37-1388. Fire protection systems; definitions

A. All backflow prevention equipment installed on class 1 and class 2 fire protection systems shall comply with state fire code standards.

B. Check valve assemblies installed on class 1 or class 2 fire protection systems as backflow protection equipment pursuant to this section shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with the state fire code. Inspections of check valve assemblies installed on class 1 or class 2 fire protection systems shall be performed on an annual basis with records of the inspections provided to the local fire department and drinking water provider.

C. Any malfunction or abnormality with a check valve assembly installed on class 1 or class 2 fire protection systems shall be reported within twenty-four hours to the local fire department and drinking water provider.

D. A fire code authority may establish guidelines for the installation of backflow prevention equipment on a class 1 or class 2 fire protection system that exceeds the minimum standards established by the state fire code if the backflow prevention equipment is approved for use on class 1 or class 2 fire protection systems pursuant to the state fire code.

E. A fire code authority or a drinking water provider may require the installation of backflow prevention equipment on class 1 and class 2 fire protection systems that exceeds the minimum standards established by the state fire code if a special backflow condition is identified. The use of nonpotable pipe in a fire protection system does not by itself constitute a special backflow condition. The drinking water provider shall consult with the fire code authority and provide the fire code authority with an opportunity to comment before installing or requiring the installation of backflow equipment that exceeds the minimum standards established by the state fire code.

F. For the purposes of this section:

1. " Class 1 fire protection system" means a fire protection system that is directly connected to a public water main and on which all sprinkler drains discharge into the atmosphere, dry wells or other safe outlets. Class 1 fire protection system does not include a system that has a connection with pumps, tanks, reservoirs or other water supplies, or a system that contains antifreeze or other additives.

2. " Class 2 fire protection system" means a class 1 fire protection system with booster pumps installed in the connections from the street mains.

3. " Fire code authority" means the assistant director of the office of the state fire marshal or the assistant director's designee, except that for an incorporated city or town with a population of at least one hundred thousand persons that has adopted an ordinance pursuant to section 37-1383, subsection A, fire code authority means the municipal fire chief or the fire chief's designee.

4. " Special backflow condition" means a condition that exists at the site of a class 1 or class 2 fire protection system and that may present a contamination hazard to the domestic water supply, including:

(a) Underground fire protection system lines that are parallel to and within six feet horizontally of sewer lines or other lines carrying toxic materials.

(b) The use, storage or handling of materials on a site by a property owner or occupant that could present a significant health hazard to the domestic water supply.

(c) The presence of unusually complex piping systems.

(d) Water supplied to a site or an area from either:

(i) Two or more services of a water utility.

(ii) Two different water utilities.

(iii) A supplemental water supply.