§ 20-04 Backflow Prevention Devices, Water Hammer Arresters, Pumps and Separation Valves.
RCNY § 20-04
(a)Backflow prevention devices. Air Gap, Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies (RPZs), and Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVs) are approved backflow prevention devices (BFPs). Double Check Detector Assemblies (DCDAs) and Reduced Pressure Detector Assemblies (RPDAs), which are an outgrowth of DCVs, can be used only on the fire water service. BFPs must be installed to prevent possible backflow from a commercial property or dwelling unit into a City water main, private water main, or internal water main (see15 RCNY § 20-05(a)(2)(ii)). A property owner must install an approved BFP in every water service connection that has a potential or actual cross connection hazard, as determined by the Commissioner.
(b)Backflow prevention device requirements. Containment backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed on the service line upon entrance into the property, to address actual or potential hazards, as follows: DEP Containment Requirement Degree of Hazard Protection Required HazardousAir Gap or Reduced Pressure Zone AssemblyAesthetically ObjectionableDouble Check Valve AssemblyNon-Hazardous with Hazardous Fixtures (large/chemically treated boilers, cooling towers, etc.)Double Check Valve Assembly (provided that internal protective devices are installed for these hazardous fixtures in accordance with Department of Building requirements)Non-Hazardous FacilitiesInternal Plumbing Control Subject to review by the Department, the degree of hazard shall be assessed by the property owner's New York State Licensed Professional Engineer, or Registered Architect in accordance with regulations established by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Refer to the latest Supplement to the NYSDOH Handbook for Cross Connection Control, as revised by DEP.
(c)Cross connection control reviews. A Cross Connection Control Review is required prior to approval of a permit application for installation of a corporation stop (tap) or wet connection that will be used to supply water to a property that poses a backflow hazard. A Cross Connection Control Review is also required prior to installation of a wet connection. Approval of Cross Connection submissions are for backflow prevention devices only and does not constitute approval of the meter setting or other aspects of the water service design. Cross Connection Control Reviews are valid for two (2) years from the date of approval.
(d)Installation of backflow prevention devices and initial testing requirements.
(1)Where the Commissioner determines that a facility poses a potential or actual hazard to the City Water Supply, he or she must direct the property owner to install an approved backflow prevention device in the service connection.
(2)A Professional Engineer or Registered Architect must submit an application and installation plans for a backflow prevention device to the Department for approval to install a RPZ or a Double Check Valve Assembly along with the appropriate filing fee. After plan approval, a Licensed Master Plumber must submit an application to the Department of Buildings for a work permit to install a RPZ or a Double Check Valve Assembly. RPZs and Double Check Valve Assemblies must be installed in accordance with plans approved by the Department, and metering shall be permitted from the Department's Bureau of Customer Services, prior to work. A Professional Engineer or Registered Architect and a Licensed Master Plumber must inspect and certify that the completed installation conforms to the plans approved by the Department and is in proper working order by submitting an initial test report (From Gen 215-B) for each device to the Department within 30 days of testing the backflow prevention device.
(3)A property owner who fails to install a backflow prevention device as directed by the Commissioner or fails to submit an initial test report to the Department within 30 days of testing of the RPZs or Double Check Valve Assemblies is subject to the issuance of summonses, cease and desist orders, other civil and criminal actions and proceedings, and such fines, penalties and other enforcement measures as may be imposed pursuant to § 24-346 of the Administrative Code, including but not limited to the termination of the water supply to the property or to any portion thereof or a facility therein which the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings or the Commissioner may deem necessary to prevent or alleviate any hazard to the City Water Supply.
(4)The property owner must pay any fees which the New York City Water Board may establish and publish in the Water and Wastewater Rate Schedule in connection with the termination or restoration of Water service to the property owner.
(e)Backflow prevention device testing requirements after initial testing.
(5)Any submitted RPZ or Double Check Valve Assembly test report must be complete originals. Initial test reports must include the Registered Architect or Professional Engineer stamp and the Licensed Master Plumber seal. Annual test reports must include the Licensed Master Plumber seal.
(6)Initial or annual test reports that do not show a properly working device will not be accepted by the Department. Defects in any device tested must be repaired within thirty (30) days, and the repair must be followed by a retest. Retest results must be submitted to the Department within thirty (30) days of completion of the repair.
(7)Test reports must be submitted as specified at the bottom of Form GEN215-B.
(f)Suspension of service due to backflow.
(g)Water hammer arresters. Where flushometers, suction tanks, other fixtures or piping are equipped with quick closing valves and are supplied by direct street pressure, an approved water hammer arrester shall be installed in the service pipe two (2) feet downstream of the meter setting or as required by the New York City Plumbing Code.
(h)Suction tanks.
(i)Backflow prevention assembly decommission / swapping / removal.
(ii)The premises shall be surveyed by the Department authorized inspectors to determine the presence and prevalence of potential hazards to ensure the water system protection is in accordance with the Program requirements.
(iii)Replacement (Swapping): An assembly may be removed for replacement (swapping) or repair provided that the water use is discontinued until the replaced assembly is installed or repair is completed and the assembly is returned to service. All replaced assemblies shall be commensurate with the degree of health hazard involved. Water use may be continued if the service connection is equipped with another backflow protection approved by the Department. Testing and certification of the replaced/repaired assembly shall be required upon replacement/repair. Lead-Free assembly shall be installed for the human domestic consumption. (Amended City Record 7/26/2021, eff. 8/25/2021)
