Cross Connection Control & Backflow Basics
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Transcript of Cross Connection Control & Backflow Basics
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Cross ConnectionControl & Backflow Basics
by: Garrett Yates Backflow Management Inc.
(800) 841-7689www.bmi-backflow.com
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What is a Cross Connection?What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is any actual or potential link between
potable water and a system or fixture that carries a non-
potable substance.
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Common cross connections
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Commercial, Industrial examples:
• Fire protection systems• Auxiliary water supplies
• Make up lines for water using equipment
• Post carbonated beverage dispensers
• Medical equipment i.e. x-ray developers
• Film development• Chemical dispensers for commercial
kitchens
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Cross connections pose a public health threat when water in a piping system reverses its
normal direction of flow.
This is referred to as Backflow.
Backflow occurs fromone of two different
hydraulic conditions
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BACKFLOW IS CAUSED BY:
Backpressure
Backsiphonage
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Backpressure
An elevation of pressure downstream of An elevation of pressure downstream of the distribution system that would the distribution system that would cause or tend to cause, water to flow cause or tend to cause, water to flow opposite of intended direction.opposite of intended direction.
Common causes: pumps, elevation, Common causes: pumps, elevation, thermal expansionthermal expansion
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Backsiphonage
A drop in distribution system pressure below atmospheric (partial vacuum), that would cause or tend to cause water to flow opposite of its intended direction.
Common causes: Main line breaks, heavy use i.e. fire hydrant use, pump failure
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HAZARD LEVELS
•Low Hazard (Low-Health, Non-Health)
•High Hazard(High-Health, Health-
Hazard)
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Public Water System Contamination Conditions:
1. Supply Piping Unprotected
2. Physical Cross-Connection Made
3. Actual Contaminant Present, and
4. A Backflow Condition Occurs
All four conditions must occursimultaneously
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Probability of Occurrence?
Numerous, well documented cases where…
Drinking Water Has Been Contaminated Via Cross-Connections
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PNWS-AWWA
MANUALS
4th Edition
200 Incidents
5th Edition
400 Incidents
Summary ofBACKFLOW INCIDENTS
Fifth Edition, December 1995
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL COMMITTEEPACIFIC NORTHWEST SECTION - A.W.W.A.
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BACKFLOWPREVENTERS
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Air Gap Separation
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BACKFLOW DEVICES
Single Checks
Dual ChecksAtmospheric Vacuum
BreakersHose Bibb Vacuum
Breakers
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BACKFLOWASSEMBLIES
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Spill Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker
Assembly
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Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly
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Double Check Valve Assembly
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Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly
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Chapter 6 of the Uniform Plumbing Code governs the control of cross connections on private property. Backflow protection is provided for customers through compliance with current plumbing codes.
Water suppliers are required by regulatory agencies to protect the public water supply from contamination due to cross connections.
Water suppliers and plumbing officials share the responsibility for protecting public health.
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PREMISE ISOLATIONPREMISE ISOLATION
IN-PREMISE IN-PREMISE PROTECTIONPROTECTION
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WHY SHOULD A PWS CARE ABOUT CROSS-CONNECTIONS?
Because… Under backflow conditions, contaminants
may enter the drinking water supply through unprotected cross- connections and adversely impact public health .
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Why Do Regulatory Agencies Require CCC Programs?
To Protect the Public Health by Assuring the Delivery of
Safe Drinking Water to Consumers Served by Public Water Systems.
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• Reasonably Reduce the Risk of Contamination of the Public Water System , AND
• Reduce the Water Purveyor’s Exposure to Legal Liability
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Legal Aspects – Backflow Incident
• Whenever There Is a Backflow Incident, Assume Litigation Will Follow
• Litigation May Be Based On:
– Violation of Regulations
– Tort Action (Sued for Negligence) and/or
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Purveyor’s LiabilityPrimary/Obvious Sources
• Breach of the Law
• Failing to Develop a “Reasonable” CCC Program (Negligence Issues)
• Supply Customer With Contaminated Water (“Absolute Liability”)
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Purveyor’s LiabilitySecondary/ Subtle Sources
• Imposing Unreasonable Requirements
• Beyond Purveyor’s Jurisdiction
• Misrepresenting the Actions of the Purveyor
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Reduce Your Exposure to Liability by
• Comply With Regulations• Follow Industry Standards (Defense
Against Negligence)• Have Procedures to Investigate
Incidents• Isolate Premises (avoid “absolute
liability)• Have Service Agreements
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Recommended Steps for Program Implementation
• Get appropriate staff training
• Make major program decisions
• Adopt enforcement document
• Establish relationship with local administrative authority
• Provide public education
• Conduct hazard evaluations of all customers
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• Inventory existing backflow assemblies in hazard evaluation process
• Make recommendations and requirements based on hazard evaluation findings
• Set up process for tracking initial and annual testing of backflow assemblies (i.e. software program)
• Conduct periodic re-evaluations
Recommendations continued:
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• Keep staff training up to date because the industry is always changing
• Keep the public aware of City’s program approach and customers responsibility to maintain safe plumbing
• Create a standard operating procedure manual for the management of the program