What Is A Cross Connection?
A cross connection is a connection between a contaminated source and your drinking water system. Backflow occurs when the water flow is reversed, due to a change in pressure, and water flows backwards, into and through the system. This creates a potentially hazardous situation.
How Are Cross Connections Controlled?
The installation of a backflow prevention device, otherwise known as a cross connection control device, is required under any circumstance where contamination may occur.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the reverse flow of water or other substances through a cross connection into the treated drinking water distribution system. There are two types of backflow: backpressure and backsiphonage.
Backpressure happens when the pressure of the contaminant source exceeds the positive pressure in the water distribution main. An example would be when a drinking water supply main has a connection to a hot water boiler system that is not protected by an approved and functioning backflow preventer. If pressure in the boiler system increases to where it exceeds the pressure in the water distribution system, backflow from the boiler to the drinking water supply system may occur.
Backsiphonage is caused by a negative pressure (vacuum or partial vacuum) in the water distribution system. This situation is similar in effect to the sipping of water through a straw. Negative pressure in the drinking water distribution system can happen because of a water main break or when a hydrant is used for fire fighting.
Who Has Responsibility For Cross Connection Control?
• Responsibility of the State – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is responsible for administering the state regulations for cross connection control, 327 IAC 8-10.
• Responsibility of the water utility – Responsible for providing customers with drinking water that meets all applicable federal and state primary drinking water standards. The water utility is responsible for maintaining backflow prevention device test results.
• Responsibility of water utility c the water utility customers– Responsible for using water in a manner that does not jeopardize the water quality in the public water distribution system. Customers are responsible for adherence to the state plumbing code. State regulations may require customers to install, maintain, and test state approved backflow prevention devices and submit test results to the water utility.
What Is The State Required Frequency of Backflow Prevention Device Testing?
Reduced pressure principle devices must be tested at 6 month intervals.
Pressure Type Vacuum Breakers must be tested 1 year intervals.
Double Check Valve Assemblies must be tested at 1 year intervals.
Double Check Detector Assemblies must be tested at 1 year intervals.
Who is Eligible to Test Backflow Prevention Devices?
Only state approved and registered testers can test backflow prevention devices.
A list of current Indiana certified installers and testers can be found by Clicking Here
Where Should I Submit My Backflow Prevention Device Test Results?
Backflow Testers are required under State law to submit backflow test results within 30 days of testing to the water utility. The water utility is required to maintain the last 3 submitted backflow test reports on file and provide them to the commissioner upon request.
