[StBernard] DHH's Cross Connection Control Program requires compliance with plumbing regulations: Most single family dwellings with one water meter are exempt

[Westley Annis]

DHH's Cross Connection Control Program requires compliance with plumbing
regulations

Most single family dwellings with one water meter are exempt

 

In discussion with officials from the Department of Health and Hospitals, it
has been explained that St. Bernard Parish Government must once again
enforce the Cross Connection Control Prevention Program as required by State
Regulation - (Title 51, Part XII of the Sanitary Code, State of Louisiana
Plumbing Code and Recommended Standards for Water Works) which has been
adopted by the Department of Health and Hospitals.

 

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, St. Bernard Parish Government's Water and Sewer
Division had in force an approved and accepted Cross Connection Control
Program. This is also known as a Back Flow Prevention Program, which stops
water from coming back into the water distribution system.

 

As of May 1, 2010, owners of property that are defined by the regulation
must comply with this provision of the State Plumbing Code.  Generally, all
single family dwellings are exempted because the location is served by a
single water meter. However, if you have installed a second meter for lawn
irrigation purposes, you are required to have an Atmospheric or Pressure
Type Vacuum Breaker installed for that meter.  All apartment complexes,
duplexes and certain places of businesses that are served by a single meter
must comply with this rule.  

 

The devices are required to be tested annually by a Back Flow Preventer
Assembly Tester who meets the American Society of Sanitary Engineers 5000
Professional Qualification Standard or by other individuals who hold a
testing certificate from a nationally recognized backflow certification
organization approved by the State Health Officer. An annual $50 filing fee
per device must be paid to the St. Bernard Parish Water and Sewer Division.

 

If your residence or business already has a backflow preventer installed,
please provide our office with a copy of your most recent annual inspection
report.  Reports shall be mailed to Jacob B. Groby III, Superintendent of
Quality Control, P.O. Box 1278, Chalmette, Louisiana  70043. 

 

Copies of this requirement may be obtained free of charge at the Water &
Sewer Department.  Please contact Mr. Groby at (504) 271-1681 x 234, if you
have any questions or require any additional information. His email is
jgroby at sbpg.net.

 

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