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AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET PROJECT: Consider an ordinance amending Article II to Chapter 25 ofthe Code ofOrdinances ofthe City of Paris, the Plumbing Code, to revise various sections of said code dealing with cross-connection and backflow prevention to conform to regulations and requirements imposed by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). BACKGROUND: The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission has mandated certain requirements dealing with cross-connection and backflow prevention which prohibit any connection to a public water system where an actual or potential contamination hazard exists unless the public water system is protected from the contamination hazard. During the recent Sanitary Survey of the City of Paris water system, the TNRCC determined that the current Article II to Chapter 25 of the City of Paris Plumbing Code does not adequately identify all customers with actual or potential contamination hazards and thus the public water system is not fully protected from such hazards. DESCRIPTION: The proposed ordinance would amend Article II to Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances ofthe City ofParis, the Plumbing Code, to require all water customers engaged in certain activities which pose an actual or potential contamination hazard to the public water system to install and maintain approved backflow prevention devices attheir own expenses. Furthermore, these devices shall be tested upon installation and tested annually thereafter to insure proper operation. All backflow prevention devices shall be tested by a state certified, and City permitted, backflow prevention device tester, and reports of these tests shall be submitted to the City. The costs of testing and submittal of information is the responsibility of the customer. Adoption of the proposed amendments to Article II to Chapter 25 of the Plumbing Code will allow the City of Paris to comply with the rules and regulations for public water systems of Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Sec. 290.44(h), concerning backflow prevention, insure a safe potable water supply to the water customers of the City of Paris, and avoid further enforcement action by the TNRCC. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adoption of the proposed ordinance. STAFF CONTACT: Rodney Brashier, Environmental Services Supervisor; Herb Campbell, Director of Utilities; Larry W. Schenk, City Attorney COSTS: Failure to comply with TNRCC rules and regulations for public water systems is aviolation ofthe Texas Administrative Code and the Texas Health and Safety Code resulting in possible fines and administrative and civil penalties, as well as loss of status as a Superior Water System. COUNCIL DATE: Consider for approval at City Council's April 8, 2002, regular Council meeting. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS: See enclosed ordinance and other supporting documentation.