(1) All customers are responsible for having their backflow assemblies tested annually and ensuring the test reports are submitted to WSSC.

(2) WSSC intends to send a past due notification of testing requirements, using a standardized informational letter, which outlines the requirements and a specific period of time for the customer to comply. If customer does not provide a response in the specified time period, WSSC shall send a notice of violation (NOV).

(1) WSSC may inspect existing backflow preventers to determine if the assembly has been altered, bypassed, removed or made otherwise ineffective.

(2) During the inspection, WSSC will inspect the entire plumbing system to assess if the plumbing configuration is in compliance with current cross-connection control standards and the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code.

(3) WSSC will inspect for proof of timely testing of existing backflow preventers.

(4) WSSC will inspect for unprotected water end uses/outlets within the system.

(5) WSSC will prioritize its inspections and perform such inspections as often as staffing levels allow.

(6) Although WSSC does not generally inspect residential backflow-prevention assemblies or devices, WSSC reserves the right to conduct residential inspections on a case-by-case basis as it deems necessary or appropriate.

(1) WSSC shall review plans and specifications for new and design-retrofit commercial and industrial construction to determine the degree of hazard. WSSC shall determine the backflow prevention requirements in accordance with the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code.

(2) WSSC shall review final plans and specifications for cross-connection control, and no construction shall take place until WSSC approves those plans and specifications.

(1) Notice of Violation.

(2) Stop Work Order. Upon notice from the Code Official, any work that the Code Official deems to be performed contrary to the provisions of the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease.

(3) Civil Citations.

(4) Authority to Condemn Equipment. Whenever a Code Official determines that any installation, or portion thereof, regulated by the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code has become hazardous to life, health or property or has become unsanitary, the Code Official shall order in writing that such installation either be removed or restored to a safe or sanitary condition.

(1) WSSC will use its automated facilities management database and work-order system to track customers’ backflow-prevention assemblies and devices.

(2) WSSC will maintain an inventory record for each facility served that uses backflow-prevention assembly(s) and device(s).

(3) An inventory record for each backflow preventer will include the location, type, serial number, and history of all inspections, tests, rebuilds, etc.

(4) WSSC will make it possible for test reports to be submitted online into WSSC’s database by the Backflow Technician. The test report submittal fee is required to be paid for all submissions. WSSC will have additional quality-control functionality to implement a validation process to ensure data accuracy.

(5) WSSC will keep records of the investigation and subsequent corrective action taken for backflow incidents in accordance with WSSC’s document retention policy.