62-555.360 Cross-Connection Control for Public Water Systems.
(1) Cross-connection, as defined in Rule 62-550.200, F.A.C., is prohibited. However, a person who owns or manages a public
water system may interconnect to another public water system if that system is operated and maintained in accordance with this
chapter.
(2) Community water systems, and all public water systems that have service areas also served by reclaimed water systems
regulated under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall establish and implement a routine cross-connection control program to
detect and control cross-connections and prevent backflow of contaminants into the water system. This program shall include a
written plan that is developed using recommended practices of the American Water Works Association set forth in Recommended
Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control, AWWA Manual M14, as incorporated into Rule 62-555.330,
F.A.C.
(3) Upon discovery of a prohibited cross-connection, public water systems shall either eliminate the cross-connection by
installation of an appropriate backflow prevention device acceptable to the Department or shall discontinue service until the
contaminant source is eliminated.
(4) Only the following are considered to be backflow prevention devices. They shall be installed in agreement with and under
the supervision of the supplier of water or his designated representative (plumbing inspector, etc.) at the consumer’s meter, at the
property line of the consumer when a meter is not used, or at a location designated by the supplier of water or the Department. The
devices are:
(a) Air gap separation – A physical separation between the free-flowing discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline and
an open or non-pressure receiving vessel. An “approved airgap separation” shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe
measured vertically above the top of the rim of the vessel. In no case shall it be less than 1 inch.
(b) Reduced pressure backflow preventer – A device containing within its structure a minimum of two independently acting
approved check valves, together with an automatically operating pressure differential relief valve located between the two check
valves. The first check valve reduces the supply pressure a predetermined amount so that during normal flow and at cessation of
normal flow the pressure between the checks shall be less than the supply pressure. In case of leakage of either check valve, the
differential relief valve, by discharging to the atmosphere, shall operate to maintain the pressure between the checks less than the
supply pressure. The unit shall include tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the device, and each device shall be
fitted with properly located test cocks.
(c) Atmospheric vacuum breaker – A backflow prevention device which is operated by atmospheric pressure in combination
with the force of gravity. The unit is designed to work on a vertical plane only. The one moving part consists of a poppet valve
which must be carefully sized to slide in a guided chamber and effectively shut off the reverse flow of water when a negative
pressure exists.
(d) Pressure vacuum breaker – A pressure vacuum breaker is similar to an atmospheric vacuum breaker except that the
checking unit poppet valve is activated by a spring. This type of vacuum breaker does not require a negative pressure to react and
can be used on the pressure side of a valve.
(e) Double check valve assembly – An assembly composed of two single, independently acting, check valves, including tightly
closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly and suitable connections for testing the water tightness of each check
valve. A check valve is a valve that is drip-tight in the normal direction of flow when the inlet pressure is one psi and the outlet
pressure is zero. The check valve shall permit no leakage in a direction reverse to the normal flow. The closure element (e.g.,
clapper) shall be internally weighted or otherwise internally loaded to promote rapid and positive closure.
(f) Residential Dual Check – A compact unit manufactured with two independent spring actuated check valves. The residential
dual check is acceptable only as added back-flow prevention in areas served by reuse systems defined in Chapter 62-610, Part III,
F.A.C., when the cross connection control program identifies activities specific to paragraphs (5)(a) and (5)(b) of this section.
(5) Cross connection control programs specific to reuse systems defined in Chapter 62-610, Part III, F.A.C., shall consider the
following:
(a) Enhanced public education efforts towards prevention of cross connections.
(b) Enhanced inspection programs for portions of the distribution system in areas of reuse for detection and elimination of
cross connections.
(c) Dual check valves shall be considered acceptable for reducing risks from back-flow only at residential properties served by
reclaimed water unless:
1. Local codes, ordinances, or regulations require greater levels of back-flow prevention.
2. Other hazards exist on the property that require a greater level of back-flow prevention.
Specific Authority 403.086(8), 403.861(9) FS. Law Implemented 403.086(8), 403.855(3) FS. History–New 11-19-87, Formerly 17-22.660,
Amended 1-18-89, 1-3-91, 1-1-93, Formerly 17-555.360, Amended 8-28-03.