§ 74-111. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Air gap separation means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying pure water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other device and the rim of the receptacle.

Auxiliary water system means any water system on or available to the premises other than the waterworks. These auxiliary waters may include water from another purveyor's waterworks; water from a source such as wells, lakes or streams; process fluids; or used water. They may be polluted, contaminated or objectionable or constitute a water source or system over which the water purveyor does not have control.

Backflow means the flow of contaminants, pollutants, process fluids, used water, untreated waters, chemicals, gases or nonpotable waters into any part of a waterworks.

Backflow prevention device means any approved device, method or type of construction intended to prevent backflow into a waterworks.

Consumer means the owner or person in control of any premises supplied by or in any manner connected to a waterworks.

Consumer's water system means any water system located on the consumer's premises, supplied by or in any manner connected to a waterworks.

Contamination means any introduction into pure water of microorganisms, wastes, wastewater, undesirable chemicals or gases.

Cross connection means any connection or structural arrangement, direct or indirect, to the waterworks whereby backflow can occur.

Degree of hazard means an evaluation of the potential risk to health and the adverse effect upon the waterworks.

Double gate valve-double checkvalve assembly means an approved assembly composed of two single, independently acting checkvalves, including tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly and petcocks and test gauges for testing the watertightness of each checkvalve.

Health hazard means any condition, device or practice in a waterworks or its operation that creates or may create a danger to the health and well-being of the water consumer.

Interchangeable connection means an arrangement or device that will allow alternate, but not simultaneous, use of two sources of water.

Pollution means the presence of any foreign substance (chemical, physical, radiological or biological) in water that tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute an unnecessary risk or impair the usefulness of the water.

Pollution hazard means a condition through which an aesthetically objectionable or degrading material may enter the waterworks or a consumer's water system.

Process fluids means any fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically or otherwise contaminated or polluted which would constitute a health, pollutional or system hazard, if introduced into the waterworks. This includes but is not limited to the following:

(1)

Polluted or contaminated waters.

(2)

Process waters.

(3)

Used waters originating from the waterworks which may have deteriorated in sanitary quality.

(4)

Cooling waters.

(5)

Contaminated natural waters taken from wells, lakes, streams or irrigation systems.

(6)

Chemicals in solution or suspension.

(7)

Oils, gases, acids, alkalis and other liquid and gaseous fluids used in industrial or other processes or for firefighting purposes.

Pure water and potable water mean water fit for human consumption and use which is sanitary and normally free of minerals, organic substances and toxic agents in excess of reasonable amounts for domestic usage in the area served and normally adequate in supply for the minimum health requirement of the persons served.

Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device means a device containing a minimum of two independently acting checkvalves, together with an automatically operated pressure differential relief valve located between the two checkvalves. During normal flow and at the cessation of normal flow, the pressure between these two checks shall be less than the supply pressure. In case of leakage of either checkvalve, the differential relief valve, by discharging to the atmosphere, shall operate to maintain the pressure between the checkvalves at less than the supply pressure. The unit must include tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the device, and each device shall be fitted with properly located testcocks. These devices must be of the approved type.

Service connection means the terminal end of a service line from the waterworks. If a meter is installed at the end of the service, the service connection means the downstream end of the meter.

System hazard means a condition posing an actual or potential danger to the physical properties of the waterworks or a consumer's water system.

Used water means any water supplied by a water purveyor from the waterworks to a consumer's water system after it has passed through the service connection.

Water purveyor means an individual, group of individuals, partnership, firm, association, institution, corporation, municipal corporation, county or authority which supplies water to any person within this state from or by means of any waterworks.

Waterworks means a system that serves piped water for drinking or domestic use to the public, at least 15 connections or an average of 25 individuals for at least 60 days out of the year. The term "waterworks" includes all structures, equipment and appurtenances used in the storage, collection, purification, treatment and distribution of pure water except the piping and fixtures inside the building where such water is delivered, as set forth in Code of Virginia, § 32.1-167.

(Code 1992, § 22-76)

Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

(Code 1992, § 22-76)

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-2.