corporation's water system is provided by mechanical means, or other methods or devices, satisfactory to the corporation. 319-15 §15-319-24 (2) Other physical connections. Other physical connections may be permitted if, in the judgment of the corporation, adequate protection can be provided to the water supply of the corporation against backflow by the installation of mechanical or other methods or devices, approved by the corporation, and installed, maintained, and operated by the consumer in a manner satisfactory to the corporation at all times; provided, however, that the corporation may require the consumer to eliminate or rearrange designated plumbing or piping connections or fixtures, or to install a backflow device at the meter or other location, subject to the approval of the corporation whenever (1) the consumer is engaged in the handling of dangerous or corrosive liquids or industrial or process waters, highly contaminated water or sewage, or is engaged in the medical or dental treatment of persons who might have diseases transmittable by water; or (2) in the judgment of the corporation there exists a danger of backflow into the corporation's mains because of the possibility of unauthorized connections being created through noncompliance or inadvertence by reason of the complexity of the system or systems; or, because of failure by the consumer to provide adequately qualified personnel and supervision for maintenance and extension of the consumer's piping system or systems; or, for any other reason or cause deemed sufficient in the corporation's discretion. (b) Separate pressure system. The corporation will require the installation of mechanical or other methods or devices, on the consumer's side of the meter to prevent backflow whenever the consumer maintains a separate pressure system or a separate storage facility; or, in any way increases the pressures of the water within the 319-16 §15-319-24 consumer's premises above the pressure furnished by the corporation; or, has such equipment or arrangement of piping, storage or industrial methods or processes as might under certain conditions raise the pressure of the water within the consumer's premises above the pressure of the water in the mains of the corporation. Plans for all such installations must be approved by the corporation. (c) Location of protective devices. Any device installed for the prevention of backflow as may be required under this chapter shall unless the corporation approves otherwise in writing, be located above ground, and in such location as to be safe from flooding or submergence in water or other liquids, properly protected from external damage, freely accessible, and with adequate working room for testing and repairing. All such devices shall be tested at least once annually, and as often as required by the corporation in those instances where successive tests indicate repeated failure. Repairs, replacement of parts, etc., shall be made whenever deemed necessary by the corporation at the expense of the consumer. Completing annual tests shall be the responsibility of the consumer, and shall be performed only by the consumer or such other qualified person or persons in accordance with all applicable health and safety laws, including section 11-21, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as may be acceptable to the corporation. Records of all tests shall be made on forms prescribed by the corporation, and a copy of each such record shall be promptly furnished to the corporation. If the consumer fails to complete the proper tests and submission of records, the corporation may, in its sole discretion, complete the tests, needed repairs, and replacements, and charge the costs thereof to the consumer. (d) Conformance with laws and ordinances. The several conditions relative to installation and maintenance of cross-connections and other physical connections referred to in this section shall be subject to the changing requirements of state and federal health and 319-17 §15-319-24 environmental statutes, rules, regulations, or other authority, and any applicable county building code. (e) Discontinuance of water service for noncompliance. Failure on the part of the consumer to comply with the corporation's requirements relative to cross-connections and backflow prevention will be sufficient reason for discontinuing water service until such time as the corporation is satisfied the requirements have been met. (f) If the consumer intends to use the corporation's water system for agricultural use, the corporation shall require the installation of mechanical, or other methods or devices that have been approved by the board of water supply of the applicable county, on the consumer's side of the meter to prevent backflow at the expense of the consumer. Plans for such installations shall be approved by the corporation. As a protection to the consumer's plumbing system, a suitable pressure relief valve must be installed and maintained by the consumer at its expense when backflow devices are installed on the consumer's side of the meter. (1) Upon request of the corporation, the consumer shall present an affidavit certifying that there are no connections with other water supply systems on the consumer's premises; and (2) The consumer's failure to comply with the corporation's requirements for backflow prevention will be sufficient reason for discontinuing water service until such time as the requirements have been met. [Eff OCT 2 3 2022 ] (Auth: HRS §201H-4) (Imp: HRS §201H-9)