(a) Water supply. The initial water supply of a public interactive water feature or fountain (PIWF) shall be potable water. (b) Water distribution system. All portions of the water distribution system serving a PIWF shall be protected against backflow and back siphonage. For purposes of these rules, this means a high hazard preventer such as a reduced-pressure-principle blackflow preventer meeting the requirements of American Society of Sanitary Engineering ASSE Standard 1013 2009, as amended, and approved for use in potable water systems possibly subjected to backsiphonage or high backpressure. An air-gap designed to ASME Standard A112.1.2 is an acceptable high-hazard backflow preventer. No direct mechanical connection shall be made between the chlorinating equipment or system of piping for the PIWF and a sanitary sewer system, septic system, or other wastewater disposal system. (c) Hose bibs. Hose bibs shall be protected with a vacuum beaker. (d) Backwash water. Filter backwash water or drainage water from a PIWF shall be discharged or disposed of as wastewater in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality or local regulatory authority. |