7400-94-1
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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
PRESCOTT, AZ
FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 – WATER SUPPLY
Supplement No.: 7400-94-1
Effective Date: March 1995
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: COY G. JEMMETT
Forest Supervisor
Date Approved: 03/1995
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by title and calendar year.
Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this supplement. Retain this
transmittal as the first page(s) of this document.
New Document
7420
Superseded Document(s)
(Supplement Number and
Effective Date)
9 Pages
0 Pages
Digest: In order by code, summarize the main additions, revisions, or removal of direction
incorporated in this supplement.
7421.1 - Protection of Water Supplies.
PNF SUPPLEMENT: 7400-94-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1995
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 - WATER SUPPLY
7421.1 - Protection of Water Supplies
5. Maintain Backflow Prevention Program (BPP) for Public Water Systems
The purpose of the BPP program is to comply with FSM 7313.3 which requires facilities to be in
compliance with operating standards listed in FSH 7309.11 (specifically the Uniform Plumbing
Code-Section 1003-Cross Connection Control); FSM 7421.1 which requires compliance with
FSH 7409.11, Chapter 73.45.3 Cross-Connections; and FSM 7421 which directs Forest Service
units to operate Federally owned drinking water systems in compliance with FSM 7420.3 which
directs Forest Service Public Water Systems to comply with State regulations when more
stringent. Arizona State Statue Title 49, Article 9, Section 353, paragraph A.2.j. requires a
public water system to implement a specified program to control contamination from backflow,
backsiphonage or cross-connection. The State of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ) Public and Semi-Public Water Supply Systems rules require that all public water
systems comply with Arizona Administrative Code R18-4-232. OPERATION: BACKFLOW
PREVENTION. It requires the forest to protect the public water supply on the Prescott National
Forest from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within the potable water
systems such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow into the public water supply; and
to provide for the monitoring and enforcement of a continuing program of backflow prevention,
which will prevent the contamination or pollution of Prescott National Forest potable water
supplies which are considered "public" by ADEQ.
The Forest Service officially adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code (latest edition) as an operating
code and standard and all local codes. However, local codes do not apply and are not enforced
on Prescott National Forest lands in Yavapai County in the State of Arizona, therefore,
references to the Building Official in the UPC shall be the Forest Supervisor. The Forest
Supervisor may delegate the authorities of the Building Official when referenced in the Uniform
Plumbing Code to a qualified employee (generally the Forest Facility Engineer) who has
Uniform Plumbing Code training.
All potable water systems on the Prescott National Forest (PNF) considered by ADEQ to be
public water systems, including facilities leased or authorized under special-use authorizations,
shall comply with the requirements of the Forest Backflow Protection Program (BPP).
PNF SUPPLEMENT: 7400-94-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1995
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 - WATER SUPPLY
RESPONSIBILITY
The Forest Supervisor (FS) is responsible for the BPP. The FS delegates the authority of
managing the BPP to the Staff Officer with Engineering responsibilities (currently the Forest
Engineer) and the District Forest Rangers (DFR) in conjunction with the Designated Forest
Facility Engineer (DFFE) entrusted with Utility Systems Operation and Maintenance duties. The
DFR's and DFFE has responsibilies for the implementation of an effective cross-connection
control program, for the enforcement of the provisions of this program and to prevent water from
unapproved sources to enter any potable water system. No water service connection to premises
shall be installed or maintained unless the public water supply is protected as required by this
program.
DEFINITIONS
AIR GAP - The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest
opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other assembly
and the flood level rim of said vessel. An approved air-gap shall be at least double the diameter
of the supply pipe, measured vertically, above the overflow rim of the vessel, and in no case less
than one inch.
ACCESSIBLE LOCATION - Generally, outside a building, roadway or recreation vehicle (RV)
parking areas readily accessible to non-disabled service personnel.
APPROVED - Accepted by the DFFE as meeting an applicable specification stated or cited in
this supplement and as suitable for the proposed use.
AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY - Any water supply on or available to the premises other than
the public potable water supply, including but not limited to water from another purveyor's
public potable water supply, treated effluent, waste waters, or industrial fluids.
BACKFLOW - The reversal of the normal flow of water caused by either backpressure or
backsiphonage.
BACKPRESSURE - The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the
distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any source other than its intended source
caused by a difference in water pressure in the potable water supply system.
BACKSIPHONAGE - The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the
distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any source other than its intended source
caused by the reduction of pressure or a vacuum in the potable water supply system.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY (BPA) - An assembly or means designed to prevent
the reversal of the normal flow of water caused by either backpressure or backsiphonage.
PNF SUPPLEMENT: 7400-94-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1995
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 - WATER SUPPLY
CROSS-CONNECTION - A direct connection between a potable water supply and another
source of unknown quality.
REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE ASSEMBLY - An assembly of two independently acting
approved check valves together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent
differential pressure relief valve located between the check valves and, at the same time, below
the first check valve. The unit shall include properly located test cocks and tightly closing shutoff valves at each end of the assembly. The entire assembly shall meet the design and
performance specifications as determined by a recognized laboratory and approved by the DFFE
for backflow prevention assemblies. To be approved, these assemblies must be installed to allow
access to a non-disabled service person for in-line testing and maintenance.
RESPONSIBLE UNIT - Generally a Ranger District (RD) of the Prescott National Forest (PNF)
is under the administrative authority of the District Ranger (DR). The DR has administrative
authority of a water system serving a Ranger Station Compound whether it is on or off Forest.
Some administrative compounds on or off Forest are administrated by the PNF Supervisors
Office under the administrative authority of the Forest Supervisor. The RD's are generally the
responsible units for operation and maintenance of water systems on their respective districts.
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY - An assembly of two independently operating
approved check valves with tightly closing shut-off valves on each end of the check valves, plus
properly located test cocks for the testing of each check valve. The entire assembly shall meet
the design and performance specifications as determined by a recognized laboratory for backflow
prevention assemblies and be approved by the DFFE. To be approved these assemblies they
must be installed to provide access for non-disabled service personnel for in-line testing and
maintenance. If installed underground they must be installed in a vault large enough for
servicing with 12" wrenches and with readily openable lids.
PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER ASSEMBLY - An assembly containing an independently
operating loaded check valve and an independently operating loaded air inlet valve located on
the discharge side of the check valve. The assembly will be equipped with properly located test
cocks and tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly.
CONTAMINATION - Any physical connection or arrangement of piping or fixtures between
two otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains potable water and the other nonpotable water or industrial fluids through which, or because of which, backflow may occur into
the potable water system. This would include any temporary connections, such as swing
connections, removable sections, four-way plug valves, spools, dummy section of pipe, swivel or
change-over assemblies or sliding multiport tube.
PNF SUPPLEMENT: 7400-94-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1995
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 - WATER SUPPLY
POLLUTION - Means the presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic or biological) in
the water which tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness
or quality of the water to a degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health but
which does adversely and unreasonably affect such waters for domestic use.
TESTER, CERTIFIED - The term "Certifed Tester" shall mean a person who holds a valid
"General" tester certification issued by the California-Nevada American Water Works
Association (Cal-Nev AWWA) Section, the Arizona State Environmental Technical Training
(ASETT) Center, or other certifying authority approved by ADEQ.
WATER, POTABLE - Any water which, according to standards recognized by PNF, is safe for
human consumption.
WATER, NONPOTABLE - Water which may not be safe for human consumption and/or is not
tested to ensure that it is.
WATER, SERVICE CONNECTION - The terminal end of the service connection from the
public potable water system; at its point of delivery to the user's water system. If a meter is
installed at the end of the service connection, then the service connection shall mean the
downstream end of the meter. Unprotected takeoffs from the service line will not be permitted
upstream of any meter or any backflow prevention assembly located at the point of delivery to
the user's water system. Service connection shall also include water service connection from a
fire hydrant and all other temporary or emergency water service connections from the public
potable water system.
APPROVAL
Each Backflow Preventive Assembly (BPA) required hereunder shall be approved by the DFFE
prior to installation, the DFFE may approve BPA's when such assemblies have received approval
from the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR) of the
University of Southern California, American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the
manufacturer maintains stocked parts at a location within a half days drive round trip.
INSTALLATION OF ASSEMBLIES (BPA's)
All assemblies shall be shown and specified on Forest Supervisor approved site plans with FFE
approved assemblies. These approvals shall be obtained prior to installation. Assemblies shall
be installed at locations and installed in an accessible location as per standard installation
drawing and/or as directed by the DFFE.
All assemblies shall have at least the same cross-sectional area as the water service and/or meter.
In those instances where a continuous water supply is necessary, two (2) sets of backflow
preventive assemblies shall be installed in parallel, if the water supply cannot be temporarily
interrupted for the testing of assemblies (BPA's).
PNF SUPPLEMENT: 7400-94-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1995
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 - WATER SUPPLY
Double check valves assemblies may be installed below ground when approved by the DFFE and
if the vault will be properly drained in accordance with standard installation detail. Installations
shall be inspected and approved by the DFFE or it's designee. Document all formal inspections.
All reduced pressure principle BPA's shall be installed above ground as per approved standard
drawing. Assemblies shall be installed in locations that allow safe testing and allow access to a
non-disabled tester. Under no conditions except as provided for herein will BPA's be installed
less than twelve (12) inches or more than twenty four (24) inches above grade level.
Installations shall be inspected and approved by the DFFE or it's designee. Document all formal
inspections.
All pressure type BPA's which are designed for periodic field testing shall be equipped with
resilient seated valves on both the upstream and the downstream side of the assembly. In
addition, test cocks shall be provided and located so that test equipment may be connected to the
assembly at such points that the pressure in each pressure zone may be detected and, in addition,
a test cock shall be located upstream of the upstream resilient seated valve, as close as possible to
the upstream resilient seated valve.
No bypass shall be installed around backflow preventive assemblies (BPA's).
All assemblies susceptible to freezing shall be protected by a method acceptable by the DFFE.
All assemblies shall be properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
and be tested annually.
WHERE ASSEMBLIES ARE REQUIRED
Approved assemblies are required, wherever indicated on ADEQ-approved construction
drawings of a Public Water System, by a Forest Service Sanitary Survey performed by the DFFE
or it's designee, by ADEQ Rules and Regulations or when recommended on an ADEQ Sanitary
Survey.
APPROVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY (ABPA)
The term ABPA means an assembly approved by the DFFE. Assemblies shall be manufactured
in full conformance with current standards established by the American Water Works
Association (AWWA C506) "Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle and Double Check Valve
Backflow Prevention
Assemblies", and shall meet the laboratory and field performance specifications of the
Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR) of the University
of Southern California.
Laboratory and Field Specifications of the FCCCHR are described in Section 10 of the most
current issue of the MANUAL OF CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL, which will be available
PNF SUPPLEMENT: 7400-94-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1995
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 - WATER SUPPLY
for inspection. The DFFE will keep and make available the Manual of Cross-Connection
Control (latest version).
The DFFE will keep a current list of approved BPA's. BPA's which may be subject to
backpressure or backsiphonage that have been fully tested and have been granted a certificate of
approval by FCCCHR shall be listed on the current list of "Approved Backflow Prevention
Assemblies".
MAINTENANCE, TESTING AND RECORDS
The DFFE shall maintain accurate records of tests and repairs made on BPA's in Permanent Case
Folders (FSM 7413.9 fourth paragraph). Records shall include the list of materials and
replacement parts used.
The DFFE shall inspect the installation, any repair, repiping, overhaul, or relocation of an
assembly. The assembly shall be tested, the test results submitted to the DFFE. The installer
shall have it inspected by the FFE and tested.
Testing, maintenance and repairs to such assemblies shall be made by a certified BPA tester who
is approved by the PNF or any other agency designated by the PNF to prescribe test methods or
to certify or approve persons to conduct such tests. It shall be the duty of the DFFE to see that
these tests are made at least once a year, on or near the anniversity date of the initial inspection.
Per FSM 7420.42 the PNF (District Ranger when system is located on a Ranger District) shall
ensure that qualified personnel monitor, operate, and maintain all potable water systems in
accordance with regulations and standards. Qualified personnel shall be trained personnel
performing primary operations of the system, who is assigned primary responsibility of the
system/s and is a ADEQ Certified Water Operator at the proper ADEQ required grade level.
Optionally, to contract with a contractor with ADEQ certified operators for proper operation and
maintenance of Forest systems. Other persons (excluding Forest volunteers) performing
operations with secondary responsibilities on the system shall be ADEQ Certified to the level
required by ADEQ.
INSPECTIONS
Potable Water System facilities must be accessible to non-disabled inspection personnel and
therefore open for inspection at all reasonable times and in emergencies to authorized
representatives (DFFE of the PNF) to ensure that cross-connections or other structural or sanitary
hazards, including violations of this program, do not exist. When such conditions becomes
known, the Forest Supervisor may immediately discontinue service to the premises until the
condition is in conformance with this supplement.
PNF SUPPLEMENT: 7400-94-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1995
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 - WATER SUPPLY
The following information will be recorded during the inspection:
1) Date of inspection.
2) Name and location of premises.
3) Name of responsible unit of premises.
4) Contact person.
5) Type of water uses on premises.
6) Sources of water.
7) Liquids under pressure.
8) All existing assemblies on both internal and service protection.
9) A detailed list of all actual or potential cross connections.
10) Type of assembly required commensurate with the degree of hazard.
In accordance with FSM 7421.23 perform a sanitary survey for all potable water systems
whenever there is a new potable water supply source or system before it becomes available for
public use; at intervals not to exceed 5 years, and whenever routine analysis determines and
check sample analysis confirms that coliform bacteria is positive, or whenever there is a
significant change in conditions which may affect the supply or system. Maintain reports for a
minimum of 10 years.
In accordance with FSM 7430.42 (7) and FSH 7309.11 (45.1) perform a condition survey for all
potable water systems annually. All BPA's shall be inspected and the inspector shall verify
required testing has been completed. The entire system shall be inspected for potential crossconnections.
Document all surveys on R-3 Potable Water System Sanitary Survey and Condition Survey
Report Sheets (15 pages) and maintain in Permanent Case Folder kept by the FFE.
DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE
Service of water to any premises may be discontinued by the Forest Supervisor if an assembly
required by this supplement is not installed, tested, and maintained, if it has been found that an
assembly has been removed or bypassed, or if a cross-connection exists on the premises. Service
will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected. Forest Supervisor may direct
that termination of service upon twenty (20) days notice in writing in non-emergency.
PNF SUPPLEMENT: 7400-94-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1995
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7400 – PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 7420 - WATER SUPPLY
EXISTING DEVICES AND USERS
If the FFE determines that an existing assembly does not meet current standards, the PNF shall
retrofit the assembly to meet current standards within 60 days.
Existing facilities that currently provide water service prior to the effective date of this
supplement are subject to all requirements imposed by this supplement.