What is Backflow?
Backflow is an undesirable reversal of normal flow, created by back pressure or back syphonage within a potable water system.
What is Back Pressure?
Back pressure is the reversal of normal flow due to pressure present in a private water system which is greater than that supplied by a distribution supply system.
What is Back Syphonage?
Back syphonage is the reversal of normal flow in a system caused by a negative pressure (vacuum or partial vacuum) in the supply piping.
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is any actual, or potential, piping arrangement or connection which allows the potable water supply to be connected to a source of pollution or contamination.
What is a Cross Connection Control Program?
A Cross Connection Control Program is a cooperative effort between water purveyors, health officials, property owners and Cross Connection Control Specialists to establish and administer guidelines for controlling cross connections and implementing means to ensure their enforcement so that the public potable water supply will be protected.
What’s a Survey and Why do I Need it?
A Survey is a detailed inspection of the potable water usage and connections within an owner/tenants facility or property. The survey identifies all the obvious, and hidden, hazards associated with water use at each individual property. Certified and approved personnel are required to conduct this service on a regular basis to ensure that A) the purveyor’s water is being protected & B) building occupants are not in danger of consuming, or coming into contact with, contaminated or polluted water.
What is the Best Method of Cross Connection Control?
The best method for cross connection control is a physical separation between drinking water and everything else. An air gap.
What Other Methods are Used?
Other methods include installing backflow devices or assemblies which stop backflow. Small, non-testable devices are installed to address minor hazards and moderate to severe hazards require testable assemblies.
Why do Backflow Assemblies Require Testing and How Often?
These "Life Safety Devices" require minimum annual testing and maintenance to ensure that they are operating at manufacturer specifications. They contain many parts which are typically moving 24/7, 365 days a year. Do you change the batteries in your smoke detectors at home? Do you get inspections on your fire suppression systems, and fire extinguishers, at your place of work? Of course you do. Why? To preserve and protect health and life of people within those buildings. Shouldn’t you address backflow preventers the same way?
What is the Difference between a Pollutant and a Contaminant?
Pollution of the water supply may not constitute an actual health hazard, even though the quality of the water is impaired with respect to taste, odor or usefulness. However, contamination of the water supply does constitute an actual health hazard. The consumer will be subjected to potentially lethal water borne chemicals and/or biological agents.
Should I be Concerned?
Yes, to cause a situation that has the potential to harm the health and well being of your family, employees, co-workers, staff, or neighbors, should be a concern to us all. A cross connection in a home or place of business is a danger to those in the building, as well as surrounding community. You have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that our drinking water supply is safe. If you need to know more about Cross Connection Control contact a Committee Member near you.