1005 PACIFIC AVE 2016-01-01 MF Import

Iy1�Y T�"` Ctity _ of - everett April 3, 1990 Mr. Joh eu�—JC.idney Cent 1005 Pacific Avenue Everett Was ' O1 SUBJECT: Backflow Prevention For The Dialysis Water Supply � Dear Mr. Switzer: Thank you for your letter of March 27,1990. While I understand your position, I must insist on protection of the new dialysis water supply line with an RP device inside the building. Please allow me to reiterate the City's position. 1.) Most importantly we are concerned with the protection of public health. You are correct in your assessment concerning installation of an RP device on the service iine. This will protect system water. However, EPA drinking water regulations tell us that the water purveyor is responsible to the tap. State regulations are not perfectly clear on this matter. However, the courts have rendered decisions in the recent past which support the "Tap" approach. As a utilities manager, I would be overjoyed to have our responsibilities end at the property line. The facts of the matter are that every major water purveyor in the Northwest assumes responsibility to the tap. Most especially in medical buildings such as yours. Since the City is aware of the potential hazard, an.d since the City has collaborated with numerous utilities on this matter, it would be considered negligent to allow anything less than isolation of the water supply line to the dialysis equipment with an RP device. Please note that the Washington Stat� Department of Health also strongly recommends that we pursue the "Tap" approach. 2. ) The City has insisted on the installation of an RP device to isolate the dialysis line from the beginning. I agreed to investigate at your request, and because I was interested in understanding more about dialysis equipment with regards to water supply. After our inspection, it was my opinion that an RP device would not be required for that particular brand of dialysis equipment. However, I explained at the time that I felt I would be breaking new ground by not requiring isolation of a dialysis water supply line with an RP device, and that I would have to confer with health authorities, other water purveyors and our plumbing inspectors before making a final decision. I also contacted the �„�,.,e,.,�.,. PUDIIC IVORKS DEPAR`f.�fEN7 - 3200 Crdar Strrci, I:��cn It,l4'a�hin};ton 932111 (20ti)259-A6U0 P.4X(20(i)2�9-R6F2