Spokane Municipal Code

Title 13 Public Utilities and Services

Chapter 13.04 Water

Article I. General Provisions

Section 13.04.0816 Definitions

 

For purposes of the Cross-Connection Control program, the following definitions apply:

1. “Backflow” is the flow of water or other liquids, fluids, gases, or any substance whatsoever from a source outside the public water supply back into the public water supply. Backflow or reversed flow may occur due to either back pressure (pushing) or back siphonage (pulling).

2. “Backflow prevention device” is a device or assembly, approved by the Water and Hydroelectric Services Director or Health Officer, designed and tested to counteract back pressure and back siphonage.

3. “Premise Isolation” is a method of backflow prevention requiring the installation of a backflow assembly or device at the point a water service line enters the premises served.

4. “Contamination” is the entry into or presence in the public water supply of any substance which the Water and Hydroelectric Services Director or Health Officer determines will or might adversely affect the public health or the aesthetic qualities of the water (appearance, taste, or odor).

1. 1. “Contaminated water” is water with contamination.

5. “Cross-Connection” is any physical arrangement whereby the public water supply of the City of Spokane is connected, directly or indirectly, or in the judgment of the Water and Hydroelectric Services Director or Health Officer, has a risk of becoming connected, to a source of contamination as a result of backflow. Sources of contamination might include, but are not limited to:

1. 1. public or private water system, not managed by City of Spokane Water and Hydroelectric Services Department,

1. 2. non potable tank or storage reservoir,

1. 3. sewer line,

1. 4. drain,

1. 5. conduit,

1. 6. pool, or

1. 7. any plumbing or fixture whatsoever

1. 8. well or pump system not managed by City of Spokane Water and Hydroelectric Services Department.

6. “Cross-Connection Control Manual” or “Manual” is the latest edition of “Accepted Practice and Procedure in Cross-Connection Control” promulgated by the Pacific Northwest section of the American Waterworks Association. A copy of the manual is available for public inspection at the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department offices.

7. “Cross-Connection Control program” is the City of Spokane’s effort to prevent and control Cross-Connections, as required by WAC 246-290-490, expressed in the cross-connection control manual, SMC 13.04.0814 through SMC13.04.0824, and any regulations or orders issued by the director in implementation of said program.

8. “Customer” is any person or other entity at premises reflected in the files of the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department as an authorized connection to the City’s public water service system.

1. “Director” is the director or administrative head of the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department.

10. “In Premise Isolation” is a method of backflow prevention where a backflow assembly or device is located at a point of a cross-connection, rather than the premises or property line.

11. “Service connection” or “service line” or “service lateral” is the connection between the public water supply system to a customer’s premises or customer-operated distribution system.

 

Date Passed: Monday, December 8, 2025

Effective Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026

ORD C36777 Section 16