§ 17.10.010. Definitions.

In addition to those terms defined in the Chapter 17.08 of the code of the City of Wichita as adopted in this Code, for the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall be defined to mean:

"Air gap" means a physical separation between a supply and the flood level rim of the receptor, of at least twice the supply outlet diameter, but never less than one inch.

"Backflow" means the unwanted reverse flow of water, other liquids, gases, mixtures or other substances into the distributing pipes of a potable water supply from any source or sources. For specific conditions of backflow, see "back-siphonage" and "back-pressure."

"Backflow preventer, reduced pressure principle type" means an assembly of two internally loaded, specially designed, and independently operated check valves including an intermediate relief valve specially designed to maintain a zone of reduced pressure between these check valves, with an automatically open spillage port to the atmosphere. This assembly is also incomplete without tightly closing, resilient seating shutoff valves immediately upstream and downstream of the device (i.e.; ball valve shutoffs, resilient wedge gate or butterfly valves).

"Back-pressure" means pressure in a plumbing system higher than the supply pressure which causes a reversal of flow. (Example- pumps, thermal expansion from boilers.)

"Back-siphonage" means a backflow resulting from negative or sub-atmospheric pressures in the distributing pipes of a potable water supply.

"Barometric loop" means a loop of pipe rising at least 34 feet, at its topmost point, above the highest fixture it supplies.

"Board" means the board of appeals of plumbers and gas fitters of the City of Wichita & Sedgwick County.

"Certified installer/tester," for the purpose of this chapter, means any individual who has been duly certified by the Director of Public Works & Utilities to install, alter, repair, replace and test approved testable backflow prevention devices.

"Contaminant" means any substance that, upon entering a potable water supply, would render it a danger to life and health, as determined by the Director of Public Works & Utilities.

"Cross-connection" means any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains potable water, and the other, water of unknown or questionable safety, or steam, gases or chemicals, whereby there may be a flow from one system to the other. (Note: No physical cross-connection shall be permitted between public and private water distribution systems without prior approval of the board, approval of the director of water utilities and protection by an approved backflow prevention device.)

"Director of Public Works & Utilities" means the Director of Public Works & Utilities department or the director's authorized representative.

"Double check valve assembly" means a device consisting of two independently acting, internally loaded soft seated check valves with resilient seated, positive shutoff valves (ball valve, resilient wedge gate or butterfly valves) on both upstream and downstream ends, and properly located test ports.

"Free water surface" means a water surface that is at atmospheric pressure.

"Plumbing" means the practice, materials and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, extension and alteration of all piping fixtures, appliances and appurtenances in connection with any of the following: sanitary drainage, venting system, storm drainage facilities, and the on-site water supply systems, within or beyond the supply point to any building, structure or conveyance; also, the practice and materials used in the installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration of storm water, liquid waste or sewage, and water supply systems of any premises to their connection with any point of public disposal or other acceptable terminal.

"Pollutant" means any foreign substance (organic, inorganic, radiological or biological) in water that tends to degrade its quality, but does not constitute a health hazard, as determined by the Director of Public Works & Utilities.

"Pressure vacuum breaker" means a device consisting of both upstream and downstream resilient seated shutoff valves, and at least one tight-seating check valve with an air inlet to atmosphere. The valve member opening to atmosphere shall be gravity or spring loaded to open under backsiphonage conditions.

"Spill-resistant vacuum breaker" means a device consisting of both upstream and downstream resilient seated shutoff valves, and at least one tight-seating check valve with an air inlet atmosphere. The valve member opening to atmosphere shall be gravity or spring loaded to open under backsiphonage conditions.

"Testable backflow preventers" are approved, pressure vacuum breakers, spill resistant vacuum breakers, double check valve assemblies, and reduced pressure principle type assemblies.

"Vacuum" means any absolute pressure less than that exerted by the atmosphere.

"Vacuum breaker" means a device that permits air into a water supply distribution line to prevent back-siphonage.

(Ord. No. 49-403, § 7, 12-11-2012)