Statutes, codes, and regulations
District Of Columbia Administrative Code
Title 12 - CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2017Subtitle 12-F - PLUMBING CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2017
Chapter 12-F6 - WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
Rule 12-F608 - PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-F608

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Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 44, November 1, 2024
Rule 12-F608 - PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY

Strike Section 608.13.2 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 608.13.2 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows:

608.13.2

Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies. Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies shall conform to ASSE 1013, AWWA C511, CSA B64.4 or CSA B64.4.1. Reduced pressure detector assembly backflow preventers shall conform to ASSE 1047. These assemblies shall be permitted to be installed where subject to continuous pressure conditions. The relief opening shall discharge by air gap a nd shall be prevented from being submerged. These assemblies shall not be installed in pits or vaults.

Insert a new Section 608.13.9 into the Plumbing Code to read as follows:

608.13.9

Chemical dispenser backflow devices. Backflow devices for chemical dispensers shall comply with ASSE 1001, 1011, 1013, 1051, 1020, 1035, 1052 or 1056.

Instead of a backflow device, connections to chemical dispensers shall be protected against backflow by an air gap or an air gap fitting meeting ASME A112.1.3.

Strike Section 608.14 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 608.14 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows:

608.14

Location of backflow preventers. The location and installation of backflow preventers shall meet access and clearance requirements specified by the manufacturer's instructions and DC Water design specifications.

Strike Section 608.16.4 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 608.16.4 into the Plumbing Code in its place to read as follows:

608.16.4

Connections to automatic fire sprinkler systems and standpipe systems. The potable water supply to automatic fire sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be protected against backflow by one of the following methods:

1. If t he systems contain no chemical additives, by a double check backflow prevention assembly conforming to ASSE 1015 or by a double check detector fire protection backflow prevention assembly conforming to ASSE 1048.
2. If either system contains chemical additives, by a reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow preventer conforming to ASSE 1013 or by a reduced pressure detector fire protection backflow prevention assembly conforming to ASSE 1047.

Exception: Where systems are installed as a portion of the water distribution system in accordance with the requirements of this code and are not provided with a fire department connection, separate backflow protection of the water supply system from the fire suppression system shall not be required.

Strike Section 608.16.7 of the International Plumbing Code in its entirety and insert a new Section 608.16.7 into the Plumbing Code to read as follows:

608.16.7

Chemical dispensers. Where chemical dispensers connect to the potable water distribution system, the water supply system shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Section 608.13.9.

Insert a new Section 608.18 into the Plumbing Code to read as follows:

608.18

Fire hydrant use connections. Connection to a fire hydrant for any use other than firefighting operations shall require pre-approval by DC Water, shall be metered and shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Section 608. The connection shall include a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer conforming to ASSE 1013, suitable for high-hazard applications, which shall carry a current inspection tag less than six (6) months old. The assembly shall be installed within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the hydrant water meter and ahead of any water outlet.

Exceptions:

1. Metering shall not be required for hydrant operations performed by DC Water.
2. Where authorized by DC Water the use of an air gap in lieu of a backflow preventer shall be allowed for hydrant operations performed by or on behalf of DC Water or an agency of the District of Columbia government.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-F608

Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 5679 (5/29/2020)