It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 46-15.3-14 of the General Laws in Chapter 46-15.3 entitled "Public Drinking Water Supply System Protection" is hereby amended to read as follows:

46-15.3-14. Public water suppliers -- Control of backflow and cross-connections -- (a) It shall be the responsibility of all suppliers of public drinking water to protect the potable water system from contamination or pollution due to cross-connection by requiring the installation of an approved backflow device after the service meter. Suppliers may require that as a condition to being provided water service that customers provide cross-connection control in a manner approved by it. Backflow devices required to be installed shall be models approved by the foundation for cross-connection control and hydraulic research of the University of South Carolina Southern California (FCCCHR, USC), the American water works association (AWWA), and/or the American society of sanitary engineers (ASSE).

(b) Suppliers are authorized to establish a cross-connection control program and to establish rules and regulations for the program. The policies, procedures and criteria for determining appropriate levels of protection shall be in accordance with the procedures contained in the environmental protection agency cross-connection control manual, 1989 edition or any superceding editions. Suppliers shall have the authority to charge reasonable fees for the administration of the cross-connection control program.

(c) Authorized employees of suppliers with proper identification shall be given access, at reasonable hours of the day, to all parts of all buildings to which water is supplied.

(d) Suppliers may refuse to provide water service or may terminate water service to any property of a customer who refuses to allow necessary inspectors or who fails to install or maintain the required backflow device or if the supplier determines that hazardous conditions exist.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.