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FAQ

The Answers You Need

WHAT IS A CROSS CONNECTION?

A cross connection is a temporary or permanent link between a potable (drinking) water system and any source containing non-potable water or other substances from which backflow may occur.
Examples include the piping between a public water system, or a citizen's water system and a heating or cooling system, fire system or irrigation system.

WHY DO CROSS CONNECTION DEVICES HAVE TO BE TESTED ANNUALLY?

Cross-connection control devices have internal seals, springs and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear or fatigue; therefore, all cross-connection control devices have to be tested to ensure they are functioning properly.

WHAT IS A CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL DEVICE?

A cross connection control device is a mechanical device that stops the backflow of water into public drinking water. The main testable types of cross connection control devices are

  • reduced-pressure principle assembly

  • pressure vacuum breaker assembly

  • double-check valve assembly

  • registered Air Gaps

WHAT IS BACKFLOW?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of untreated water or other substances through an unprotected cross connection and into the piping of a public water system or a citizen's drinking water system.

WHAT CAUSES BACKFLOW?

Backsiphonage: The reversal of normal flow in a system caused by a vacuum in the supply piping. This can also happen if there is an interruption of the water supply due to nearby fire-fighting, repairs or breaks in the water supply mains.
Backpressure: The reversal of normal flow in a system due to pressure higher than the supply pressure. This happens when there is an increase in downstream pressure caused by pumps, temperature increases in boilers, elevated tanks or other pressure-producing systems.

COMMON CROSS-CONNECTIONS

Cross-connections can occur at both commercial and residential properties.
In commercial applications cross-connections exist in many forms, from carbonated beverage machines and ice-makers, to fire sprinkler systems and x-ray machines. It is not uncommon for a commercial property to have multiple cross-connections at their facility.
For residential applications the most common cross-connections occur with lawn irrigation, hydronic heating boiler supply, and fire sprinkler systems. Perhaps the most frequently present cross-connection is the common garden hose, which when submerged in water, creates a dangerous path for contaminates to enter your drinking water.

WHAT IF I DO NOT COMPLY WITH TESTING OR INSTALLATION REQUESTS?

Failure to comply with the notification may result in a violation ticket, a water service cut-off and/or summary conviction as outlined in the water utility bylaw

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