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Cross Connection Control Backflow Basics

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.. Common cross connections. Commercial, Industrial examples:. Fire protection systemsAuxiliary water supplies Make up lines for water using equipmentPost carbonated beverage dispensersMedical equipment i.e. x-ray developersFilm developmentChemical dispensers for commercial kitchens .

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Cross Connection Control Backflow Basics

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    2. 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.

    3. Common cross connections

    4. 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

    5. 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 from one of two different hydraulic conditions

    7. Backpressure An elevation of pressure downstream of the distribution system that would cause or tend to cause, water to flow opposite of intended direction. Common causes: pumps, elevation, thermal expansion

    8. 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

    10. Public Water System Contamination Conditions: Supply Piping Unprotected Physical Cross-Connection Made Actual Contaminant Present, and A Backflow Condition Occurs All four conditions must occur simultaneously

    11. Probability of Occurrence? Numerous, well documented cases where… Drinking Water Has Been Contaminated Via Cross-Connections

    12. PNWS-AWWA MANUALS 4th Edition 200 Incidents 5th Edition 400 Incidents

    21. 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.

    23. 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 . Simple CCC Definition: Cross-connection is the point at which it is possible for a non-potable substance to come into contact with drinking water. Simple Backflow Definition: Unwanted flow of non-potable substance or water into the distribution system via a cross-connection where flow is in the reverse direction from intended, normal condition. Includes backsiphonage and back-pressure conditions. Public Health Significance: Unprotected Cross-connections can introduce microbiological, chemical and physical contaminants into the drinking water supply. Such contaminants can cause waterborne disease, chemical poisonings and physical injuries (such as burns) and death. AWWA Backflow Incident Manual and EPA national waterborne disease statistics. Backflow Prevention Concepts CCC Programs are Preventative! Designed to eliminate CCs and where can’t eliminate, control CCs through installation of an approved backflow preventer. Preventer must be appropriate for the public health hazard posed by the CC and the hydraulic conditions. Simple CCC Definition: Cross-connection is the point at which it is possible for a non-potable substance to come into contact with drinking water. Simple Backflow Definition: Unwanted flow of non-potable substance or water into the distribution system via a cross-connection where flow is in the reverse direction from intended, normal condition. Includes backsiphonage and back-pressure conditions. Public Health Significance: Unprotected Cross-connections can introduce microbiological, chemical and physical contaminants into the drinking water supply. Such contaminants can cause waterborne disease, chemical poisonings and physical injuries (such as burns) and death. AWWA Backflow Incident Manual and EPA national waterborne disease statistics. Backflow Prevention Concepts CCC Programs are Preventative! Designed to eliminate CCs and where can’t eliminate, control CCs through installation of an approved backflow preventer. Preventer must be appropriate for the public health hazard posed by the CC and the hydraulic conditions.

    24. 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.

    25. Reasonably Reduce the Risk of Contamination of the Public Water System , AND Reduce the Water Purveyor’s Exposure to Legal Liability

    26. 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

    27. Purveyor’s Liability Primary/Obvious Sources Breach of the Law Failing to Develop a “Reasonable” CCC Program (Negligence Issues) Supply Customer With Contaminated Water (“Absolute Liability”)

    28. Purveyor’s Liability Secondary/ Subtle Sources Imposing Unreasonable Requirements Beyond Purveyor’s Jurisdiction Misrepresenting the Actions of the Purveyor

    29. 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

    30. 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

    31. 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

    32. • 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

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