Revised 5/11/06
What steps must I take to get water to my project?
Generally, most new construction projects occur on undeveloped parcels of land in which roadways are constructed. This, therefore, requires the installation of new water main, fire hydrants, and service lines. It also may necessitate the installation of backflow prevention devices (RPZ) for compliance with Suffolk County Health Department regulations.
Sometimes, the project may be located on a public road where the Authority has existing water supply which will provide adequate supply for the new construction. In this case, water service will consist of the domestic service line, backflow protection, and possibly fire sprinkler service.
For water main extensions, the developer/builder must enter into a contract with the Authority to have the main, fire hydrants, and other appurtenances installed. Detailed site plans, easement information, fire hydrant locations, and service line locations must be supplied to the New Service Department for review. The Authority's New Service Department is the contact point and information source for the installation process. It is important, therefore, to contact the New Service Department in your project area early in the design stage of your project.
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Who can I talk to?
The New Service Department is the source for all the new construction information and transaction processing. When contacting the Authority, ask for the New Service Department. A New Service representative will guide you through the application and new construction process. For water main extensions, one of our new service managers will oversee your project. The New Service Department is located at:
New Construction Service
4060 Sunrise Hwy
Oakdale, NY 11769
(631) 218-1148
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What paperwork do I need to provide and complete?
A site plan is required, which includes tax map numbers and tie-ins to the nearest existing cross streets. For developments and large commercial buildings, five (5) initial site plans are needed. In addition, easement descriptions for all roadways, flow demand, drainage plans, and backflow design plans are required. For water main extensions, a contract and hydrant agreement must be executed. Contract packages, which include easement information, hydrant locations, and other requirements, must be returned complete with the execution of the contract. Incomplete packages will not be accepted.
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How much will it cost?
The following is a schedule of new construction fees:
Water Main Installation
Public roadway water main installation.....$82/ft.*
Unimproved roadway main installations....$85/ft*
New Construction and Commercial properties are based on.Actual Cost
Maintenance Agreement fee (Optional)....$18.60 /ft.
* Effective during the current construction season (March-December 2011)
Connection Fees and Meters**
1" water service.....................................$1,650
1 1/2" ..................................................$4,100 plus $500.00 vault fee
2"........................................................$4,300 plus $500.00 vault fee
Meter vault (1 1/2" 2")............................$500
4"........................................................$5,700*
6"........................................................$5,900*
8"........................................................$6,400*
10"......................................................$6,800*
12"......................................................$7,600*
Meter Vault (Over 2").............................Your cost based on our specs. (DT201 Plans available from the New Service Department)
*Additional fees are required for full flow fire meters 4" or larger.
**May be subject to additional costs if directional bore required.
Water Main Extensions
$72.00 ~ foot for projects with road restoration
$55.00 ~ foot for projects without road restoration
Road Opening Permits...........................No charge
Inspection fee........................................No charge (first inspection)
Service line reinspection.........................$25 each
** State & county roads may be subject to additional directional boring costs
Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrant annual rental........................$160.20 per hydrant
Special Service Area Fees
Delimited areas......................................Established area rate
Surcharges............................................Established contract rate
***Key Money........................................$3,000 per lot for 1" service (based on service size)
*** Applicable in Montauk Hamlet & Southold Township
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What are the stages of the water main installation process?
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Provide the New Service Department with your site plans and discuss your project with a new service manager
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Obtain a cost estimate
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Provide fire hydrant location information and fire district approval
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Request a contract
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Execute contract
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Provide easement information
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Prepare your site -- install all curbs, drainage, mark service line and hydrant locations, grade all roadways (Appendix 1)
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Fax Site Preparation Form to our Construction Department (Appendix 2)
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Remit tapping/service line fees
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Pipe line inspector will inspect your site for readiness
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Water main installation is scheduled after site readiness has been verified
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Water main installation
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Chlorination of water main
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Bacteriological sample sent to our laboratory
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Sample passes, main is plugged and put "in service"
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Service orders are released to our Construction Department
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Taps and service lines are installed from the water main to the property line
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How long does the process take?
Generally, from the time the contract is executed it takes 90 to 120 days to complete the installation process. Delays will occur if the proper paperwork has not been provided to the New Service Department and/or the job site has not been prepared properly. (e.g. fire hydrant location approval, easement clearance, etc.)
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What jobsite preparation is required?
To ensure proper installation, the job site must be prepared before our inspector visits the site. All roadways must be on grade with grade stakes installed as appropriate. All service line and hydrant locations must be marked by painting the location on the curb and staking the property line. Drainage and curbing must be installed before we can begin.
The Jobsite Preparation Form, which is included in the contract packet, MUST be faxed to our Construction Department as soon as the site has been prepared. Our site inspector will inspect your project only after the form has been received. (Appendix 1 & Appendix 2).
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What special requirements are necessary for commercial buildings?
Commercial buildings often require additional service. This may include fire sprinkler service, master metering, and backflow prevention devices (e.g. reduced pressure zone device, RPZ). It is important to discuss your specific needs with our New Service Department. Our representative will guide you through the process along with assistance from a new service manager as needed.
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When do I need easements?
Easements are required whenever our water main is to be installed on private property. Generally, the water main is installed only within the public right-of-ways; however, there are instances where private property installations are necessary.
Easements are required for all new subdivision roadways that have not been dedicated to the town. The developer must submit four (4) site maps, along with the easement metes and bounds description, and two (2) copies of our Deed and Mortgage F114 to our New Service Department which will be forwarded to our easement attorney for processing.
In the case of subdivisions requiring easements, the Authority can provide a supplemental agreement to the water main contract. Under the terms of the supplemental agreement, we will begin easement work and construction drawings in consideration of 10% of the contract price (minimum deposit $2,500) against the total contract amount. Once easements are cleared, we will notify you that the remainder of the contract amount is due and that the Authority is ready to proceed with the installation, subject to site preparation.
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What is necessary for fire hydrant installation?
In general, the local fire district's board of fire commissioners must approve all hydrant locations. An approval letter must be signed by the fire commissioner and returned to the New Service Department,, along with a map indicating the approved hydrant locations. The project will not proceed until hydrant locations are approved by the local fire commissioner.
After the hydrant locations have been approved, the developer must enter into a hydrant rental agreement with the Authority to cover the rental cost of hydrants installed on private roadways. For roadways which will be dedicated to the town, the term of this agreement is six (6) years, or until the hydrant rental is assumed by a public fire protection agency, during which time title to the roadway(s) will be transferred to the town.
Fire protection agreements are also required for private hydrants that are not metered. One of our customer service managers will assist you in this procedure.
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What if I only need a service line(s)?
Before a service line can be installed, it must be verified by a site plan/survey that a water main of adequate size currently exists on the roadway adjacent to the site. For large commercial projects, a flow demand letter, indicating daily and peak flows in gallons per minute (G.P.M.) for domestic and fire flow, must be submitted to the New Service Department to ensure proper service sizing and adequate supply. Additional costs are required for full flow meters.
Once the above has been completed, application for service can be made by completing an application card and submitting the appropriate fee(s). (See above.)
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What are the installation requirements for house service lines?
All house service lines must be installed according to the Authority's Rules & Regulations. Each installation MUST be inspected by our representative before being backfilled. Only licensed plumbers can install house service lines. (See (Appendix 3) for installation and inspection details.)
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Do I need a backflow prevention device?
On all new residential homes, the Authority installs a dual check valve on the outlet side of the meter. This provides protection for most residential situations.
Backflow prevention is required for all commercial domestic services as well as all firelines.
Contact our Cross Connection Control Department early on to determine if you will need to install a backflow prevention device.
Click to download our RPZ Booklet
More info on Backflow Devices
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Can SCWA install and maintain water main on my project's site even though the roadways remain private?
Yes! By entering into a water main maintenance agreement, the Authority will install and maintain the water main and fire hydrants on your site. A one-time advance maintenance fee is required. This arrangement is often advantageous when the water main is installed within a commercial complex such as a condominium complex, office park, or school. For more details contact the New Service Department.
Appendix 1
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
OAKDALE, NEW YORK
DISTRIBUTION CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT
The following general information has been prepared to assist builders in order to properly comply with certain requirements of the Authority preparatory to the installation of water mains under construction contracts as well as fire hydrants.
I. EASEMENTS AND PAYMENTS
Construction plans are released to this department for installation only after the local new service managers notify us that all easements have been cleared and monies have been received. Any inquiries regarding these items should be made to the new service manager.
II. JOB SITE PREPARATION
Inspection will not be done until "Site Preparation Form" see (Appendix 2) has been completed and faxed to the Construction Maintenance Department by the builder. If the inspection fails there is an $80.00 reinspection fee which must be paid to the New Service Department prior to reinspection.
(a) All required curbs, drainage, and sewers must be completed before the Authority will start construction. Water mains are normally installed in the streets, under pavement, above five (5) feet from the curb. Uniform location and proper depth are essential.
(b) The streets must be graded for a full width of each street as close as possible to finished grade or to subgrade, whichever the builder prefers, as long as the grade is uniform throughout the entire job. The surface must be adequately stabilized to permit delivery of materials and passage of construction equipment.
(c) Where curbs are not required, grade stakes must be set, preferably along the property line on the side that the water main is to be installed (usually north and west sides). Preparations should also be completed as outlined in paragraphs (a) and (b) above.
The number of stakes set should be as follows:
(1) On straight line runs -- 75 feet to 100 feet apart;
(2) On long radius or sweeping curves -- 50 feet apart;
(3) On sharp curves (cul-de-sac and corners) -- 25 feet apart.
"Approximate" locations for line stakes are not acceptable. Marker lath should clearly indicate what the stake represents, such as property line (P.L.), point on curve (P.O.C.), point of intersection (P.I.), etc.. It would be advisable to furnish us with a "cut sheet" (either list or sketch) as made out by your surveyor; if the lath markers are missing, we may still be able to locate the "hub" stakes.
(d) The builder should notify us when the necessary preparations as outlined above have been completed. We shall then have our "line-up" crew check out the job, stake out valve locations, fire hydrant locations, and make any adjustments due to field conditions. ORDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION WILL BE RELEASED TO OUR CONTRACTORS ONLY AFTER THE PIPELINE INSPECTOR HAS APPROVED THE JOB SITE PREPARATION.
(e) The installation schedule depends largely on the amount of backlog work, weather, etc. We endeavor to maintain a "first ready-first served" policy. Every effort will be made to complete construction as soon as possible after the job is released to our contractor.
(f) If stub service is desired, the builder must stake out for the location of a stub.
III. FIRE HYDRANT INSTALLATION
(a) Most towns require that fire hydrants be ordered and installed before paving work is completed. Some towns will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy unless fire hydrants have been installed. F.H.A. requirements must also be considered. Since the method of ordering fire hydrants varies with respective towns, villages and fire districts, it is beyond the scope of this bulletin to discuss the matter in detail. Fire hydrants can be installed only after we receive a specific written order from the responsible authorities. THE BUILDER SHOULD INITIATE HIS OR HER REQUEST FOR FIRE HYDRANTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, PREFERABLY AT THE TIME OF PRELIMINARY CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE AUTHORITY. The Water Authority's new service manager can advise the builder regarding location requirements and fire districts to be contacted.
(b) Scheduling water main installations WILL NOT be considered until the builder has completed negotiations, as necessary, for fire hydrant installation.
(c) Fire hydrants will be installed at the same time as the main construction is proceeding.
(d) Occasionally, the builder may be requested to set certain property corner stakes so that hydrants may be properly located as ordered.
IV. RESIDENTIAL UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION
In developments where the builder has contracted with the Long Island Power Authority and the telephone company to have these facilities installed underground in a common trench, it is necessary that the Water Authority's work on main installation and house services be completed before LIPA starts work. Any delays in the proper site preparations or completion of the builder's work will delay ALL utility installations.
V. SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS
(a) Design requirements, with certain exceptions, by the Department of Environmental Control (DEC) require a minimum depth of six (6) feet at the curb line for house connections. With a house connection slope of 2%, there should not be conflict between the water and sewer installation providing proper care is taken in the construction of each facility. The DEC requires that curbs be marked at the point where the house laterals cross under the curb.
(b) Where sanitary sewers are broken during water main installation, the Authority is required to notify the Department of Environmental Control directly since many of these installations will be dry sewers and not used for many years.
(c) Particularly where the sewers are properly marked, the Authority, through its field inspectors, will insist that its construction contractors exercise the greatest care not to accidentally break any sewer lines where grade conflicts may exist. We will raise or lower the water mains during construction to leave sewer line undisturbed.
(d) Where a sewer is broken accidentally, the Authority's contractor will leave the excavation open with the broken sewer line exposed so that repairs can be made by the builder after he is notified by Authority representatives. Neither the Authority nor its contractor will make any repairs on broken sewer lines. It will be the responsibility of the builder to do so.
(e) THE AUTHORITY AND ITS CONTRACTORS WILL NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR OF ANY DAMAGED SEWER FACILITIES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. In order to minimize the possibility of damages, the builder, or his representative, who is familiar with the sewer installation, should be present at the time of pipeline construction.
Your cooperation, by giving careful attention to and complying with the above requirements and suggestions, will enable us to serve you more efficiently and adequately. Any questions regarding job site preparation or pipe and hydrant installation schedules may be made to the Distribution Construction Department at Oakdale, New York, Mr. Tim Kilcommons, Superintendent, phone:563-0253.
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Appendix 2
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
To:Superintendent
(FAX #631-589-5273)
FROM:(Name & Title)
__________________________________________________
Subj: DEVELOPMENT READY FOR INSPECTION - REQUEST TO INSPECT
Name of Development: ________________________________
Location: ___________________________________________
Authorization # _______________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Fax #:Phone#: ________________________________________
THE ABOVE NOTED DEVELOPMENT IS READY FOR INSPECTION:
[ ] Curbs Installed
[ ] Drainage Installed
[ ] Grading & Clearing Completed
[ ] Hydrant Locations Staked Out
[ ] Property Lines Staked Out
[ ] Easements Cleared (*)
[ ] All Payments Made
[ ] House Stubs Marked Out on Curbs in Blue
Please inspect the above development and install the water mains as soon as possible. I understand that if we do not pass inspection, no further inspection will be made until the noted discrepancies are corrected and we pay the $80.00 reinspection fee at the New Service Department. (*) YOU CAN EXPEDITE THIS PROJECT BY SUBMITTING A CASH DEPOSIT TO THE NEW SERVICE DEPARTMENT IF EASEMENTS HAVE NOT CLEARED. THIS DEPOSIT WILL BE RETURNED WHEN EASEMENTS CLEAR.
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Appendix 3
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER SERVICES
Installation of Services -- Subdivisions
Install piping 4 1/2' deep from the house to the existing stub vault (tie in at Authority's copper tail)
Installation of Services -- Existing Street & Water Main
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Install piping on the property, 4 1/2 feet deep from the building to the property line. A minimum 1" service line is required.
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Leave a 1' riser above the ground level at the property line with the end crimped.
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Service line measurements form must be completed and submitted at time of inspection. Measurements are taken from two (2) nearest corners of the building to the end of your pipe at the property line. Service line measurement forms are available at the New Service Department.
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The end of the pipe at the property line should be 10 feet away from any obstruction such as trees, telephone poles, catch basins, or driveways and should be at a location approximately opposite the point of entry into the building.
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A valve must be installed where the pipe first enters the building.
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All other underground utilities must maintain a 10 foot clearance from water service.
Installation of Services -- Existing Street Stubs
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Install pipe 4 1/2 feet deep from the house to the existing stub vault (tie in at Authority's copper tail.)
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A valve must be installed where the pipe first enters the building.
Specifications
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Type "K" soft copper tubing, minimum size 1" inside diameter.
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Customer's valve:
A valve must be installed where the pipe first enters the building.
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Plastic Pipe Specifications:
- Pipe manufactured and designed for use in potable water systems can be installed from the building to within 15' from the property line. The last 15' to the property line MUST be "K" soft copper tubing.
- Pipe should be classified to withstand working pressure of 200 p.s.i. (with bursting pressure rated at least twice the working pressure)
- Piping requiring joints in which a chemical solvent is utilized is NOT acceptable. (Brass couplings are required.)
- Fifteen (15') feet of copper is required from inside the building to the start of the plastic pipe.
Service Line Inspection Procedures
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Call the New Service Department to request an inspection when your work is completed. (before 2:30pm for following day)
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Someone MUST be present on the day of inspection.
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If reinspection is necessary, a $25.00 fee must be paid PRIOR to the reinspection.
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Leave the TRENCH OPEN. DO NOT backfill the trench until our inspector has approved the service line.
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If the service line inspection PASSES, the end of the pipe by the curb will be painted blue. If service inspection FAILS, the end of the service will be painted red and a reinspection fee of $25.00 will be billed.
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Please do not call our office until 4:30 p.m. if your inspection fails.
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No other utilities (e.g. gas, electric, cable TV, etc.) shall be buried in the water service trench.
Meter Sets
After all of the above has been completed, call the New Service Department to have the meter set. We must have the house number before the meter can be set.
Tap Letters
Tap letters can be requested after all fees have been paid, water service has been established and the meter has been set.
NOTICE: If installing separate hot water heaters, separate expansion tanks should be installed.
Switching service to homeowner -- the builder can bring in a signed application card signed by the buyer, but it must be filled out completely including Social Security number, driver license ID number, current mailing address, and contact phone number. It is recommended that the builder establish the account and call for a disconnection of service, allowing the buyer one week to establish service in his/her name.
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Appendix 4
REDUCED PRESSURE ZONE DEVICE
The following is information regarding the installation and approval of your reduced pressure zone device. Our New Service Department has an in-depth booklet with examples that may prove helpful. Please stop by or contact the New Service Department for additional information.
THE FOLLOWING PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED AND MUST BE FILED FOR ALL DOMESTIC SERVICES TO NEW BUILDINGS/EXISTING BUILDINGS WITH SERVICES OVER 2" AS WELL AS ALL SIZE FIRELINES.
YOU MUST HAVE FIVE (3) COPIES OF THE FOLLOWING:
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APPLICATION FORM 236
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PLOT PLAN
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INSTALLATION DRAWING STAMPED BY YOUR ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER.
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ENGINEER'S REPORT
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LETTER OF COMPLIANCE. THIS WILL ENABLE US TO EXTEND SERVICE TO YOU.
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY will now receive all of the above RPZ/DCV paperwork. Please forward it to:
ATTN: Cross Connection Control
PO Box 38
Oakdale, NY 11769
A required fee of $170 is necessary for filing.
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL
Policy of Suffolk County Water Authority:
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This policy has been adopted by the Suffolk County Water Authority as a condition of service.
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Cross connection control will be one of complete containment by having the customer install a reduced pressure zone device (RPZ) on All Domestic Commercial services as well as on services to lawn irrigation with chemical feeds, private hydrants not covered under a Maintenance Agreement with SCWA and firelines as per M-14 guidelines.
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Suffolk County Water Authority may permit Domestic RPZ devices to be installed in a building. Where it is not feasible to install the device in a building, it will be installed in an outside enclosure or an above ground vault at or near the property line. The owner must sign a Letter of Compliance attesting to the fact that no connection will be permitted between the meter and RPZ device.
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Only RPZ/DCV devices approved by the New York State Health Department will be acceptable. Plans and installations must conform to Suffolk County Water Authority's Cross Connection Control Booklet.
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Each RPZ/DCV device must be tested annually at the customer's expense and the results forwarded to the Suffolk County Water Authority on the issued form. All tests must be made by a New York State Department of Health certified backflow prevention device tester. Should the test not be performed within 60 days, SCWA will then forward the account information to our approved tester under contract with SCWA allowing them to perform the test. The applicable fee will be added to the consumer's water bill.
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Effective 4/1/93, the initial inspection of backflow prevention devices will be made at no charge to the consumer. Subsequent inspections will necessitate a $25 re-inspection fee to be billed to the customer's account.
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The Suffolk County Water Authority is implementing a program of surveying all existing customers and their need to comply with a containment device. This will be a long term, and continuous program.
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
Cross Connection Control
4060 Sunrise Highway
Oakdale, New York 11769-0901
(631) 563-0244
(631) 563-0266
Fax: (631) 589-5273
At the June 1996 meeting of the Board of Suffolk County Water Authority, a few changes were approved to our Cross Connection Control Program concerning new and existing master metered apartments and town houses, including condos and co-ops. The C.C.C. Program has become more versatile and is now solely based upon a Degree of Hazard Determination. We will not require the installation of large RPZ devices behind each master meter if:
The customer allows the Cross Connection Control Department of Suffolk County Water Authority to survey their facility. This would enable us to detect areas that would require the installation of an RPZ/DCV device. The purpose behind installing these smaller devices is twofold, protecting you internally from these concerns as well as not compromising your fire protection. Often, this will be a substantial cost savings. We will require a commitment from you to install the required devices. Typically, smaller devices will be required to be installed for sewage treatment plants, pool/clubhouses, boiler room feeds, cooling towers, maintenance buildings, slop sinks as well as extensive irrigation systems. For existing master metered apartments and town houses, including condos and co-ops: A fee of $190 will be charged for this survey. Payment should be sent to the Cross Connection Control Department before this work can be scheduled.
If there are private hydrants at the site, the customer must sign a "Hydrant Maintenance Agreement" under which all hydrants are turned over to SCWA. This agreement enables SCWA to test and maintain your hydrants at optimum efficiency. For each hydrant the customer must pay an upfront fee of $5,500.00 for this service. Only Suffolk County Water Authority/the local fire district will have the use of these hydrants.
If the owner does not want to comply with this updated version of our program, then an RPZ installation will be required directly behind each master meter as required in the past.
Please call us at (631) 563-0266 so we can make the necessary scheduling to survey your facility.
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
Cross Connection Control
4060 Sunrise Highway
Oakdale, New York 11769-0901
(631) 563-0244
(631) 563-0266
Fax: (631) 589-5273
OPTIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF RPZ DEVICES
FOR new and existing master metered apartments and townhouses, including condos and co-ops
(Board approved June 1998)
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The Authority has a new option concerning the installation of backflow prevention devices where, by mutual agreement, we would install the required reduced pressure zone devices (RPZ's) for you. You would reimburse the Authority for the cost of the installation. There would be a warranty period for the installation, and it would become your property. The installation would be strictly for master RPZ devices behind the meter. It would not include internal devices throughout your distribution system.
The agreement could be financed over five years at a rate of 6%. This surcharge would be added to your water bill (monthly or quarterly). Through the Authority's bidding process, a licensed plumber would be hired to provide for the installation of RPZ devices and for the design work required by an engineer/architect. SCWA would supervise the installation as required by code. This option is offered to ensure the quality of the work and to keep costs reasonable for our customers.
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You always have the option to hire a licensed plumber of your own choice to install master RPZ devices behind the meter.
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For a fee of $190, we will survey your system to determine where smaller RPZ/DCV devices will be needed to protect your system internally. If you select this option, it would require turning over all private hydrants to us under a hydrant maintenance agreement. You would be required to pay $5,500 per hydrant. Under this plan, you would not have to install a master RPZ device.
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL - FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
M-14
Class 1 - Direct connections from public water mains only; no physical connection from other water supplies; no antifreeze or other additives of any kind; all sprinkler drains discharging to atmosphere, dry wells, or other safe outlets.
- Minimum protection of a Double Check Valve.
Class 2 - Same as Class 1, except that booster pumps may be installed in the connections from the street mains (booster pumps do not affect the potability of the system; it is necessary, however, to avoid drafting so much water that pressure in the water main is reduced below 20 PSI).
- Minimum protection of a Double Check Valve. Flow regulator to control over drafting.
Class 3 - Direct connection from public water supply main plus one or more of the following: elevated storage tanks; fire pumps taking suction from above-ground covered reservoirs or tanks; and pressure tanks (all storage facilities are filled or connected to public water only, the water in the tanks to be maintained in a potable condition; otherwise, Class 3 systems are the same as Class).
- Approved Double Check Valve (DCV) required
Class 4 - Directly supplied from public water mains similar to Classes 1 and 2, and with an auxiliary water supply on or available to the premises; or an auxiliary supply may be located within 1,700' of the pumper connection. Reduced pressure zone device (RPZ)
Class 5 - Directly supplied from public mains, and interconnected with auxiliary supplies, such as: pumps taking suction from reservoirs exposed to contamination or rivers or ponds; driven wells; mills or other industrial water systems; or where antifreeze or other additives are used.
- Reduced pressure zone device (RPZ) required
Class 6 - Combined industrial and fire protection systems supplied from the public water mains only, with or without gravity storage or pump suction tanks.
Protection would depend on the requirements of both industry and fire protection, and could only be determined by a survey of the premises.
Private hydrants: In order to be granted a waiver on installing an RPZ for a private hydrant, a maintenance agreement must be signed with SCWA. If there is no agreement, an RPZ device will be required. Fire lines without hydrants are determined by M-14 guidelines.
DRY RECHARGE BASIN REQUIREMENTS
Suffolk County Water Authority has always considered a recharge basin (sump) as an "auxiliary water supply"; this is referred to in M-14 class 4 fire protection systems. This interpretation held true whether there was water in the recharge basin or whether it was dry. This interpretation has been reviewed and the determination has been made that a dry recharge basin is not to be considered an auxiliary water supply. In order to be considered a dry recharge basin, all of the following criteria must be met:
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Site inspection by a representative of Suffolk County Water Authority.
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Certified results of a test boring confirming the groundwater elevation to be lower than the floor of the recharge basin.
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A report in writing from a professional engineer certifying to the dry condition of the recharge basin.
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
Cross Connection Control
4060 Sunrise Highway
Oakdale, New York 11769-0901
(631) 563-0244
(631) 563-0266
Fax: (631) 589-5273
November 5, 2001
To All Fireline Contractors
Please be advised that the Board of the Suffolk County Water Authority has passed a new resolution concerning firelines on October 30, 2001.
Effective November 1, 2001, all fireline services are now mandated to have minimum of a double check valve (DCV) installed on the line. A proper DCV filing will be required by a licensed engineer or architect. These plans are to be filed with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services prior to any installation. The installation criteria will be similar as with a reduced pressure zone device.
Reduced pressure zone devices will be required where a double check valve is not acceptable as per M-14 Code requirements.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (631) 563-0266/0244.
NYS Department of Health Downloads
New York State Department of Health for Approval of Backflow Prevention - Form (F236)
Below is a listing of Certified Backflow Prevention Device Testers. This listing is of licensed testers has been provided by the New York State Department of Health. Please hire any one of the individuals listed to test your backflow prevention device. If you have any questions, please contact us at (631) 563-0266.
Certified Backflow Prevention Device Testers
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