Internal Domestic Water System Compliance

To reduce the liability risk and to provide maximum protection of the public water distribution system, consideration should be given to require the owner of a premise to provide at the owner’s expense, adequate proof that the internal domestic water system complies with the local or state plumbing code related to cross-connection control. The plumbing codes require backflow prevention devices to be installed at all locations where cross-connections exist to the “last free-flowing outlet.” Certificated of complacence could be issued to the facility owner by the public water system or plumbing code enforcement authority to be placed in a prominent location.In the event that the public water system requires a service line protection device pursuant to an ordinance or policy, the service line protection device shall be installed after the meter and upstream of the potable water line. Even where extensive “fixture outlet protection,” cross-connection control programs are in effect through the efforts of an aggressive and thorough water supply cross-connection control program, the public water system should also have an active “service line protection” program in order to address the many plumbing changes that are made and that are inherent within commercial and industrial establishments. In essence, fixture outlet protection becomes an extension beyond the “service line protection” program. A complete cross-connection control program utilizing both approaches assures safe drinking water to all water consumers.