HCC §5F-3-5
Rules for safe drinking water in flood zones
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section sets rules for drinking water systems in flood zones. It requires that water systems be built to avoid flood contamination, and that certain parts be protected or raised. It also requires backflow preventers to protect public water, and sets rules for testing and maintenance.
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The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Water supply systems
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) Potable water supply systems that are located in a special flood hazard area shall be designed and installed in such a manner as to prevent contamination from flood waters up to the base flood elevation. Location and construction of private water supply wells shall comply with rules and regulations of the department of water supply of the County of Hawai‘i. (b) Potable water supply tanks, filters, softeners, heaters, and all water-supplied appliances and fixtures located below the base flood elevation shall be protected against contamination by covers, walls, copings, or castings. All vent pipes serving the water supply system shall terminate at an elevation of at least one foot above the base flood elevation. 5F-13 SUPP. 11 (1-2022) (c) Backflow preventers or devices approved by the department of water supply shall be installed on water service lines as close to the property control valve as possible to protect the public water system from backflow or back siphonage of flood waters or other contaminants in the event of a line break. Devices shall be installed at accessible locations and shall be maintained in good working condition by the owner. The backflow preventers or devices shall be subject to periodic testing as prescribed in the rules and regulations of the department of water supply. (d) An approved double-check valve assembly shall be used in lieu of any vacuum breaker, permitted, or otherwise required under this chapter when located below the regulatory flood elevation. (e) Air relief valves are permitted on private pipelines only when installed at least one foot above the base flood elevation. (2020, ord 20-61, sec 6.) 5F-3-5
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.