Section 344.50 - Backflow Prevention Methods(a) All backflow prevention assemblies installed per this chapter shall be installed according to manufacturer's recommendations and provided with sufficient clearance to facilitate testing.(b) If conditions that present a health hazard exist, one of the following types of backflow prevention shall be used. (1) An air gap may be used if installed per the definition of air gap in § 344.1(1) of this title (relating to Definitions).(2) Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies may be used if installed per subsection (a) of this section and:(A) the assembly is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above ground in a location that will ensure that the assembly will not be submerged; and(B) drainage is provided for any water that may be discharged through the relief valve.(3) Pressure vacuum breakers may be used if installed per subsection (a) of this section and: (A) there is no actual or potential for a back-pressure condition; and(B) the assembly is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above any downstream piping and the highest downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers are measured from the retracted position from the top of the sprinkler.(4) Spill-resistant pressure vacuum breakers may be used if installed per subsection (a) of this section and: (A) there is no actual or potential for a back-pressure condition; and(B) the assembly is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above any downstream piping and the highest downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers are measured from the retracted position from the top of the sprinkler.(c) If there are no conditions that present a health hazard, double check valve backflow prevention assemblies may be used to prevent backflow if the assembly is tested upon installation and:(1) a local regulatory authority does not prohibit the use of a double check valve; and(2) test cocks are used for testing only.(d) Double check valve assemblies installed below ground shall meet the following installation requirements:(1) test cocks shall be plugged, except when the double check valve is being tested;(2) test cock plugs shall be threaded, water-tight, and made of non-ferrous material; and(3) there shall be a clearance all the way around the assembly to allow space for testing and repair.(e) At a minimum, all backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester upon installation, repair, replacement, or relocation. Those backflow prevention assemblies used in irrigation systems designated as health hazards shall be tested annually.30 Tex. Admin. Code § 344.50
The provisions of this §344.50 adopted to be effective January 1, 2009, 33 TexReg 5713; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 45, Number 29, July 17, 2020, TexReg 5003, eff. 7/26/2020