Water Supply Cross-Connection Control

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Water Supply Cross-Connection

Control

Course No: M04-010


Credit: 4 PDH

Steven Liescheidt, P.E., CCS, CCPR

Continuing Education and Development, Inc.


9 Greyridge Farm Court
Stony Point, NY 10980

P: (877) 322-5800
F: (877) 322-4774

info@cedengineering.com
Cross-Connection
Control Manual
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA 816-R-03-002
www.epa.gov/safewater
February 2003 Printed on Recycled Paper
Cross-Connection
Control Manual

United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
First Printing 1973
Reprinted 1974, 1975
Revised 1989
Reprinted 1995
Technical Corrections 2003
Preface

lumbing cross-connections, indirectly in water supply cross-connection control from


P which are defined as actual
or potential connections
distribution systems. It is
intended to be used for educa-
both the basic hydraulic
concepts through the inclusion
between a potable and non- tional, administrative, and of a sample program that can
potable water supply, constitute technical reference in conduct- be a guide for a program at the
a serious public health hazard. ing cross-connection control municipal level. New backflow
There are numerous, well- programs. This manual is a devices have been included in
documented cases where cross- revision of an earlier book this revision that are now being
connections have been respon- entitled Water Supply and produced by manufacturers
sible for contamination of Plumbing Cross-Connections (PHS reflecting the needs of the
drinking water, and have Publication Number 957), market. Updated actual cross-
resulted in the spread of disease. which was produced under the connection case histories have
The problem is a dynamic one, direction of Floyd B. Taylor by been added containing graphic
because piping systems are Marvin T. Skodje, who wrote schematic illustrations showing
continually being installed, the text and designed the how the incidents occurred and
altered, or extended. illustrations. how cross-connection control
Control of cross-connec- Many of the original practices could be applied to
tions is possible, but only illustrations and text have been eliminate future re-occurrence.
through thorough knowledge retained in this edition. Previ- A more detailed explanation of
and vigilance. Education is ous revisions were done by cross-connection control
essential, for even those who are Peter C. Karalekas, Jr. with “containment” practice has
experienced in piping installa- guidance from Roger D. Lee been included together with the
tions fail to recognize cross- incorporating suggestions made use for “internal backflow
connection possibilities and by the staff of the EPA Water protective devices” and “fixture
dangers. All municipalities with Supply Division, other govern- outlet protection”.
public water supply systems mental agencies, and interested This 1989 edition was
should have cross-connection individuals. prepared by Howard D.
control programs. Those This 3rd edition was Hendrickson, PE, vice president
responsible for institutional or produced as a result of an of Water Service Consultants,
private water supplies should updated need for cross- with assistance from Peter C.
also be familiar with the connection control reference Karalekas, Jr. of Region 1, EPA,
dangers of cross-connections material reflecting an increase Boston.
and should exercise careful in cross-connection control This latest (2003) edition
surveillance of their systems. activity throughout the United has technical corrections
This Cross-Connection Control States. It has been revised and provided by Howard D.
Manual has been designed as a re-issued reflecting a demand Hendrickson, P.E., showing
tool for health officials, water- for its use, together with updates on pages iv, 18, 23, 30,
works personnel, plumbers, and requests for a document that 31, and 32.
any others involved directly or covers the broad spectrum of

ii • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Contents

American Water Works Association Policy on Cross-Connections . . . . . . . iv 11 Valved connection between potable water and sanitary sewer . . . . . . 15
12 Air gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chapter 13 Air gap in a piping system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1. Purpose & Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 14 Barometric loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2. Public Health Significance of Cross-Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 15 Atmospheric vacuum breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3. Theory of Backflow and Backsiphonage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 16 Atmospheric vacuum breaker typical installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4. Methods and Devices for the Prevention of Backflow and 17 Atmospheric vacuum breaker in plumbing supply system . . . . . . . . . 17
Backsiphonage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 18 Hose bibb vacuum breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5. Testing Procedures for Backflow Preventers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 19 Typical installation of hose bibb vacuum breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6. Administration of a Cross-Connection Control Program . . . . . . . . . . 30 20 Pressure vacuum breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7. Cross-Connection Control Ordinance Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 21 Typical agricultural and industrial application of
pressure vacuum breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendixes 22 Double check valve with atmospheric vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
A. Partial list of plumbing hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 23 Residential use of double check with atmospheric vent . . . . . . . . . . . 19
B. Illustrations of backsiphonage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 24 Double check valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
C. Illustrations of backflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 25 Double check valve detector check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
D. Illustrations of air gaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 26 Residential dual check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
E. Illustrations of vacuum breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 27 Residential installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
F. Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 28 Copper horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
G. Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 29a Reduced pressure zone backflow preventer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
H. Sample cross-connection survey form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 29b Reduced pressure zone backflow preventer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
I. Sample cross-connection test form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 30 Reduced pressure zone backflow preventer principle of operation . . . 22
31 Plating plant installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Illustrations 32 Car wash installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Human blood in the water system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 33 Typical by-pass configuration, reduced pressure principle devices . . . 23
Burned in the shower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 34 Typical installation, reduced pressure principle device,
Heating system anti-freeze into potable water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 horizontal illustration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Salty drinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 35 Typical installation, reduced pressure principle device,
Paraquat in the water system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 vertical installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Propane gas in the water mains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 36 Typical installation, double check valve, horizontal and vertical
Chlordane and heptachlor at the Housing Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Boiler water enters high school drinking water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 37 Typical installation, residential dual check with straight
Pesticide in drinking water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 set and copper horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Car wash water in the water main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 38 Pressure vacuum breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Shipyard backflow contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 39 Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer, Step 1 . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chlordane in the water main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 40 Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer, Step 2 . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Hexavalent chromium in drinking water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 41 Double check valve assemblies, Method 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Employee health problems due to cross-connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 42 Double check valve assemblies, Method 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Dialysis machine contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 43 Cross-connection protection, commercial, industrial and residential . 30
Creosote in the water mains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 44 Backsiphonage, Case 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Kool aid laced with chlordane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 45 Backsiphonage, Case 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
46 Backsiphonage, Case 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Figure 47 Backsiphonage, Case 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
1 Pressure exerted by one foot of water at sea level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 48 Backsiphonage, Case 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
2 Pressure exerted by two feet of water at sea level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 49 Backsiphonage, Case 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
3 Pressure on the free surface of a liquid at sea level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 50 Backflow Case 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4 Effect of evacuating air from a column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 51 Backflow Case 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5 Pressure relationships in a continuous fluid system at 52 Backflow Case 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
the same elevation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 53 Backflow Case 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6 Pressure relationships in a continuous fluid system at 54 Air gap to sewer subject to backpressure—force main . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
different elevations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 55 Air gap to sewer subject to backpressure—gravity drain . . . . . . . . . . 41
7 Backsiphonage in a plumbing system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 56 Fire system makeup tank for a dual water system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
8 Negative pressure created by constricted flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 57 Vacuum breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
9 Dynamically reduced pipe pressure(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 58 Vacuum breaker arrangement for an outside hose hydrant . . . . . . . . . 41
10 Valved connection between potable water and nonpotable fluid . . . . 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS • iii


An AWWA
Statement of Policy
on Public Water Supply Matters.

Cross Connections The water purveyor shall To reduce the risk private
assure that effective backflow plumbing systems pose to the
dopted by the Board of prevention measures commen- public water distribution
A Directors Jan. 26, 1970,
revised June 24, 1979, reaf-
surate with the degree of
hazard, are implemented to
system, the water purveyor’s
backflow prevention program
firmed June 10, 1984 and ensure continual protection of should include public education
revised Jan. 28, 1990 and Jan. the water in the public water regarding the hazards backflow
21, 2001. distribution system. Customers, presents to the safety of
The American Water together with other authorities drinking water and should
Works Association (AWWA) are responsible for preventing include coordination with the
recognizes water purveyors contamination of the private cross connection efforts of local
have the responsibility to plumbing system under their authorities, particularly health
supply potable water to their control and the associated and plumbing officials. In areas
customers. In the exercise of protection of the public water lacking a health or plumbing
this responsibility, water system. enforcement agency, the water
purveyors or other respon- If appropriate back-flow purveyor should additionally
sible authorities must prevention measures have not promote the health and safety
implement, administer, and been taken, the water purveyor of private plumbing systems to
maintain ongoing backflow shall take or cause to be taken protect its customers from the
prevention and cross- necessary measures to ensure hazards of backflow.
connection control programs that the public water distribu-
to protect public water tion system is protected from
systems from the hazards any actual or potential
originating on the premises backflow hazard. Such action
of their customers and from would include the testing,
temporary connections that installation, and continual
may impair or alter the water assurance of proper operation
in the public water systems. and installation of backflow-
The return of any water to prevention assemblies, devices,
the public water system after and methods commensurate
the water has been used for with the degree of hazard at the
any purpose on the service connection or at the
customer’s premises or point of cross connection or
within the customer’s piping both. If these actions are not
system is unacceptable and taken, water service shall
opposed by AWWA. ultimately be eliminated.

iv • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Chapter One

Purpose about
Public health officials have
long been concerned
It might be assumed that
steps for detecting and elimi-
standard backflow prevention
devices and methods that may

and Scope plumbingconnections


cross-connections and nating cross-connections would be substituted for the conve-
backflow in be elementary and obvious. nient but dangerous direct
systems and in public Actually, cross-connections may connection. And third, it should
drinking water supply distribu- appear in many subtle forms be made clear to all that the
tion systems. Such cross- and in unsuspected places. hazards resulting from direct
connections, which make Reversal of pressure in the connections greatly outweigh
possible the contamination of water may be freakish and the convenience gained. This
potable water, are ever-present unpredictable. The probability manual does not describe all the
dangers. One example of what of contamination of drinking cross-connections possible in
can happen is an epidemic that water through a cross- piping systems. It does attempt
occurred in Chicago in 1933. connection occurring within a to reduce the subject to a
Old, defective, and improperly single plumbing system may statement of the principles
designed plumbing and fixtures seem remote; but, considering involved and to make it clear to
permitted the contamination of the multitude of similar the reader that such installa-
drinking water. As a result. systems, the probability is tions are potentially dangerous.
1,409 persons contracted great. The primary purpose is to
amebic dysentery; there were define, describe, and illustrate
98 deaths. This epidemic, and typical cross-connections and to
others resulting from contami- Why do such suggest simple methods and
nation introduced into a water cross-connections devices by which they may be
supply through improper exist? eliminated without interfering
plumbing, made clear the with the functions of plumbing
responsibility of public health First, plumbing is frequently or water supply distribution
officials and water purveyors for installed by persons who are systems.
exercising control over public unaware of the inherent
water distribution systems and dangers of cross-connections.
all plumbing systems connected Second, such connections are
to them. This responsibility made as a simple matter of
includes advising and instruct- convenience without regard to
ing plumbing installers in the the dangerous situation that
recognition and elimination of might be created. And, third,
cross-connections. they are made with reliance on
Cross-connections are the inadequate protection such as a
links through which it is single valve or other mechanical
possible for contaminating device.
materials to enter a potable To combat the dangers of
water supply. The contaminant cross-connections and backflow
enters the potable water system connections, education in their
when the pressure of the recognition and prevention is
polluted source exceeds the needed. First, plumbing
pressure of the potable source. installers must know that
The action may be called hydraulic and pollutional
backsiphonage or backflow. factors may combine to produce
Essentially it is reversal of the a sanitary hazard if a cross-
hydraulic gradient that can be connection is present. Second,
produced by a variety of they must realize that there are
circumstances. available reliable and simple

CHAPTER ONE • 1
Chapter Two
Human Blood in
the Water System

Public Health H ealth Department officials


cut off the water supply to
Investigation revealed that
the funeral home had been

Significance of
a funeral home located in a using a hydraulic aspirator to
large southern city, after it was drain fluids from the bodies of
determined that human blood human “remains” as part of the

Cross-Connections had contaminated the fresh


water supply. City water and
embalming process. The
aspirator directly connected to
plumbing officials said that they the water supply system at a
did not think that the blood faucet outlet located on a sink
ublic health officials have in the “preparation” (embalm-
P long been aware of the
impact that cross-connections
contamination had spread
beyond the building, however,
inspectors were sent into the
ing) room. Water flow through
the aspirator created suction
play as a threat to the public neighborhood to check for that was utilized to draw body
health. Because plumbing possible contamination. The fluids through a hose and
defects are so frequent and chief plumbing inspector had needle attached to the suction
the opportunity for contami- received a telephone call side of the aspirator.
nants to invade the public advising that blood was coming The contamination of the
drinking water through cross- from drinking fountains within funeral home potable water
connections are so general, the building. Plumbing and supply was caused by a combi-
enteric illnesses caused by county health department nation of low water pressure in
drinking water may occur at inspectors went to the scene conjunction with the simulta-
most any location and at any and found evidence that the neous use of the aspirator.
time. blood had been circulating in Instead of the body fluids
The following documented the water system within the flowing into the sanitary drain,
cases of cross-connection building. They immediately they were drawn in the opposite
problems illustrate and ordered the building cut off direction—into the potable
emphasize how actual cross- from the water system at the water supply of the funeral
connections have compromised meter. home!
the water quality and the public
health. Normal operation
Positive supply pressure Potable water Open

Closed

Negative supply pressure


Open “Hydro”
aspirator
Closed

Reverse flow through


aspirator due to Body fluids
back siphonage

2 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Burned in the Heating System
Shower Anti-Freeze into
Potable Water
resident of a small town in
A Alabama, jumped in the
shower at 5 a.m. one morning
One neighbor’s head was
covered with blisters after she
washed her hair and others
B angor Maine Water
Department employees
discovered poisonous antifreeze
in October, 1986, and when he complained of burned throats in a homeowner’s heating
got out his body was covered or mouths after drinking the system and water supply in
with tiny blisters. “The more I water. November, 1981. The incident
rubbed it, the worse it got,” the The incident began after an occurred when they shut off
60 year old resident said. “It 8-inch water main, that fed the ‘the service line to the home to
looked like someone took a town, broke and was repaired. make repairs. With the flow of
blow torch and singed me.” While repairing the water water to the house cut off,
He and several other main, one workman suffered pressure in the lines in the
residents received medical leg burns from a chemical in house dropped and the anti-
treatment at the emergency the water and required medical freeze, placed in the heating
room of the local hospital after treatment. Measurements of the system to prevent freeze-up of
the water system was contami- ph of the water were as high as an unused hot water heating
nated with sodium hydroxide, a 13 in some sections of the pipe. system, drained out of the
strong caustic solution. Investigation into the cause heating system into house
Other residents claimed of the problem led to a possible water lines, and flowed out to
that, “It (the water) bubbled up source of the contamination the street. If it had not been
and looked like Alka Seltzer. I from a nearby chemical noticed, it would have entered
stuck my hand under the faucet company that distributes the homeowner’s drinking
and some blisters came up.” chemicals such as sodium water when the water pressure
hydroxide. The sodium hydrox- was restored.
ide is brought to the plant in
Chemical bulk storage and holding tanks
liquid form in bulk tanker
trucks and is transferred to a
holding tank and then pumped
into 55 gallon drums. When
the water main broke, a truck
driver was adding the water
from the bottom of the tank
truck instead of the top, and
sodium hydroxide back-
siphoned into the water main.
wa
ter
se

Hose with bottom fill


r
vic
e

Automobile antifreeze Backsiphonage


added to boiler water (reverse flow)

Normal flow
Water main
Curb stop with stop
and waste drain

Water main
break and
repair

“Burned in the shower”

CHAPTER TWO • 3
Salty Drinks Paraquat in the
Water System

n January, 1981, a nationally


I known fast food restaurant
located in southeastern United
• A backflow preventer
that had been installed on the
service line to the shipyard had
“Y ellow gushy stuff ”
poured from some of
the faucets in a small town in
water supply piping had been
left open. A lethal cross-
connection had been created
States, complained to the water frozen and had been replaced Maryland, and the State of that permitted the herbicide to
department that all their soft with a spool piece sleeve. Maryland placed a ban on flow into the potable water
drinks were being rejected by • The shipyard fire drinking the water supply. supply system. Upon restora-
their customers as tasting protection system utilized sea Residents were warned not to tion of water pressure, the
“salty.” This included soda water that was pumped by both use the water for cooking, herbicides flowed into the many
fountain beverages, coffee, electric and diesel driven bathing, drinking or any other faucets and outlets on the town
orange juice, etc. An investiga- pumps. purpose except for flushing water distribution system.
tion revealed that an adjacent toilets. This cross-connection
water customer complained of • The pumps were primed
The incident drew wide- created a needless and costly
salty water occurring simulta- by potable city water.
spread attention and made the event that fortunately did not
neously with the restaurant With the potable priming local newspapers. In addition to result in serious illness or loss of
incident. This second complaint line left open and the pumps being the lead story on the life. Door-to-door public
came from a water front ship maintaining pressure in the fire ABC news affiliate in Washing- notification, extensive flushing,
repair facility that was also lines, raw salt water was ton, D.C. and virtually all the water sample analysis, emer-
being served by the same water pumped through the priming Washington/Baltimore news- gency arrangements to provide
main lateral. The (investigation lines, through the spool sleeve papers that evening. The news temporary potable water from
centered on the ship repair piece, to the ship repair facility media contended that lethal tanker trucks, all contributed to
facility and revealed the and the restaurant. pesticides may have contami- an expensive and unnecessary
following: nated the water supply and town burden.
among the contaminants was
paraquat, a powerful agricul-
tural herbicide.
The investigation disclosed
that the water pressure in the
town water mains was tempo-
rarily reduced due to a water
Backflow preventer pump failure in the town water
replaced by spool piece supply pumping system.
Coincidentally, a gate valve Mixing Sink
between a herbicide chemical
holding tank and the town
Main fresh
water line

Pump prime line


Herbicide holding tank

High pressure fire line


Seawater

Salt water suction line


for fire protection
Potable town water

Recommended installation of
backflow preventer

4 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Propane Gas in the Chlordane and
Water Mains Heptachlor at the
Housing Authority
he services to seventy five of the gate valve. When the
T apartments housing
approximately three hundred
workman cut the 6-inch line,
water started to drain out of the
Fire people were contaminated with cut, thereby setting up a
Hose used for
propane tank chlordane and heptachlor in a backsiphonage condition. As a
purging cross city in Pennsylvania, in Decem- result, the chemicals were
connected
to private ber, 1980. The insecticides siphoned out of the truck,
fire hydrant entered the water supply through the garden hose, and
system while an exterminating into the system, contaminating
company was applying them as the seventy five apartments.
a preventative measure against Repeated efforts to clean
Recommended
backflow
termites. While the pesticide and flush the lines were not
preventer contractor was mixing the satisfactory and it was finally
installation chemicals in a tank truck with decided to replace the water
water from a garden hose line and all the plumbing that
Water main coming from one of the was affected. There were no
pressure apartments, a workman was reports of illness, but residents
65 psi cutting into a 6-inch main line of the housing authority were
to install a gate valve. The end told not to use any tap water
Explosion
of the garden hose was sub- for any purpose and they were
merged in the tank containing given water that was trucked
undreds of people were ate repair procedures. To
H evacuated from their
homes and businesses on an
start the repair, the tank was
“purged” of residual propane
the pesticides, and at the same
time, the water to the area was
shut off and the lines being
into the area by volunteer fire
department personnel. They
were without their normal
August afternoon in a town in by using water from one of two drained prior to the installation water supply for 27 days.
Connecticut in 1982 as a result private fire hydrants located on
of propane entering the city the property. Water purging
water supply system. Fires were is the preferred method of
reported in two homes and the purging over the use of carbon
town water supply was con- dioxide since it is more positive
taminated. One five-room and will float out any sludge as
residence was gutted by a blaze well as any gas vapors. The
resulting from propane gas “purging” consisted of hooking
“bubbling and hissing” from a up a hose to one of the private Recommended installation
bathroom toilet and in another fire hydrants located on the of hose bibb vacuum breaker
backflow preventer
home a washing machine property and initiating flushing
explosion blew a woman procedures.
against a wall. Residents Since the vapor pressure of
throughout the area reported the propane residual in the tank
hissing, bubbling noises, was 85 to 90 psi., and the water
coming from washing pressure was only 65 to 70 psi.,
machines, sinks and toilets. propane gas backpressure
Faucets sputtered out small backflowed into the water
streams of water mixed with main. It was estimated that the
gas and residents in the area gas flowed into the water mains
Gate valve closed
were asked to evacuate their for about 20 minutes and that
homes. about 2,000 cubic feet of gas
This near-disaster occurred was involved. This was approxi-
in one, 30,000 gallon capacity mately enough gas to fill one
liquid propane tank when the mile of an 8-inch water main.
gas company initiated immedi-

CHAPTER TWO • 5
Boiler Water Pesticide in Car Wash Water
Enters High School Drinking Water in the Water Main
Drinking Water Street
pesticide contaminated a his car wash cross-

Water cooler
A North Carolina water
system in April, 1986, prompt-
T connection and back-
pressure incident, which
High School
ing the town to warn residents occurred in February, 1979,
of 23 households not to drink in the state of Washington,
Bubbler
the water. The residents in the resulted in backflow chemical
affected area were supplied contamination of approximately
drinking water from a tank 100 square blocks of water
Bubbler truck parked in the parking lot mains. Prompt response by the
Recommended installation of a downtown office building water department prevented a
Street of backflow preventer Leaky check valves until the condition could be potentially hazardous water
cleared up. Residents com- quality degradation problem
plained of foul smelling water without a recorded case of
but there were no reports of illness.
Toxic rust inhibitor and illness from ingesting the water Numerous complaints of
defoamant containing that had been contaminated grey-green and “slippery” water
sodium dichromate
with a pesticide containing were received by the water
chlordane and heptachlor. department coming from the
Pump
Authorities stated that the same general area of town. A
problem occurred when a water sample brought to the water
High school boilers
main broke at the same time department by a customer
that a pest control service was confirmed the reported problem
filling a pesticide truck with and preliminary analysis
water. The reduction in pressure indicated contamination with
high school in New No students or faculty
A Mexico, was closed for
several days in June 1984 when
were known to have consumed
any of the water; however, area
caused the pesticide from inside
the tank to be sucked into the
what appeared to be a deter-
gent solution. While emergency
building’s water main. The crews initiated flushing opera-
a home economics teacher physicians and hospitals advised
pesticide contaminated the tions, further investigation
noticed the water in the potable that if anyone had consumed
potable water supply of the within the contaminated area
system was yellow. City those high levels of chromium,
office building and neighbor- signaled the problem was
chemists determined that the symptoms would be nausea,
hood area. probably caused by a car wash,
samples taken contained levels diarrhea, and burning of the
of chromium as high as 700 mouth and throat. Fortunately,
parts per million, “astronomi- the home economics teacher,
cally higher than the accepted who first saw the discolored
levels of .05 parts per million.” water before school started,
The head chemist said that it immediately covered all water
was miraculous that no one was fountains with towels so that
seriously injured or killed by the no one would drink the water.
high levels of chromium. The Investigation disclosed
chemical was identified as that chromium used in the
sodium dichromate, a toxic heating system boilers to inhibit
form of chromium used in corrosion of metal parts entered
heating system boilers to inhibit the potable water supply
corrosion of the metal parts. system as a result of backflow
through leaking check valves Recommended installation
on the boiler feed lines. of hose bibb vacuum breaker
backflow preventer

6 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Shipyard
Backflow
Contamination
or laundry, based upon the • On Monday, February
soapy nature of the contami- 12, 1979, the owner repaired
nant. The source was quickly the high pressure pump and
narrowed down to a car wash resumed normal car wash
Potable supply hose
and the proprietor was ex- operations. The 2-inch hose
tremely cooperative in admit- connection (cross-connection) Shipboard
ting to the problem and was not removed! raw water
pumping
explaining how it had occurred. • Because of the cross- system
The circumstances leading up connection, the newly repaired
to the incident were as follows: high pressure pump promptly
• On Saturday, February pumped a large quantity of To washrooms
10, 1979, a high pressure pump the reclaimed wash/rinse water
broke down at the car wash. out of the car wash and into a
This pump recycled reclaimed 12-inch water main in the Cafeteria drinking fountains
wash and rinse water and street. This in turn was deliv- and sanitation water
pumped it to the initial ered to the many residences
To washrooms
scrubbers of the car wash. No and commercial establishments ply
potable plumbing connection connected to the water main. r sup Reduced pressure principle backflow
ate preventers should have been installed
ew
is normally made to the car Within 24 hours of the tabl at dockside outlets and other locations
Po
wash’s scrubber system. incident, the owner of the car
• After the pump broke wash had installed a 2-inch
down, the car wash owner reduced pressure principle ater fountains at an East The cause of the problem
was able to continue operation
by connecting a 2-inch hose
backflow preventer on his
water service and all car wash
W Coast Shipyard were
posted “No Drinking” as
was a direct cross-connection
between the on-board salt
section temporarily between the establishments in Seattle that workers flushed the water lines water fire protection water
potable supply within the car used a wash water reclaim to eliminate raw river water system and the fresh water
wash, and the scrubber cycle system were notified of the that had entered the shipyard connected to one of the ships at
piping. state requirement for backflow following contamination from the dock. While the shipyard
prevention. incorrectly connected water had been aware of the need
lines between ships at the pier for backflow protection at the
and the shipyard. Some third dockside tie up area, the device
shift employees drank the had not been delivered and
Wax injectors Soap injectors water before the pollution installed prior to the time of the
was discovered and later incident. As a result, the salt
Hose connection complained of stomach cramps water on-board fire protection
made here
and diarrhea. system, being at a greater
pressure than the potable
supply, forced the salt water,
Rinse Rinse
through backpressure, into the
shipyard potable supply.
Scrubbers
Fortunately, a small
To reclaim tanks
demand for potable water at
the time of the incident
Recommended Recirculating prevented widespread pollution
installation of pump in the shipyard and the sur-
backflow preventer Reclaim tanks
rounding areas.
To restrooms

Potable
water supply

CHAPTER TWO • 7
Chlordane in the Hexavalent
Water Main Chromium in
Drinking Water
n July, 1982, a well meaning and intestinal sickness.
I n October, 1979, approxi-
mately three gallons of
chlordane, a highly toxic
end of a garden hose that was
connected to an outside hose
bibb tap in a barrel of diluted
I maintenance mechanic, in
attempting to correct a fogging
Maintenance crews working
during the plant shutdown
insecticide, was sucked back pesticide. During the water lens in an overcooled laser were able to eliminate the cross-
(back-siphoned) into the water service interruption, the machine, installed a tempering connection and thoroughly
system of a residential area of chlordane solution was back- valve in the laser cooling line, flush the potable water system,
a good sized eastern city. siphoned from the barrel and inadvertently set the stage thereby preventing a serious
Residents complained that the through the house and into the for a backpressure backflow health hazard from occurring.
water “looked milky, felt greasy, water mains. incident that resulted in The incident occurred as
foamed and smelled,” and as Following numerous hexavalent chromium contami- follows:
one woman put it, “It was complaints, the water depart- nating the potable water of a • Laser machine lenses
similar to a combination of ment undertook an extensive large electronic manufacturing were kept cool by circulating
kerosene and Black Flag program of flushing of the company in Massachusetts chilled water that came from a
pesticide.” water mains and hand delivered employing 9,000 people. large refrigeration chiller. The
The problem developed letters telling residents to flush Quantities of 50 parts per water used in the chiller was
while water department their lines for four hours before million hexavalent chromium treated with hexavalent
personnel were repairing a using the water. Until the water were found in the drinking chromium, a chemical additive
water main. A professional lines were clear of the contami- water which is sufficient to used as an anticorrosive agent
exterminator, meanwhile, was nant, water was hand-hauled cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and an algicide. As a result, the
treating a nearby home with into homes, and people went chilled water presented a toxic,
chlordane for termite elimina- out of their homes for showers, non-potable substance unfit for
tion. The workman for the meals and every other activity Hexavalent human consumption but very
chromium
exterminator company left one involving potable water. added to
Fortunately, due to the obvious chilled water
bad taste, odor and color of the
contaminated water, no one Main plant cooling line
consumed a sufficient quantity Laser
to endanger health. machine

Temporary
chiller Circulating
feed pump pumps

ply
Recommended installation of

p
su
backflow preventer

ter
CHLORDANE
Tempering wa
le
tab

valve
Po

Hot water
heater To washrooms
Backpressure backflow path
To plant bubblers

To ice making machines

To plant vending machines

Recommended installation of hose bibb


vacuum breaker backflow preventer

8 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Employee Health
Problems due to
Cross-Connection
acceptable for industrial process cross-connection incident supply line! As the storage tank
water. No health hazard was
present as long as the piping
A occurring in a modern
seven-story office building
pressure increased above the
supply pressure, as a result of
was identified, kept separate located in a large city in New thermal expansion, the poten-
from potable drinking water Hampshire, in March, 1980, tial for backpressure backflow
lines, and not cross-connected resulted in numerous cases of was present. Normally, this
to the potable water supply. nausea, diarrhea, loss of time would not occur because a
• A maintenance and employee complaints as to boost pump in the supply line
mechanic correctly reasoned the poor quality of the water. would keep the supply pressure
that by adding a tempering On Saturday, March 1, to the storage tank always
valve to the chilled water line, 1980, a large fire occurred two greater than the highest tank
he could heat up the water a bit blocks away from a seven-story pressure. The addition of rust
and eliminate fogging of the office building in this large inhibiting chemicals to this Roof mounted solar panels
laser lenses resulting from the New Hampshire city. On tank greatly increased the
chilled water being too cold. Sunday, March 2, 1980, the degree of hazard of the liquid.
The problem with the installa- maintenance crew of the office Unfortunately, at the same time
tion of the tempering valve was building arrived to perform the that the fire took place, the Utility Heat exchanger
that a direct cross-connection weekly cleaning, and after pressure in the water mains was sink
had been inadvertently made drinking the water from the reduced to a dangerously low
between the toxic chilled water drinking fountains, and pressure and the low pressure
and the potable drinking water sampling the coffee from the cutoff switches simultaneously
line! coffee machines, noticed that shut off the storage tank
• Periodic maintenance the water smelled rubbery and booster pumps. This combina-
to the chiller system was had a strong bitter taste. Upon tion allowed the boiler water,
performed in the summer, notifying the Manchester Water together with its chemical
Sink
requiring that an alternate Company, water samples were contaminants, the opportunity
chiller feed pump be tempo- taken and preliminary analysis to enter the potable water
Sink
rarily installed. This replace- disclosed that the contaminants supply within the building.
ment pump had an outlet found were not the typical When normal pressure was
pressure of 150 psi, and contaminants associated with reestablished in the water Coffee
promptly established an fire line disturbances. Investi- mains, the booster pumps machine
imbalance of pressure at the gating teams suspected that kicked in, and the contami-
tempering valve, thereby over- either the nearby fire could nated water was delivered
pressurizing the 60 psi, potable have siphoned contaminants throughout the building.
supply. Backpressure backflow from adjacent buildings into the Sink
resulted and pushed the toxic water mains, or the contamina-
chilled water from the water tion could have been caused by
heater and then into the plant’s a plumbing deficiency occurring
potable drinking water supply. within the seven story building Chemical
Yellowish green water started itself. Water feeder
fountatin
pouring out of the drinking Water ph levels of the
fountains, the washroom, and building water indicated that Booster
pump
all potable outlets. an injection of chemicals had
probably taken place within the Meter
seven-story building. Tracing of Water
main
the water lines within the Recommended installation Backpressure
of backflow preventers backflow
building pinpointed a 10,000
gallon hot-water storage tank
that was used for heat storage
in the solar heating system. It
did not have any backflow
protection on the make-up

CHAPTER TWO • 9
Dialysis Machine Creosote in the
Contamination Water Mains

thylene glycol, an anti- potable supply line and fed faucet, which in turn dropped reosote entered the water
E freeze additive to air
conditioning cooling tower
through a manually operated
control valve. With this valve
the pressure in the potable
supply line to the air condition-
C distribution system of a
southeastern county water
water, inadvertently entered the open, or partially open, potable ing holding tank. Since the authority in Georgia, in
potable water supply system in make-up water flowed slowly manually operated fill valve was November, 1984, as a result of
a medical center in Illinois in into the glycol/water mixture in partially open, this allowed the cross-connection between a
September, 1982, and two of the holding tank until it filled glycol/water mixture to enter ¾-inch hose that was being
six dialysis patients succumbed to the point where the pressure the medical center potable used as a priming line between
as a direct or indirect result of in the closed tank equaled the pipelines and flow into the a fire service connection and the
the contamination. pressure in the potable water dialysis equipment. The dialysis suction side of a creosote pump.
The glycol was added to supply feed line. As long as the filtration system takes out trace The hose continually supplied
the air conditioning water, and potable feed line pressure was at chemicals such as those used in water to the pump to ensure
the glycol/water mix was stored least equal to, or greater than, the city water treatment plant, the pump was primed at all
in a holding tank that was an the holding tank pressure, no but the system could not times. However, while repairs
integral part of the medical backflow could occur. The stage handle the heavy load of were being made to a private
center’s air conditioning cooling was set for disaster, however. chemicals that it was suddenly fire hydrant, the creosote back-
system. Pressurized make-up It was theorized that subjected to. siphoned into the water mains
water to the holding tank was someone in the medical center The effect upon the dialysis and contaminated a section of
supplied by a medical center flushed a toilet or turned on a patients was dramatic: patients the water distribution system.
became drowsy, confused and Detailed investigation of
Glycol/water fell unconscious, and were the cause of the incident
pressurized promptly removed to intensive disclosed that the wood
holding tank
Air conditioning units care where blood samples were preservative company, as part of
taken. The blood samples their operation, pumped
Submerged inlet revealed a build-up of acid and creosote from collective pits to
cross-connection the medical director stated that, other parts of their operation.
“Something has happened in The creosote pump would
Recommneded installation dialysis.” Dialysis was repeated automatically shut off when the
Dialysis room of backflow preventer Slightly
open on the patients a second and creosote in the pit was lowered
manual third time. to a predetermined level. After
Dialysis valve
Tests of the water supply to the creosote returned to a
filtration
unit the filtration system quickly higher level, the pump would
determined the presence of “an restart. This pump would lose
undesirable chemical in the its prime quite often prior to
water purification system.” The the pit refilling, and to prevent
Operating room
partially open fill valve was the loss of prime, the wood
Autopsy then found that it had permit- preservative company would
ted the glycol water mix to connect a hose from a ¾-inch
Rest Intensive care
drain from the air conditioning hose bibb, located on the fire
room
holding tank into the medical service line, to the suction side
center’s potable supply lines of the pump. The hose bibb
and then into the dialysis remained open at all times in an
filtration system equipment. effort to continuously keep the
Washroom pump primed.
Backpressure backflow

Main water
Boiler supply
room Laundry facility
Recommended installation
of backflow preventer

10 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Kool-Aid Laced
With Chlordane

n August, 1978, a profes-


Street main Private shut-off Recommended installation
of backflow preventers
I sional exterminator was
treating a church located in a
The chlordane was quickly
siphoned into the water lines
within the church and became
Creosote pump Process
water small town in South Carolina, mixed with the Kool-Aid being
for termite and pest control. prepared by women for the
The highly toxic insecticide vacation bible school. Approxi-
chlordane was being mixed mately a dozen children and
with water in small buckets, three adults experienced
Recommended installation and garden hoses were left dizziness and nausea. Fortu-
of backflow preventers submerged in the buckets while nately, none required hospital-
the mixing was being accom- ization or medical attention.
Street main plished. At the same time,
water department personnel
Creosote
contaminated flow came by to disconnect the
parsonage’s water line from the
church to install a separate
water meter for the parsonage.
In the process, the water was Recommended installation
shut off in the area of the of hose bibb vacuum
breaker backflow preventer
church building. Since the
church was located on a steep
hill, and as the remaining water
in the lines was used by
residents in the area, the church
was among the first places to
Repairs were necessary to After the repairs were experience a negative pressure.
one of the private fire hydrants made to the hydrant, and the
on the wood preservative water service restored, the
company property, necessitating creosote, now in the fire lines,
the shutting down of one of two was forced into the main water
service lines and removal of the distribution system.
damaged fire hydrant for repair.
Since the hydrant was at a
significantly lower level than
the creosote pit, the creosote
back-siphoned through a ¾-
inch pump priming hose
connecting the creosote pit to
the fire service line.

CHAPTER TWO • 11
Chapter Three

Theory of Backflow Pabsolute = Pgage + 14.7psi


or
Water Pressure
For an understanding of the
and Backsiphonage Pgage = Pabsolute – 14.7 psi
In essence then, absolute
nature of pressure and its
relationship to water depth,
pressure is the total pressure. consider the pressure exerted on
Gage pressure is simply the the base of a cubic foot of water
pressure read on a gage. If there at sea level. (See Fig. 1) The
is no pressure on the gage other average weight of a cubic foot
than atmospheric, the gage of water is 62.4 pounds per
cross-connection1 is the
A link or channel connecting
a source of pollution with a
would read zero. Then the
absolute pressure would be
square foot gage. The base may
be subdivided into 144-square
equal to 14.7 psi which is the inches with each subdivision
potable water supply. The
atmospheric pressure. being subjected to a pressure of
polluting substance, in most
The term vacuum indicates 0.433 psig.
cases a liquid, tends to enter the
that the absolute pressure is less Suppose another cubic foot
potable supply if the net force
than the atmospheric pressure of water were placed directly
acting upon the liquid acts in
and that the gage pressure is on top of the first (See Fig. 2).
the direction of the potable
negative. A complete or total The pressure on the top surface
supply. Two factors are therefore
vacuum would mean a pressure of the first cube which was
essential for backflow. First,
of 0 psia or -14.7 psig. Since it originally atmospheric, or
there must be a link between
is impossible to produce a total 0 psig, would now be 0.433
the two systems. Second, the
vacuum, the term vacuum, as psig as a result of the super-
resultant force must be toward
used in the text, will mean all imposed cubic foot of water.
the potable supply.
degrees of partial vacuum. In a The pressure of the base of
An understanding of the
partial vacuum, the pressure the first cube would also be
principles of backflow and
would range from slightly less increased by the same amount
backsiphonage requires an
than 14.7 psia (0 psig) to of 0.866 psig, or two times the
understanding of the terms
slightly greater than 0 psia original pressure.
frequently used in their
(-14.7 psig).
discussion. Force, unless com-
Backsiphonage1 results in
pletely resisted, will produce
fluid flow in an undesirable or
motion. Weight is a type of
reverse direction. It is caused by FIGURE 1.
force resulting from the earth’s Pressure exerted by 1 foot of
atmospheric pressure exerted on water at sea level.
gravitational attraction.
a pollutant liquid forcing it
Pressure (P) is a force-per-unit
toward a potable water supply
area, such as pounds per square
system that is under a vacuum.
inch (psi). Atmospheric pressure is 62.4#/ft3
Backflow, although literally 12"
the pressure exerted by the 12"
meaning any type of reversed
weight of the atmosphere above 12"
flow, refers to the flow produced
the earth.
by the differential pressure
Pressure may be referred to
existing between two systems
using an absolute scale, pounds
el
ev

both of which are at pressures


al

per square inch absolute (psia),


Se

greater than atmospheric.


or gage scale, pounds per
square inch gage (psig). 0.433 psig
Absolute pressure and gage
pressure are related. Absolute
pressure is equal to the gage
pressure plus the atmospheric
pressure. At sea level the
atmospheric pressure is 14.7
1See formal definition in the glossary of
psia. Thus, the appendix

12 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


If this process were Siphon Theory level exactly balances the because of the partial vacuum
repeated with a third cubic foot weight of a column of water created by the drop in pressure.
of water, the pressures at the Figure 3 depicts the atmo- 33.9 feet in height. The If the faucet were opened,
base of each cube would be spheric pressure on a water absolute pressure within the however, the vacuum would be
1,299 psig, 0.866 psig, and surface at sea level. An open column of water in Figure 4 at broken and the water level
0.433 psig, respectively. It is tube is inserted vertically into a height of 11.5 feet is equal to would drop to a height of 77
evident that pressure varies the water; atmospheric pres- 9.7 psia. This is a partial feet above the ground. Thus,
with depth below a free water sure, which is 14.7 psia, acts vacuum with an equivalent the atmosphere was supporting
surface; in general each foot of equally on the surface of the gage pressure of -5.0 psig. a column of water 23 feet high.
elevation change, within a water within the tube and on As a practical example, Figure 5 is a diagram of an
liquid, changes the pressure by the outside of the tube. assume the water pressure at a inverted U-tube that has been
an amount equal to the weight- closed faucet on the top of a filled with water and placed in
FIGURE 3.
per-unit area of 1 foot of the Pressure on the free surface of a
100-foot high building to be 20 two open containers at sea level.
liquid. The rate of increase for liquid at sea level. psig; the pressure on the If the open containers are
water is 0.433 psi per foot of ground floor would then be placed so that the liquid levels
depth. 63.3 psig. If the pressure at the in each container are at the
Frequently water pressure ground were to drop suddenly same height, a static state will
is referred to using the terms due to a heavy fire demand in exist; and the pressure at any
“pressure head” or just “head,” the area to 33.3 psig, the specified level in either leg of
and is expressed in units of feet pressure at the top would be the U-tube will be the same.
of water. One foot of head reduced to -10 psig. If the The equilibrium condition
would be equivalent to the building water system were is altered by raising one of the
pressure produced at the base airtight, the water would containers so that the liquid
of a column of water 1 foot in remain at the level of the faucet level in one container is 5 feet
depth. One foot of head or 14.7
1 foot of water is equal to 0.433 14.7 psia psia
FIGURE 5.
FIGURE 4.
psig. One hundred feet of head sea level Pressure relationships in a
Effect of evacuating air from a
continuous fluid system at the
is equal to 43.3 psig. column.
same elevation.

FIGURE 2. “Zero” Absolute 4.7 psia


Pressure exerted by 2 feet of Pressure
water at sea level.
If, as shown in Figure 4,
the tube is slightly capped and
a vacuum pump is used to 0.0
psia
evacuate all the air from the
or Vacuum pump
sealed tube, a vacuum with a -14.7
23 '
pressure of 0 psia is created psig 10.3 psia
within the tube. Because the
24" pressure at any point in a static
0.433 psig
fluid is dependent upon the
10 '

height of that point above a


39.9 '

reference line, such as sea level,


it follows that the pressure 9.7
within the tube at sea level psia or -5.0 psig
14.7 14.7
el

must still be 14.7 psia. This is


ev

psia psia
aL

0.866 psig equivalent to the pressure at the


Se

11.5 '

base of a column of water 33.9


feet high and with the column 14.7 14.7 psia or
open at the base, water would psia 0.0 psig
rise to fill the column to a depth Sea level

1See formal definition in the glossary of


of 33.9 feet. In other words, the
the appendix weight of the atmosphere at sea

CHAPTER THREE • 13
above the level of the other. (See level, since atmosphere cannot shown that as a fluid acceler- FIGURE 9.
Dynamically reduced pipe
Fig. 6.) Since both containers support a column of water ates, as shown in Figure 8, the pressures.
are open to the atmosphere, the greater in height than 33.9 feet. pressure is reduced. As water
pressure on the liquid surfaces Figure 7 illustrates how flows through a constriction From pollution To fixture
in each container will remain at this siphon principle can be such as a converging section of source
14.7 psia. hazardous in a plumbing pipe, the velocity of the water
If it is assumed that a static system. If the supply valve is increases; as a result, the
state exists, momentarily, closed, the pressure in the line pressure is reduced. Under such
within the system shown in supplying the faucet is less than conditions, negative pressures
Figure 6, the pressure in the left the pressure in the supply line may be developed in a pipe. +50 psig
tube at any height above the to the bathtub. Flow will occur, The simple aspirator is based
free surface in the left container therefore, through siphonage, upon this principle. If this
-10
can be calculated. The pressure from the bathtub to the open point of reduced pressure is psig
at the corresponding level in the faucet. linked to a source of pollution,
right tube above the free surface backsiphonage of the pollutant
in the right container may also can occur.
FIGURE 7.
be calculated. Backsiphonage in a plumbing Booster pump
As shown in Figure 6, the system. FIGURE 8.
pressure at all levels in the left Negative pressure created by
tube would be less than at Valve open constricted flow.
corresponding levels in the right flow from the source of pollu-
tube. In this case, a static Submerged inlet
tion would occur when pressure
condition cannot exist because on the suction side of the pump
fluid will flow from the higher -10 psig is less than pressure of the
+30 psig +30 psig pollution source; but this is
pressure to the lower pressure;
the flow would be from the backflow, which will be discussed
right tank to the left tank. This below.
Valve open One of the common The preceding discussion
arrangement will be recognized
occurrences of dynamically has described some of the
as a siphon. The crest of a Closed supply
reduced pipe pressures is found means by which negative
siphon cannot be higher than
on the suction side of a pump. pressures may be created and
33.9 feet above the upper liquid
In many cases similar to the one which frequently occur to
illustrated in Figure 9, the line produce backsiphonage. In
FIGURE 6. The siphon actions cited supplying the booster pump is addition to the negative
Pressure relationships in a have been produced by reduced
continuous fluid system at undersized or does not have pressure or reversed force
different elevations. pressures resulting from a sufficient pressure to deliver necessary to cause
difference in the water levels at water at the rate at which the backsiphonage and backflow,
two separated points within a pump normally operates. The there must also be the cross-
continuous fluid system. rate of flow in the pipe may be connection or connecting link
8.2 psia 10.3 psia Reduced pressure may also increased by a further reduction between the potable water
be created within a fluid system in pressure at the pump intake. supply and the source of
as a result of fluid motion. One This often results in the creation pollution. Two basic types of
of the basic principles of fluid of negative pressure at the connections may be created in
10 '

mechanics is the principle of pump intake. This often results piping systems. These are the
conservation of energy. Based
15 '

in the creation of negative solid pipe with valved connec-


upon this principle, it may be pressure. This negative pressure tion and the submerged inlet.
14.7
may become low enough in
some cases to cause vaporization
5'

psia
of the water in the line. Actu-
14.7
ally, in the illustration shown,
psia

14 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Figures 10 and 11 illustrate of the installer about the difficult to control are those reversal in differential pressure
solid connections. This type of possibility of reversed flow is which are not apparent until a may occur when pressure in the
connection is often installed often more difficult. Upon significant change in water level potable system drops, for some
where it is necessary to supply questioning, however, many occurs or where a supply may reason, to a pressure lower than
an auxiliary piping system from installers will agree that the be conveniently extended below that in the system to which the
the potable source. It is a direct solid connection was made the liquid surface by means of a potable water is connected.
connection of one pipe to because the sewer is occasion- hose or auxiliary piping. A The most positive method
another pipe or receptacle. ally subjected to backpressure. submerged inlet may be created of avoiding this type of
Solid pipe connections are Submerged inlets are found in numerous ways, and its backflow is the total or com-
often made to continuous or on many common plumbing detection in some of these plete separation of the two
intermittent waste lines where fixtures and are sometimes subtle forms may be difficult. systems. Other methods used
it is assumed that the flow will necessary features of the fixtures The illustrations included involve the installation of
be in one direction only. An if they are to function properly. in part B of the appendix are mechanical devices. All meth-
example of this would be used Examples of this type of design intended to describe typical ods require routine inspection
cooling water from a water are siphon-jet urinals or water examples of backsiphonage, and maintenance.
jacket or condenser as shown in closets, flushing rim slop sinks, showing in each case the nature Dual piping systems are
Figure 11. This type of connec- and dental cuspidors. Oldstyle of the link or cross-connection, often installed for extra protec-
tion is usually detectable but bathtubs and lavatories had and the cause of the negative tion in the event of an emer-
creating a concern on the part supply inlets below the flood pressure. gency or possible mechanical
level rims, but modern sanitary failure of one of the systems.
FIGURE 10. design has minimized or Fire protection systems are an
Valved connections between eliminated this hazard in new Backflow example. Another example is
potable water and nonpotable fixtures. Chemical and indus- the use of dual water connec-
fluid. Backflow1, as described in this
trial process vats sometimes tions to boilers. These installa-
have submerged inlets where manual, refers to reversed flow tions are sometimes inter-
the water pressure is used as an due to backpressure other than connected, thus creating a
aid in diffusion, dispersion and siphonic action. Any intercon- health hazard.
agitation of the vat contents. nected fluid systems in which The illustrations in part C
Even though the supply pipe the pressure of one exceeds the of the appendix depict installa-
may come from the floor above pressure of the other may have tions where backflow under
the vat, backsiphonage can flow from one to the other as a pressure can occur, describing
occur as it has been shown that result of the pressure differen- the cross-connection and the
the siphon action can raise a tial. The flow will occur from cause of the reversed flow.
liquid such as water almost 34 the zone of higher pressure to
Non potable Potable feet. Some submerged inlets the zone of lower pressure. This
type of backflow is of concern in
buildings where two or more
FIGURE 11
piping systems are maintained.
Valved connection between The potable water supply is
potable water and sanitary sewer. usually under pressure directly
from the city water main.
Occasionally, a booster pump is
City supply Condenser used. The auxiliary system is
often pressurized by a centrifical
pump, although backpressure
may be caused by gas or steam
pressure from a boiler. A

Sanitary sewer
1See formal definition in the glossary of
the appendix

CHAPTER THREE • 15
Chapter Four

Methods and Devices Air Gap


Air gaps are non-mechanical
(2) The air gap may be easily
defeated in the event that the

for the Prevention of


“2D” requirement was purposely
backflow preventers that are or inadvertently compromised.
very effective devices to be used Excessive splash may be encoun-
Backflow and
where either backsiphonage or tered in the event that higher
backpressure conditions may than anticipated pressures or
exist. Their use is as old as
Back-Siphonage
flows occur. The splash may be a
piping and plumbing itself, but cosmetic or true potential
only relatively recently have hazard—the simple solution
standards been issued that being to reduce the “2D”
wide choice of devices
A exists that can be used to
prevent backsiphonage and
standardize their design. In
general, the air gap must be
twice the supply pipe diameter
dimension by thrusting the
supply pipe into the receiving
funnel. By so doing, the air gap
backpressure from adding but never less than one inch. is defeated.
contaminated fluids or gases See Figure 12.
into a potable water supply (3) At an air gap, we expose the
system. Generally, the selection water to the surrounding air
FIGURE 12. with its inherent bacteria, dust
of the proper device to use is Air gap.
based upon the degree of hazard particles, and other airborne
posed by the cross-connection. pollutants or contaminants. In
Additional considerations are addition, the aspiration effect of
Diameter
based upon piping size, location, “D” the flowing water can drag down
and the potential need to surrounding pollutants into the
periodically test the devices to “2D” reservoir or holding tank.
insure proper operation. (4) Free chlorine can come out of
There are six basic types of treated water as a result of the air
devices that can be used to gap and the resulting splash and
correct cross-connections: air churning effect as the water
gaps, barometric loops, vacuum enters the holding tanks. This
breakers—both atmospheric reduces the ability of the water
and pressure type, double check to withstand bacteria contamina-
with intermediate atmospheric tion during long term storage.
vent, double check valve An air gap, although an
(5) For the above reasons, air
assemblies, and reduced pressure extremely effective backflow
gaps must be inspected as
principle devices. In general, all preventer when used to prevent
frequently as mechanical
manufacturers of these devices, backsiphonage and backpres-
backflow preventers. They are
with the exception of the sure conditions, does interrupt
not exempt from an in-depth
barometric loop, produce them the piping flow with corre-
cross-connection control pro-
to one or more of three basic sponding loss of pressure for
gram requiring periodic inspec-
standards, thus insuring the subsequent use. Consequently,
tion of all backflow devices.
public that dependable devices air gaps are primarily used at
end of the line service where Air gaps may be fabricated
are being utilized and marketed. from commercially available
The major standards in the reservoirs or storage tanks are
desired. When contemplating plumbing components or
industry are: American Society purchased as separate units and
of Sanitary Engineers ASSE), the use of an air gap, some
other considerations are: integrated into plumbing and
American Water Works Associa- piping systems. An example of
tion (AWWA), and the Univer- (1) In a continuous piping
the use of an air gap is shown in
sity of California Foundation for system, each air gap requires
Figure 13.
Cross-Connection Control and the added expense of reservoirs
Hydraulic Research. and secondary pumping
systems.

16 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


FIGURE 13. Atmospheric Vacuum FIGURE 15. FIGURE 16.
Air gap in a piping system. Atmospheric vacuum breaker. Atmospheric vacuum breaker
Breaker typical installation.
These devices are among the
Supply piping simplest and least expensive
mechanical types of backflow Seal
preventers and, when installed
properly, can provide excellent
protection against back-
Tank or reservoir siphonage. They must not be
utilized to protect against Not less than 6 "
Barometric Loop backpressure conditions.
Construction consists usually of
The barometric loop consists of a polyethylene float which is
a continuous section of supply free to travel on a shaft and seal Flow condition
piping that abruptly rises to a in the uppermost position
height of approximately 35 feet against atmosphere with an
and then returns back down to elastomeric disc. Water flow
the originating level. It is a loop lifts the float, which then causes
in the piping system that the disc to seal. Water pressure
effectively protects against keeps the float in the upward
backsiphonage. It may not be sealed position. Termination of
used to protect against back- the water supply will cause the
pressure. disc to drop down venting the FIGURE 17.
Atmospheric vacuum breaker in
Its operation, in the unit to atmosphere and thereby plumbing supply system.
protection against back- opening downstream piping to
siphonage, is based upon the atmospheric pressure, thus
principle that a water column, preventing backsiphonage. Non flow condition
at sea level pressure, will not Figure 15 shows a typical
rise above 33.9 feet (Ref. atmospheric breaker.
Chapter 3, Fig. 4 Page 13). In general, these devices Figure 16 shows the
In general, barometric are available in ½-inch through generally accepted installation
loops are locally fabricated, and 3-inch size and must be requirements—note that no
are 35 feet high. installed vertically, must not shutoff valve is downstream
have shutoffs downstream, of the device that would
FIGURE 14.
and must be installed at least otherwise keep the atmospheric
Barometric loop. 6-inches higher than the final vacuum breaker under constant
outlet. They cannot be tested pressure.
once they are installed in the Figure 17 shows a typical
plumbing system, but are, for installation of an atmospheric
the most part, dependable, vacuum breaker in a plumbing
trouble-free devices for supply system.
backsiphonage protection.
35 '

CHAPTER FOUR • 17
Hose Bibb FIGURE 19. Pressure industrial applications are
Typical installation of hose bibb
Vacuum Breakers vacuum breaker. Vacuum Breakers shown in Figure 21.
Again, these devices may
These small devices are a This device is an outgrowth of be used under constant pressure
specialized application of the the atmospheric vacuum but do not protect against
atmospheric vacuum breaker. breaker and evolved in response backpressure conditions. As a
They are generally attached to to a need to have an atmospher- result, installation must be at
sill cocks and in turn are ic vacuum breaker that could be least 6- to 12-inches higher
connected to hose supplied utilized under constant pressure than the existing outlet.
outlets such as garden hoses, and that could be tested in line. A spill resistant pressure
slop sink hoses, spray outlets, A spring on top of the disc and vacuum breaker (SVB) is
Hose bibb vacuum breaker
etc. They consist of a spring float assembly, two added gate available that is a modification
loaded check valve that seals valves, test cocks, and an to the standard pressure
against an atmospheric outlet additional first check, provided vacuum breaker but specifically
when water supply pressure is the answer to achieve this designed to minimize water
turned on. Typical construction device. See Figure 20. spillage. Installation and
is shown in Figure 18. These units are available in hydraulic requirements are
When the water supply is the general configurations as similar to the standard pressure
turned off, the device vents to shown in Figure 20 in sizes vacuum breaker and the
atmosphere, thus protecting ½-inch through 10-inch and devices are recommended for
against backsiphonage condi- have broad usage in the internal use.
tions. They should not be used agriculture and irrigation
as backpressure devices. Manual market. Typical agricultural and
drain options are available,
together with tamper-proof
versions. A typical installation is FIGURE 20.
Pressure vacuum breaker
shown in Figure 19.
Spring

FIGURE 18.
Hose bibb vacuum breaker. Test cock

First check valve

Gate Valve
Test cock

Gate Valve

¾ inch thru 2 inches

2½ inches thru 10 inches

18 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Double Check with FIGURE 22. Double Check Valve
Double check valve with
Intermediate atmospheric vent. A double check valve is
Atmospheric Vent essentially two single check
1st check 2nd check
The need to provide a compact valves coupled within one body
device in ½-inch and ¾-inch and furnished with test cocks
pipe sizes that protects against and two tightly closing gate
moderate hazards, is capable of valves (See Figure 24).
being used under constant The test capability feature
pressure and that protects gives this device a big advan-
against backpressure, resulted tage over the use of two
in this unique backflow independent check valves in
preventer. Construction is Vent that it can be readily tested to
basically a double check valve determine if either or both
having an atmospheric vent check valves are inoperative
located between the two checks FIGURE 23.
or fouled by debris. Each check
(See Figure 22). Typical residential use of double is spring loaded closed and
Line pressure keeps the check with atmospheric vent. requires approximately a pound
vent closed, but zero supply of pressure to open.
pressure or backsiphonage will Automatic feed valve This spring loading
Supply
open the inner chamber to provides the ability to “bite”
atmosphere. With this device, through small debris and still
extra protection is obtained seal—a protection feature not
through the atmospheric vent prevalent in unloaded swing
capability. Figure 23 shows a check valves. Figure 24 shows a
typical use of the device on a cross section of double check
Drain Boiler valve complete with test cocks.
residential boiler supply line.
Double checks are commonly
Return
Air gap used to protect against low to
FIGURE 21. medium hazard installations
Typical agricultural and
industrial application of such as food processing steam
pressure vacuum breaker. kettles and apartment projects.
They may be used under
continuous pressure and protect
against both backsiphonage and
backpressure conditions.

12" minimum above FIGURE 24.


the highest outlet Double check valve.

Hose bibb

At least 6 "
Process tanks

CHAPTER FOUR • 19
Double Check Detector to insure proper operation of Residential Dual Check It is sized for ½-, ¾-, and
Check both the primary checks and
The need to furnish reliable and
1-inch service lines and is
the bypass check valve. In the installed immediately down-
This device is an outgrowth of event of very low fire line water inexpensive backsiphonage and stream of the water meter. The
the double check valve and is usage, (theft of water) the low backpressure protection for use of plastic check modules
primarily utilized in fire line pressure drop inherent in the individual residences resulted in and elimination of test cocks
installations. Its purpose is to bypass system permits the low the debut of the residential dual and gate valves keeps the cost
protect the potable supply line flow of water to be metered check. Protection of the main reasonable while providing
from possible contamination or through the bypass system. In a potable supply from household good, dependable protection.
pollution from fire line chemical high flow demand, associated hazards such as home photo- Typical installations are shown
additives, booster pump fire with deluge fire capability, the graph chemicals, toxic insect in Figures 27 and 28.
line backpressure, stagnant main check valves open, and garden sprays, termite
“black water” that sits in fire permitting high volume, low control pesticides used by
lines over extended periods of restricted flow, through the two exterminators, etc., reinforced,
time, the addition of “raw” large spring loaded check a true need for such a device.
water through outside fire valves. Figure 26 shows a cutaway of
pumper connections (Siamese the device.
outlets), and the detection of
any water movement in the fire
FIGURE 26.
line water due to fire line Residential dual check.
leakage or deliberate water
theft. It consists of two, spring
loaded check valves, a bypass
assembly with water meter and
double check valve, and two
tightly closing gate valves. See
Figure 25. The addition of test
cocks makes the device testable

FIGURE 25.
Double check detector check.

FIGURE 27. FIGURE 28.


Residential installation. Copper horn.

Water meter
Residential
dual check

1¼" meter thread female inlet with


1" NPT thread female union outlet

Water meter

20 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Reduced Pressure FIGURE 29A.
Reduced pressure zone backflow
Principle Backflow preventer (¾-inch thru 2-inches).
Preventer
Maximum protection is
achieved against backsiphonage
and backpressure conditions
100 psi 95 psi 94 psi
utilizing reduced pressure
principle backflow preventers.
These devices are essentially
modified double check valves
with an atmospheric vent
capability placed between the
two checks and designed such
that this “zone” between the
two checks is always kept at
least two pounds less than the
supply pressure. With this Supply 60 psi Out 47 psi
design criteria, the reduced
pressure principle backflow 50 psi
preventer can provide protec-
tion against backsiphonage and
backpressure when both the
first and second checks become
fouled. They can be used under
constant pressure and at high
hazard installations. They are FIGURE 29B.
furnished with test cocks and Reduced pressure zone backflow
preventer (2½-inches thru 10-
gate valves to enable testing inches).
and are available in sizes ¾-inch
through 10 inch.
Figure 29A shows typical
devices representative of ¾-inch
through 2-inch size and Figure
29B shows typical devices
representative of 2½-inch
through 10-inch sizes.

Reduced pressure zone


1st check valve 2nd check valve

100 psi 94 psi 93 psi

Relief valve (rotated 90˚ for clarity)

CHAPTER FOUR • 21
The principles of operation the pressure increases down- relief valve 3 should remain hazard installations such as
of a reduced pressure principle stream from the device, tending fully open to the atmosphere to plating plants, where they
backflow preventer are as to reverse the direction of flow, discharge any water which may would protect against primarily
follows: check valve 2 closes, preventing be caused to backflow as a backsiphonage potential, car
Flow from the left enters backflow. Because all valves result of backpressure and washes where they would
the central chamber against the may leak as a result of wear or leakage of check valve 2. protect against backpressure
pressure exerted by the loaded obstruction, the protection Malfunctioning of one or conditions, and funeral parlors,
check valve 1. The supply provided by the check valves is both of the check valves or relief hospital autopsy rooms, etc.
pressure is reduced thereupon not considered sufficient. If valve should always be indi- The reduced pressure principle
by a predetermined amount. some obstruction prevents cated by a discharge of water backflow preventer forms the
The pressure in the central check valve 2 from closing from the relief port. Under no backbone of cross-connection
chamber is maintained lower tightly, the leakage back into circumstances should plugging control programs. Since it is
than the incoming supply the central chamber would of the relief port be permitted utilized to protect against high
pressure through the operation increase the pressure in this because the device depends hazard installations, and since
of the relief valve 3, which zone, the relief valve would upon an open port for safe high hazard installations are the
discharges to the atmosphere open, and flow would be operation. The pressure loss first consideration in protecting
whenever the central chamber discharged to the atmosphere. through the device may be public health and safety, these
pressure approaches within a When the supply pressure expected to average between devices are installed in large
few pounds of the inlet pres- drops to the minimum differen- 10 and 20 psi within the quantities over a broad range of
sure. Check valve 2 is lightly tial required to operate the normal range of operation, plumbing and water works
loaded to open with a pressure relief valve, the pressure in the depending upon the size and installations. Figures 31 and 32
drop of 1 psi in the direction of central chamber should be flow rate of the device. show typical installations of
flow and is independent of the atmospheric. If the inlet Reduced pressure principle these devices on high hazard
pressure required to open the pressure should become less backflow preventers are installations.
relief valve. In the event that than atmospheric pressure, commonly installed on high

FIGURE 30. FIGURE 31.


Reduced pressure zone backflow Plating plant installation.
preventer — principle of operation.

1 2

3
Direction
Meter
of flow
Reversed direction
of flow
n
Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer er mai
Wat

FIGURE 32.
Car wash installation.

Reduced pressure principle


backflow preventer

Main

22 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


FIGURE 33. FIGURE 34.
Typical bypass configuration Typical installation reduced
reduced pressure principle pressure principle device
devices horizontal illustration.

Reduced pressure
Reduced pressure Air gap principle device
principle device

Drain

Water meter Air gap

Drain
12 " min. 30 " max.

Note: Device to be set 12 " minimum from wall.


Reduced pressure principle device

Air gap

FIGURE 35.
Drain Typical installation reduced
pressure principle device vertical
Note: Devices to be set a min. of 12 " and a max. of 30 " from the floor and 12 " from any wall. illustration.

Typical fire line installation double


check valve vertical installation.

Reduced pressure
principle device

Elbow
Siamese Air gap
check
Siamese Alarm check
fitting Drain

Grade

Double check
Water meter
valve

Note: (1) Refer to manufacturers installation data for vertical mount.


(2) Unit to be set at a height to permit ready access for testing and service.
(3) Vertical installation only to be used if horizontal installation cannot be achieved.
OS&Y gate valve

Fire pipe

CHAPTER ONE • 23
FIGURE 36. FIGURE 37.
Typical installation double check Typical installation residential dual
valve horizontal and vertical check with straight set and
installation. copperhorn.

Double check valve

Water meter Water meter


Residential dual
check valve
12 " min. 30 " max.

¾ " ball valve

Double check valve

Residential
dual check
(unit to be set at a height
that permits ready access
for testing and service)

Copperhorn with Copperhorn with


water meter water meter

¾ " ball valve

¾ " K-copper

Note: Vertical installation only to be used if horizontal


installation cannot be achieved.

24 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Chapter Five

Testing Procedures
for Backflow
Preventers
rior to initiating a test of connections existed which 5. Shut off the downstream
P any backflow device, it is
recommended that the follow-
would contaminate the building
water supply system. In order
(number 2) shut-off valve. (Ref.
Item (1) above.)
ing procedures be followed: to address this situation, it is 6. Wait several moments prior
recommended that the owner to hooking up the test kit hoses
1. Permission be obtained from
caution the inhabitants of the when testing a reduced pressure
the owner, or his representative,
building not to use the water principle device. If water exits
to shut down the water supply.
until the backflow test is the relief valve, in all likelihood,
This is necessary to insure that
completed and the water the first check valve is fouled
since all testing is accomplished
pressure restored. Additional and it is impractical to proceed
under no-flow conditions, the
options available to the building with the testing until the valve
owner is aware that his water
owner would be the installation is serviced. This waiting period
supply will be temporarily shut
of two backflow devices in is not necessary when testing
off while the testing is being
parallel that would enable a double check valves.
performed. Some commercial
protected bypass flow around
and industrial operations 7. Hook up the test kit hoses in
the device to be tested. Also, if
require constant and uninter- the manner appropriate to the
all water outlets are protected
rupted water supplies for device being tested and the
within the building with
cooling, boiler feed, seal pump specific test being performed.
“fixture outlet protection”
water, etc. and water service Test personnel are cau-
backflow devices, cross-
interruption cannot be tolerat- tioned to be aware and follow
connections would not create a
ed. The water supply to local municipal, county, and
problem in the event of
hospitals and continuous state testing requirements and
potential backsiphonage
process industries cannot be guidelines as may be dictated
conditions occurring while
shut off without planned and by local authority. The follow-
devices are tested, or for any
coordinated shut downs. The ing test procedures are guide-
other reason.
request to shut down the water lines for standard, generally
supply is therefore a necessary 2. Determine the type of device
acceptable test procedures
prerequisite to protect the to be tested i.e., double check
but may be amended, superced-
customer as well as limit the valve or reduced pressure
ed, or modified by local
liability of the tester. principle device.
jurisdiction.
Concurrent with the 3. Determine the flow direc-
request for permission to shut tion. (Reference directional flow
off the water, it is advisable to arrows or wording provided by
point out to the owner, or his the manufacturer on the
representative, that while the device.)
water is shut off during the test 4. Number the test cocks, bleed
period, any inadvertent use of them of potential debris, and
water within the building will assemble appropriate test cock
reduce the water pressure to adapters and bushings that may
zero. Backsiphonage could be required.
result if unprotected cross-

CHAPTER FIVE • 25
Test Equipment

or field testing of reduced FIGURE 38. Method 2 Reduced Pressure


F pressure principle backflow Air inlet valve canopy Using a water column sight Principle Backflow
preventers and double check tube and 90 degree elbow Preventer
valve assemblies, a differential fitting with bleed needle (Figure 39)
pressure test gauge is utilized Loaded air inlet valve
Field testing of a reduced
Test 1 Test the internal check
having a 0 to 15 psi range and pressure principle backflow
valve for tightness of 1 psid in
a working pressure of 500 psi. Test cock preventer is accomplished
No. 2 the direction of flow.
Appropriate length of hoses No. 2 shut off valve utilizing a differential pressure
with necessary fittings accom- 1. Assemble sight tube to test
gauge. The device is tested for
pany the test gauge. Several cock number 1. Open test
Check valve three optional characteristics:
manufactured test kits are cock and fill the tube to a
i.e., (1) the first check valve is
commercially available that Test cock minimum of 36-inches of
tight and maintains a minimum
incorporate the differential No. 1 No. 1 shut off valve water height.
of 5 psi differential pressure,
gauge, hoses, and fittings and 2. Close number 1 shut-off (2) the second check valve is
are packaged for ease of valve. tight against backpressure and
portability and come with 3. Open test cock number 2. (3) the relief valve opens at a
protective enclosures or straps The air inlet valve should minimum of 2 psi below inlet
for hanging. Calibrated water open and discharge water supply pressure. Testing is
columns are commercially number 1 shut-off valve through number 2 test performed as follows:
available that are portable and open) bleed test cocks cock.
number 1 and number 2. Step 1 Test to insure that the
come with carrying cases.
4. Open number 1 test cock. first check valve is tight and
It is important that all test 2. Hook up the high pressure The sight tube level of maintains a minimum pressure
equipment be periodically hose to number 1 test cock water should drop slowly of 5 psi differential pressure.
checked for calibration. and the low pressure hose until it stabilizes. This 1. Verify that number 1 shut-
to number 2 test cock. point should be a mini- off valve is open. Close
3. Bleed the high pressure mum of 28-inches of water
Pressure Vacuum hose, and low pressure column which equals 1 psi.
number 2 shut-off valve.
Breaker If there is no drainage
hose, in that order, and from the relief valve it is
(Figure 38) close the test kit needle Test 2 Test the air inlet valve
for a breakaway of 1 psi. assumed that the first
Field testing of a pressure valves slowly. check is tight.
vacuum breaker involves testing 4. Record the differential 1. Assemble sight tube to
test cock number 2. Open 2. Close all test kit valves.
both the internal spring loaded pressure on the gauge. A
soft seated check valve as well reading of 1 psid is test cock number 2 and fill 3. Connect the high pressure
as testing the spring loaded air acceptable to insure a tight the tube to a minimum of hose to test cock number 2.
inlet valve. The testing must be check valve. 36-inches of water height. 4. Connect the low pressure
performed with the device Test 2 Test the air inlet valve 2. Close number 1 shut-off hose to test cock number 3.
pressurized and the air inlet for a breakaway of 1 psi. valve. 5. Open test cocks number 2
closed. The number 2 shut-off 3. Bleed water slowly from and number 3.
1. Connect the high pressure
valve must also be closed and the number 2 test cock 6. Open high side bleed
hose to test cock number 2,
the air inlet valve canopy bleed needle and observe needle valve on test kit
and bleed the high pressure
removed. the water column height as bleeding the air from the
hose.
Method 1 it drops. high hose. Close the high
2. Shut off number 1 shut-off
Using a differential pressure valve. 4. At the point when the air side bleed needle valve.
gauge inlet valve pops open, 7. Open the low side bleed
3. Slowly open the bleed valve record the height of the
of the test kit, and observe needle valve on test kit
Test 1 Test the internal check water column. This point bleeding air from the low
valve for tightness of 1 psid in and record the psi when should be a minimum of
the air inlet poppet opens. hose. Close the low side
the direction of flow. 28-inches of water column bleed needle valve. Record
This should be a minimum which equals 1psi.
1. With the valve body under the differential gauge
of 1 psi. Restore the valve Restore the valve to normal
pressure, (number 2 shut- pressure. It should be a
to normal service. service.
off valve closed and minimum of 5 psid.

26 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


FIGURE 39. . 2 ve 3. To check the tightness of This completes the

e
number 2 shut-off valve, standard field test for a reduced

alv
No val

fv
leave the hoses hooked up pressure principle backflow
ff

o.

o.

of
co ut o

eN

eN
.1

.3

.4

ut
No

No
sh

sh
No
alv

alv
the same as at the conclu- preventer. Before removal of the
ck

kv

kv
ck

.1

.2
ck

ck
co

co
No

No
co
ec

ec
sion of Step 2 above, and test equipment, the tester
Ch

Ch
st
st

st

st
Te
Te

Te

Te
then close test cock should insure that he opens
number 2. This stops the number 2 shut-off valve
supply of any high pressure thereby reestablishing flow.
water downstream of check Also, the test kit should be
Bleed needle valves
valve number 2. If the thoroughly drained of all water
differential pressure gauge to prevent freezing by opening
High side Low side reading holds steady, the all control needle valves and
hose hose number 2 shut-off valve is bleed needle valves.
recorded as being tight. If All test data should be
the differential pressure recorded on appropriate forms.
gauge drops to zero, the (Ref: sample Page 45)
Bypass hose number 2 shut-off valve is
Control Note: The steps outlined above may
recorded as leaking. vary in sequence depending upon local
needle
valves With a leaking number 2 regulations and/or preferences.

shut-off valve, the device is, in


most cases, in a flow condition
Step 2 Test to insure that the pressure water downstream and the previous readings taken
second check is tight against of check valve number 2.) are invalid. Unless a non-flow
backpressure. (Figure 40) If the differential pressure condition can be achieved,
1. Leaving the hoses hooked gauge falls off and water either through the operation of
up as in the conclusion of comes out of the relief an additional shut-off down-
Step 1 above, connect the valve, the second check is stream, or the use of a tempo-
bypass hose to test cock recorded as leaking. If the rary compensating bypass hose,
number 4. differential pressure gauge accurate test results will not be
remains steady, and no achieved.
2. Open test cock number 4,
water comes out of the
the high control needle Step 3 To check that the relief
relief valve, the second
valve and the bypass hose valve opens at a minimum
check valve is considered
control needle valve on the pressure of 2 psi below inlet
tight
test kit. (This supplies high pressure.
1. With the hoses hooked up
the same as at the conclu-
FIGURE 40. sion of Step #2 (3) above,
slowly open up the low
control needle valve on the
test kit and record the
differential pressure gauge
reading at the point when
Temporary the water initially starts to
Tee
bypass hose drip from the relief valve
opening. This pressure
reading should not be
below 2 psid.

CHAPTER FIVE • 27
Double Check Valve FIGURE 41.

lve

lve
Assemblies

va

va
1

2
ff

ff
o.

o.
o

o
2

eN

eN
1

4
ut

ut
o.
(Figure 41)

o.

o.

o.
sh

sh
alv

alv
kN
kN

kN

kN
kv

kv
.1

.2
oc
oc
Some field test procedures for

oc

oc
No

No
ec

ec
c
c

c
Ch

Ch
st
st

st

st
testing double check valve

Te
Te

Te

Te
assemblies require that the
number 1 shut-off valve be
closed to accomplish the test.
This procedure may introduce
debris such as rust and tubercu- Bleed needle valves
lin into the valve that will
High side hose Low side hose
impact against check valve
number 1 or number 2 and
compromise the sealing quality.
This potential problem should
be considered prior to the Bypass hose
selection of the appropriate test Control
method. needle
Two test methods, one valves
requiring closing of the number
1 shut-off valve, and one
without this requirement are 7. Record the differential To check tightness of 7. The differential gauge
presented below: gauge pressure reading. number 2 shut-off valve, both pressure should read a
It should be a minimum the check valves must be tight minimum of 1 psid.
Method 1 of 1 psid. and holding a minimum of 8. Open the high side control
Utilizing the differential 1 psid. Also, little or no needle valve and the bypass
pressure gauge and not 8. Disconnect the hoses.
fluctuation of inlet supply hose control needle valve
shutting off number 1 shut-off Step 2 Checking check valve pressure can be tolerated. on the test kit. (This
valve. Figure 41) number 2. The testing is performed as supplies high pressure
Step 1 checking check valve 1. Connect the high hose to follows: water downstream of check
number 1 test cock number 3. 1. Connect the high hose to valve number 2).
1. Verify that the number 1 2. Connect the low hose to number 2 test cock. 9. Close test cock number 2.
shut-off is open. Shut off test cock number 4. 2. Connect the low hose to (This stops the supply of
number 2 shut-off valve. 3. Open test cocks number 3 number 3 test cock. any high pressure water
2. Connect the high hose to and 4. downstream of number 2
3. Connect the bypass hose to
test cock number 2. check valve), If the
4. Open high side bleed number 4 test cock.
3. Connect the low hose to differential pressure gauge
needle valve on test kit 4. Open test cocks numbers
test cock number 3. holds steady, the number 2
bleeding the air from the 2, 3, and 4. shut-off valve is recorded as
4. Open test cocks 2 and 3. high hose. Close the high
5. Open high side bleed being tight. If the differen-
5. Open high side bleed side bleed needle valve.
needle valve on test kit tial pressure gauge drops to
needle valve on test kit 5. Open low side bleed needle bleeding the air from the zero, the number 2 shut-off
bleeding the air from the valve on test kit bleeding high hose. Close the high valve is recorded as leaking.
high hose. Close the high the air from the low hose. side bleed needle valve.
side bleed needle valve. Close the low side bleed
6. Open low side bleed needle
6. Open low side bleed needle needle valve.
valve on test kit bleeding
valve on test kit bleeding 6. Record the differential the air from the low hose.
the air from the low hose. gauge pressure reading. Close the low side bleed
Close the low side bleed It should be a minimum needle valve.
needle valve. of 1 psid.
7. Disconnect the hoses.

28 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


FIGURE 42. 4. By loosening the low side

lve

lve
va

va
hose at test cock number 3,

2
ff

ff
o.

o.
o

o
2

eN

eN
1

4
ut lower the pressure in the

ut
o.
o.

o.

o.
sh

sh
alv

alv
kN
kN

kN

kN
kv

kv
.1

.2
assembly about 10 psi
oc
oc

oc

oc
No

No
ec

ec
c
c

c
Ch

Ch
st
st

st

st
below normal line
Te
Te

Te

Te
conditions.
5. Simultaneously open both
needle valves. If the check
Individual Bourdon gages mounted on a board valve is holding tight the
Duplex gauge high pressure gauge will
begin to drop while the
low pressure gauge will
Bypass hose Bypass hose increase. Close needle
valves. If the gauge shows
that a small (no more than
High side hose Low side hose 5 psi) backpressure is
High side hose Low side hose
created and held, then the
check valve is reported as
tight. If the check valve
leaks, a pressure differential
With a leaking number 2 Method 2 Step 2 checking check valve is not maintained as both
shut-off valve, the device is, in Utilizing “Duplex Gauge” or number 2. gauges tend to equalize or
most cases, in a flow condition, individual bourdon gauges, Proceed exactly the same move back towards each
and the previous test readings requires closing number 1 test procedure as in Step other, then the check valve
taken are invalid. Unless a non- shut-off. (Figure 42) number 1, except that the is reported as leaking.
flow condition can be achieved, high hose is connected to test With both needle valves
Step 1 checking check valve
either through the operation of cock number 3 and the low open enough to keep the
number 1
an additional shut-off down- hose connected to test cock needles on the gauge
stream, or the use of a tempo- 1. Connect the high hose to number 4. stationary, the amount of
rary compensating bypass hose, test cock number 2. leakage is visible as the
Step 3
accurate test results will not be 2. Connect the low hose to discharge from the
achieved. test cock number 3. 1. Open shut-off valve upstream needle valve.
This completes the number 1 to repressurize
3. Open test cocks number 2
standard field test for a double the assembly.
and number 3.
check valve assembly. Prior to 2. Loosely attach the bypass
4. Close number 2 shut-off
removal of the test equipment, hose to test cock number 1,
valve; then close number 1
the tester should insure that he and bleed from the gauge
shut-off valve.
opens number 2 shut-off valve through the bypass hose
thereby reestablishing flow. All 5. By means of the high side by opening the low side
test data should be recorded on needle valve, lower the needle valve to eliminate
appropriate forms and the test pressure at test cock trapped air. Close low side
kit drained of water. number 2 about 2 psi needle valve. Tighten
below the pressure at test bypass hose. Open test
cock number 3. If this cock number 1.
small difference can be
3. Close number 1 shut-off
maintained, then check
valve.
valve number 1 is reported
as “tight”. Proceed to Step
number 2. If the small
difference cannot be
maintained, proceed to
Step number 3.

CHAPTER FIVE • 29
Chapter Six
Responsibility

Administration of U nder the provisions of the


Safe Drinking Water Act of
“containment” theory. This
approach utilizes a minimum of

a Cross-Connection
1974, the Federal Government backflow devices and isolates
has established, through the the customer from the water
EPA (Environmental Protection main. It virtually insulates the
Control Program Agency), national standards of
safe drinking water. The states
customer from potentially
contaminating or polluting the
are responsible for the enforce- public water supply system.
ment of these standards as well While it is recognized that
as the supervision of public “containment” does not protect
water supply systems and the the customer within his
sources of drinking water. The building, it does effectively
water purveyor (supplier) is held remove him from possible
responsible for compliance to contamination to the public
the provisions of the Safe water supply system. If the
FIGURE 43. Drinking Water Act, to include water purveyor elects to protect
Air conditioning cooling tower
a warranty that water quality his customers on a domestic
provided by his operation is in internal protective basis and/or
conformance with the EPA “fixture outlet protective basis,”
FIXTURE
standards at the source, and is then cross-connection control
OUTLET Post mix delivered to the customer protective devices are placed at
PROTECTIVE beverage Reduced pressure zone without the quality being internal high hazard locations as
machine
DEVICES backflow preventer compromised as a result of its well as at all locations where
Backflow preventer INTERNAL delivery through the distribu- cross-connections exist at the
with intermediate PROTECTION tion system. As specified in the “last free-flowing outlet.” This
atmospheric vent DEVICES
Code of Federal Regulations approach entails extensive
Laboratory faucet double Reduced (Volume 40, Paragraph 141.2, cross-connective survey work on
check valve with pressure zone Section (c)) “Maximum contam- behalf of the water superinten-
intermediate vacuum breaker backflow
preventer inant level, means the maxi- dent as well as constant policing
mum permissible level of a of the plumbing within each
contaminant in water which is commercial, industrial and
Process tank delivered to the free flowing residential account. In large
Laboratory Sinks outlet of the ultimate user of a water supply systems, fixture
Reduced public water system, except in outlet protection cross-
Atmospheric pressure zone the case of turbidity where the connection control philosophy,
vacuum backflow Photo
breaker preventer developing maximum permissible level is in itself, is a virtual impossibility
equipment measured at the point of entry to achieve and police due to the
Dishwasher
to the distribution system. quantity of systems involved,
Contaminants added to the the complexity of the plumbing
Hose Double check valve water under circumstances systems inherent in many
vacuum backflow
breaker preventer controlled by the user, except industrial sites, and the fact that
Cafeteria
cooking
those resulting from corrosion many plumbing changes are
Slop sink kettle of piping and plumbing caused made within industrial and
by water quality, are excluded commercial establishments that
from this definition.” do not require the water depart-
Reduced pressure Reduced pressure Figure 43 depicts several ment to license or otherwise
Dedicated zone backflow zone backflow
line preventer preventer
options that are open to a water endorse or ratify when contem-
Boiler purveyor when considering plated or completed.
cross-connection protection to In addition, internal
Containment device commercial, industrial, and plumbing cross-connection
residential customers. He may control survey work is generally
elect to work initially on the foreign to the average water

30 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Method of Action

purveyor and is not normally a nature of the facility and its complete cross-connection (5) Equip the water authority
portion of his job description or
duties. While it is admirable for
potential impact on the water
system (determine degree of
A control program requires a
carefully planned and executed
with backflow device test kits.
(6) Conduct meeting(s) with
the water purveyor to accept hazard], personally see actual initial action plan followed by the local plumbing inspection
and perform survey work, he cross-connections that could aggressive implementation and people, building inspectors, and
should be aware that he runs contaminate the water system, constant follow-up. Proper licensed plumbers in the area
the risk of additional liability in and take appropriate action to staffing and education of who will be active in the
an area that may be in conflict insure the elimination of the personnel is a requirement to inspection, installations and
with plumbing inspectors, cross-connection or the installa- insure that an effective program repair of backflow devices.
maintenance personnel and tion of required backflow devices. is achieved. A recommended Inform them of the intent of the
other public health officials. To assist the water purvey- plan of action for a cross- program and the part that they
Even where extensive or in the total administration connection control program can play in the successful
“fixture outlet protection,” of a cross-connection control should include the following implementation of the program.
cross-connection control program requires that all public characteristics:
(7) Prior to initiating a survey
programs are in effect through health officials, plumbing (1) Establish a cross-connection of the established commercial
the efforts of an aggressive and inspectors, building managers, control ordinance at the local and industrial installations,
thorough water supply cross- plumbing installers, and level and have it approved by prepare a list of these establish-
connection control program, maintenance men participate the water commissioners, town ments from existing records,
the water authorities should also and share in the responsibility manager, etc., and insure that it then prioritize the degree of
have an active “containment” to protect the public health and is adopted by the town or hazard that they present to the
program in order to address the safety of individuals from cross- private water authority as a water system, i.e., plating
many plumbing changes that connections and contamination legally enforceable document. plants, hospitals, car wash
are made and that are inherent or pollution of the public water
(2) Conduct public informative facilities, industrial metal
within commercial and industri- supply system.
meetings that define the finishing and fabrication,
al establishments. In essence,
proposed cross-connection mortuaries, etc. These will be
fixture outlet protection
control program, review the the initial facilities inspected for
becomes an extension beyond Dedicated Line local cross-connection control cross-connections and will be
the “containment” program.
Figure 43 also depicts the use ordinance, and answer all followed by less hazardous
Also, in order for the
of a “dedicated” potable water questions that may arise installations.
supplier of water to provide
line. This line initiates immedi- concerning the reason for the (8) Insure that any new
maximum protection of the
ately downstream of the water program, why and how the construction plans are reviewed
water distribution system,
meter and is “dedicated” solely survey will be conducted, and by the water authority to assess
consideration should be given to
for human consumption i.e., the potential impact upon the the degree of hazard and insure
requiring the owner of a
drinking fountains, safety industrial, commercial and that the proper backflow
premise (commercial, industrial,
showers, eye wash stations, etc. residential water customers. preventer is installed concurrent
or residential) to provide at his
It is very important that this Have state authorities and the with the potential degree of
own expense, adequate proof
piping be color coded through- local press and radio attend the hazard that the facility presents.
that his internal water system
out in accordance with local meeting.
complies with the local or state (9) Establish a residential
plumbing code(s). In addition, plumbing regulations, flow (3) Place written notices of the backflow protection program that
he may be required to install, direction arrows added, and the pending cross-connection will automatically insure that a
have tested, and maintain, all piping religiously policed to control program in the local residential dual check backflow
backflow protection devices that insure that no cross-connections newspaper, and have the local device is installed automatically at
would be required—at his own to other equipment or piping radio station make announce- every new residence.
expense! are made that could compro- ments about the program as a
mise water quality. In the event (10) As water meters are
The supplier of water public service notice.
that it is felt that policing of repaired or replaced at residen-
should have the right of entry (4) Send employees who will ces, insure that a residential
to determine degree of hazard this line cannot be reliably administer the program, to a
maintained or enforced, the dual check backflow preventer
and the existence of cross- course, or courses, on backflow is set with the new or reworked
connections in order to protect installation of a containment tester certification, backflow
device on this line should be a water meter. Be sure to have
the potable water system. By so survey courses, backflow device the owner address thermal
doing he can assess the overall consideration. repair courses, etc. expansion provisions.

CHAPTER SIX • 31
Cross-Connection
Control Survey
Work
(11) Prepare a listing of all ross-connection control connection survey will be of (8) Review with the host what
testable backflow devices in the
community and insure that
C survey work should only
be performed by personnel
benefit to him. you have found and explain the
findings to him. Inform him
(3) Ask what processes are
they are tested by certified test knowledgeable about commer- involved within the facility and that he will receive a written
personnel at the time intervals cial and industrial potential for what purpose potable water report documenting the
consistent with the local cross- cross-connections as well as is used, i.e., do the boilers have findings together with a written
connection control ordinance. general industrial uses for both chemical additives? Are air recommendation for corrective
(12) Prepare and submit potable and process water. If conditioning cooling towers in action. Attempt to answer all
testing documentation of “containment” is the prime use with chemical additives? Do questions at this time. Review
backflow devices to the State objective of the survey, then they use water savers with the findings with the owner or
authority responsible for only sufficient time need be chemical additives? Do they manager if time and circum-
monitoring this data. spent in the facility to deter- have a second source of water stances permit.
mine the degree of hazard (raw water from wells, etc.) in (9) Document all findings and
(13) Survey all commercial and
inherent within the facility or addition to the potable water recommendations prior to
industrial facilities and require
operation. Once this is deter- supply? Does the process water preparing the written report.
appropriate backflow protection
mined, a judgment can be cross-connect with potentially Include as many sketches or
based upon the containment
made by the cross-connection hazardous chemical etching photos with the final report as
philosophy and/or internal
control inspector as to what tanks, etc.? possible. If the located cross
protection and fixture outlet
type of backflow protective connection(s) cannot be
protection. Follow up to insure (4) Request “as-built” engineer-
device will be needed at the eliminated, state the generic
that the recommended devices ing drawings of the potable
potable supply entrance, or type of backflow preventer
are installed and tested on both water supply in order to trace
immediately downstream of the required at each cross connec-
an initial basis and a periodic out internal potable lines and
water meter. In the event that tion found.
basis consistent with the cross- potential areas of cross-
the cross-connection control
connection control ordinance. connections. (10) Consider requiring or
program requires “total”
The surveys should be (5) Initiate the survey by recommending compliance of
protection to the last free
conducted by personnel starting at the potable entrance the survey findings within a
flowing outlet, then the survey
experienced in commercial and supply (the water meter in most definitive time frame. (if
must be conducted in depth to
industrial processes. The owners cases) and then proceed with appropriate authority is in
visually inspect for all cross-
or owners representatives, the internal survey in the event effect).
connections within the facility
should be questioned as to what and make recommendations that total internal protective
the water is being used for in and requirements for fixture devices and fixture outlet
the facility and what hazards outlet protective devices, protective devices are desired.
the operations may present to internal protective devices, and (6) Survey the plant facilities
the water system (both within containment devices. with the objective of looking for
the facility and to the water It is recommended that cross-connections at all potable
distribution system) in the consideration be given to the water outlets such as:
event that a backsiphonage or following objectives when Hose bibbs
backpressure condition were to performing a cross-connection Slop sinks
exist concurrent with a non- control survey: Wash room facilities
protected cross-connection. In
(1) Determine if the survey will Cafeteria and kitchens
the event that experienced
be conducted with a pre- Fire protection and
survey personnel are not
arranged appointment or Siamese outlets
available within the water
unannounced. Irrigation outlets
authority to conduct the survey,
(2) Upon entry, identify Boiler rooms
consideration should be given
yourself and the purpose of the Mechanical room
to having a consulting firm
visitation and request to see the Laundry facilities
perform the survey on behalf of
plant manager, owner, or (hospitals)
the water department.
maintenance supervisor in order Production floor
to explain the purpose of the (7) Make a sketch of all areas
visit and why the cross- requiring backflow protection
devices.
32 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL
Chapter Seven

Cross-Connection
Control and Backflow CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL
Prevention Program MODEL PROGRAM

he successful promotion of 1. Authority for establish-


T a cross-connection control
and backflow prevention
ment of a program.
WATER DEPARTMENT NAME
ADDRESS
2. Technical provisions
program in a municipality relating to eliminating
will be dependent upon legal backflow and cross-
authority to conduct such a connections.
program. Where a community
3. Penalty provisions for DATE
has adopted a modern plumb-
violations.
ing code, such as the National
The following model
Plumbing Code, ASA A40.8-
program is suggested for
1955, or subsequent revisions Approved _________________
municipalities who desire to
thereof, provisions of the code
adopt a cross-connection
will govern backflow and Date _____________________
control ordinance. Communi-
cross-connections. It then
ties adopting ordinances should
remains to provide an ordinance
check with State health officials
that will establish a program
to assure conformance with
of inspection for an elimination
State codes. The form of the
of cross- and backflow connec-
tions within the community.
ordinance should comply with Water Department Name
Frequently authority for such
local legal requirements and Cross-Connection Control Program
receive legal adoption from the
a program may already be
community. I. Purpose
possessed by the water depart-
ment or water authority. In A. To protect the public potable water supply served by the
such cases no further document ( ) Water Department from the possibility of contamination
may be needed. A cross- or pollution by isolating, within its customers internal distribution
connection control ordinance system, such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow or
should have at least three back-siphon into the public water system.
basic parts. B. To promote the elimination or control of existing cross-
connections, actual or potential, between its customers in-plant
potable water system, and non-potable systems.
C. To provide for the maintenance of a continuing program
of cross-connection control which will effectively prevent the
contamination or pollution of all potable water systems by cross-
connection.
II. Authority
A. The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, and the
statutes of the State of ( ) Chapters ( ) the water
purveyor has the primary responsibility for preventing water from
unapproved sources, or any other substances, from entering the
public potable water system.
B. ( ) Water Department, Rules and Regulations,
adopted.

CHAPTER SEVEN • 33
III. Responsibility D.3 Barometric Loop
The Director of Municipal Services shall be responsible for the A fabricated piping arrangement rising at least thirty five (35)
protection of the public potable water distribution system from feet at its topmost point above the highest fixture it supplies. It is
contamination or pollution due to the backflow or backsiphonage utilized in water supply systems to protect against backsiphonage.
of contaminants or pollutants through the water service connec- D.4 Double Check Valve Assembly
tion. If, in the judgment of the Director of Municipal Services, an
An assembly of two (2) independently operating spring loaded
approved backflow device is required at the city’s water service
check valves with tightly closing shut off valves on each side of the
connection to any customer’s promises, the Director, or his
check valves, plus properly located test cocks for the testing of each
delegated agent, shall give notice in writing to said customer to
check valve.
install an approved backflow prevention device at each service
connection to his premises. The customer shall, within 90 days D.5 Double Check Valve with Intermediate Atmospheric Vent
install such approved device, or devices, at his own expense, and A device having two (2) spring loaded check valves separated
failure or refusal, or inability on the part of the customer to install by an atmospheric vent chamber.
said device or devices within ninety (90) days, shall constitute a D.6 Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker
ground for discontinuing water service to the premises until such
A device which is permanently attached to a hose bibb and
device or devices have been properly installed.
which acts as an atmospheric vacuum breaker.
IV. Definitions D.7 Pressure Vacuum Breaker
A. Approved A device containing one or two independently operated spring
Accepted by the Director of Municipal Services as meeting an loaded check valves and an independently operated spring loaded
applicable specification stated or cited in this regulation, or as air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check or checks.
suitable for the proposed use. Device includes tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the
check valves and properly located test cocks for the testing of the
B. Auxiliary Water Supply
check valve(s).
Any water supply, on or available, to the premises other than
D.8 Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer
the purveyor’s approved public potable water supply.
An assembly consisting of two (2) independently operating
C. Backflow
approved check valves with an automatically operating differential
The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances, relief valve located between the two (2) check valves, tightly
under positive or reduced pressure in the distribution pipes of a closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valves plus
potable water supply from any source other than its intended properly located test cocks for the testing of the check valves and
source. the relief valve.
D. Backflow Preventer D.9 Residential Dual Check
A device or means designed to prevent backflow or An assembly of two (2) spring loaded, independently operat-
backsiphonage. Most commonly categorized as air gap, reduced ing check valves without tightly closing shut-off valves and test
pressure principle device, double check valve assembly, pressure cocks. Generally employed immediately downstream of the water
vacuum breaker, atmospheric vacuum breaker, hose bibb vacuum meter to act as a containment device.
breaker, residential dual check, double check with intermediate
E. Backpressure
atmospheric vent, and barometric loop.
A condition in which the owners system pressure is greater
D.1 Air Gap
than the suppliers system pressure.
A physical separation sufficient to prevent backflow between
F. Backsiphonage
the free-flowing discharge end of the potable water system and any
other system. Physically defined as a distance equal to twice the The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into
diameter of the supply side pipe diameter but never less than one the distribution pipes of a potable water supply system from any
(1) inch. source other than its intended source caused by the sudden
reduction of pressure in the potable water supply system.
D.2 Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
G. Commission
A device which prevents backsiphonage by creating an
atmospheric vent when there is either a negative pressure or The State of ( ) Control Commission.
subatmospheric pressure in a water system.

34 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


H. Containment V. Administration
A method of backflow prevention which requires a backflow A. The Department will operate a cross-connection control
prevention preventer at the water service entrance. program, to include the keeping of necessary records, which fulfills
I. Contaminant the requirements of the Commission’s Cross-Connection Regula-
A substance that will impair the quality of the water to a tions and is approved by the Commission.
degree that it creates a serious health hazard to the public leading B. The Owner shall allow his property to be inspected for possible
to poisoning or the spread of disease. cross-connections and shall follow the provisions of the
J. Cross-Connection Department’s program and the Commission’s Regulations if a
cross-connection is permitted.
Any actual or potential connection between the public water
supply and a source of contamination or pollution. C. If the Department requires that the public supply be protected
by containment, the Owner shall be responsible for water quality
K. Department
beyond the outlet end of the containment device and should utilize
City of ( ) Water Department. fixture outlet protection for that purpose.
L. Fixture Isolation He may utilize public health officials, or personnel from the
A method of backflow prevention in which a backflow Department, or their delegated representatives, to assist him in the
preventer is located to correct a cross connection at an in-plant survey of his facilities and to assist him in the selection of proper
location rather than at a water service entrance. fixture outlet devices, and the proper installation of these devices.
M. Owner VI. Requirements
Any person who has legal title to, or license to operate or
A. Department
habitat in, a property upon which a cross-connection inspection is
to be made or upon which a cross-connection is present. 1. On new installations, the Department will provide on-
site evaluation and/or inspection of plans in order to determine
N. Person
the type of backflow preventer, if any, that will be required, will
Any individual, partnership, company, public or private issue permit, and perform inspection and testing. In any case, a
corporation, political subdivision or agency of the State Depart- minimum of a dual check valve will be required in any new
ment, agency or instrumentality or the United States or any other construction.
legal entity. 2. For premises existing prior to the start of this program,
O. Permit the Department will perform evaluations and inspections of plans
A document issued by the Department which allows the use of and/or premises and inform the owner by letter of any corrective
a backflow preventer. action deemed necessary, the method of achieving the correction,
and the time allowed for the correction to be made. Ordinarily,
P. Pollutant
ninety (90) days will be allowed, however, this time period may be
A foreign substance, that if permitted to get into the public shortened depending upon the degree of hazard involved and the
water system, will degrade its quality so as to constitute a moder- history of the device(s) in question.
ate hazard, or impair the usefulness or quality of the water to a 3. The Department will not allow any cross-connection to
degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health remain unless it is protected by an approved backflow preventer for
but which does adversely and unreasonably effect such water for which a permit has been issued and which will be regularly tested
domestic use. to insure satisfactory operation.
Q. Water Service Entrance 4. The Department shall inform the Owner by letter, of
That point in the owners water system beyond the sanitary any failure to comply, by the time of the first re-inspection. The
control of the District; generally considered to be the outlet end of Department will allow an additional fifteen (15) days for the
the water meter and always before any unprotected branch. correction. In the event the Owner fails to comply with the
necessary correction by the time of the second re-inspection, the
R. Director of Municipal Services
Department will inform the Owner by letter, that the water
The Director, or his delegated representative in charge of the service to the Owner’s premises will be terminated within a
( ) Department of Municipal Services, is invested with the period not to exceed five (5) days. In the event that the Owner
authority and responsibility for the implementation of a cross- informs the Department of extenuating circumstances as to why
connection control program and for the enforcement of the the correction has not been made, a time extension may be
provisions of the Ordinance. granted by the Department but in no case will exceed an addi-
tional thirty (30) days.

CHAPTER SEVEN • 35
5. If the Department determines at any time that a serious VII.Degree of Hazard
threat to the public health exists, the water service will be termi- The Department recognizes the threat to the public water
nated immediately. system arising from cross-connections. All threats will be classified
6. The Department shall have on file, a list of Private by degree of hazard and will require the installation of approved
Contractors who are certified backflow device testers. All charges reduced pressure principle backflow prevention devices or double
for these tests will be paid by the Owner of the building or check valves.
property.
7. The Department will begin initial premise inspections to VIII. Permits
determine the nature of existing or potential hazards, following the The Department shall not permit a cross-connection within
approval of this program by the Commission, during the calendar the public water supply system unless it is considered necessary and
year ( ). Initial focus will be on high hazard industries and that it cannot be eliminated.
commercial premises. A. Cross-connection permits that are required for each
B. Owner backflow prevention device are obtained from the Department. A
fee of ( ) dollars will be charged for the initial permit and
1. The Owner shall be responsible for the elimination or
( ) dollars for the renewal of each permit.
protection of all cross-connections on his premises.
B. Permits shall be renewed every ( ) years and are
2. The Owner, after having been informed by a letter from
non-transferable. Permits are subject to revocation and become
the Department, shall at his expense, install, maintain, and test, or
immediately revoked if the Owner should so change the type of
have tested, any and all backflow preventers on his premises.
cross-connection or degree of hazard associated with the service.
3. The Owner shall correct any malfunction of the backflow
C. A permit is not required when fixture isolation is achieved
preventer which is revealed by periodic testing.
with the utilization of a non-testable backflow preventer.
4. The Owner shall inform the Department of any proposed
or modified cross-connections and also any existing cross- IX. Existing in-use backflow prevention devices.
connections of which the Owner is aware but has not been found Any existing backflow preventer shall be allowed by the
by the Department. Department to continue in service unless the degree of hazard is
5. The Owner shall not install a bypass around any backflow such as to supercede the effectiveness of the present backflow
preventer unless there is a backflow preventer of the same type on preventer, or result in an unreasonable risk to the public health.
the bypass. Owners who cannot shut down operation for testing of Where the degree of hazard has increased, as in the case of a
the device(s) must supply additional devices necessary to allow residential installation converting to a business establishment, any
testing to take place. (Ref. Fig. 33 page 23.) existing backflow preventer must be upgraded to a reduced
6. The Owner shall install backflow preventers in a manner pressure principle device, or a reduced pressure principle device
approved by the Department. (Ref. Figures 3 through 37, pages 23 must be installed in the event that no backflow device was present.
through 24.)
7. The Owner shall install only backflow preventers ap- X. Periodic Testing
proved by the Department or the Commission. A. Reduced pressure principle backflow devices shall be
8. Any Owner having a private well or other private water tested and inspected at least semi-annually.
source, must have a permit if the well or source is cross-connected B. Periodic testing shall be performed by the Department’s
to the Department’s system. Permission to cross-connect may be certified tester or his delegated representative. This testing will be
denied by the Department. The Owner may be required to install done at the owner’s expense.
a backflow preventer at the service entrance if a private water C. The testing shall be conducted during the Department’s
source is maintained, even if it is not cross-connected to the regular business hours. Exceptions to this, when at the request of
Department’s system. the owner, may require additional charges to cover the increased
9. In the event the Owner installs plumbing to provide costs to the Department.
potable water for domestic purposes which is on the Department’s D. Any backflow preventer which fails during a periodic
side of the backflow preventer, such plumbing must have its own test will be repaired or replaced. When repairs are necessary,
backflow preventer installed. upon completion of the repair the device will be re-tested at
10. The Owner shall be responsible for the payment of all fees owners expense to insure correct operation. High hazard situa-
for permits, annual or semi-annual device testing, retesting in the tions will not be allowed to continue unprotected if the backflow
case that the device fails to operate correctly, and second re- preventer fails the test and cannot be repaired immediately. In
inspections for non-compliance with Department or Commission other situations, a compliance date of not more than thirty (30)
requirements. days after the test date will be established. The owner is respon-

36 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


sible for spare parts, repair tools, or a replacement device. Parallel Addendum
installation of two (2) devices is an effective means of the owner
insuring that uninterrupted water service during testing or repair 1. Residential dual check
of devices and is strongly recommended when the owner desires Effective the date of the acceptance of this Cross-Connection
such continuity. (Ref. Fig. 33 page 23.) Control Program for the Town of ( ) all new residential
E. Backflow prevention devices will be tested more fre- buildings will be required to install a residential dual check device
quently than specified in A. above, in cases where there is a history immediately downstream of the water meter. (Ref. Figure 37
of test failures and the Department feels that due to the degree of page 24.) Installation of this residential dual check device on a
hazard involved, additional testing is warranted. Cost of the retrofit basis on existing service lines will be instituted at a time
additional tests will be born by the owner. and at a potential cost to the homeowner as deemed necessary by
XI. Records and Reports the Department.
The owner must be aware that installation of a residential dual
A. Records check valve results in a potential closed plumbing system within
The Department will initiate and maintain the following: his residence. As such, provisions may have to be made by the
1. Master files on customer cross-connection tests and/or owner to provide for thermal expansion within his closed loop
inspections. system, i.e., the installation of thermal expansion devices and/or
2. Master files on cross-connection permits. pressure relief valves.
3. Copies of permits and permit applications.
4. Copies of lists and summaries supplied to the 2. Strainers
Commission. The Department strongly recommends that all new retrofit
B. Reports installations of reduced pressure principle devices and double check
valve backflow preventers include the installation of strainers
The Department will submit the following to the Commission. located immediately upstream of the backflow device. The installa-
1. Initial listing of low hazard cross-connections to the State. tion of strainers will preclude the fouling of backflow devices due to
2. Initial listing of high hazard cross-connections to the both foreseen and unforeseen circumstances occurring to the water
State. supply system such as water main repairs, water main breaks, fires,
3. Annual update lists of items 1 and 2 above. periodic cleaning and flushing of mains, etc. These occurrences
4. Annual summary of cross-connection inspections to the may “stir up” debris within the water main that will cause fouling
State. of backflow devices installed without the benefit of strainers.
XII. Fees and Charges
The Department will publish a list of fees or charges for the
following services or permits:
1. Testing fees
2. Re-testing fees
3. Fee for re-inspection
4. Charges for after-hours inspections or tests.

CHAPTER SEVEN • 37
Appendix A Appendix B

Partial List of Illustrations of


Plumbing Hazards Backsiphonage
Fixtures with Direct Sewer, sanitary The following illustrates typical undersized water service line
plumbing installations where reduces the pressure at the
Connections Sewer, storm
backsiphonage is possible. water closets to atmospheric
Swimming pool
producing a reversal of the flow.
Description C. Suggested Correction: The
Backsiphonage water connection at the bedpan
Air conditioning, air washer Fixtures with wash sink and the sterilizer
Case I (Fig. 44)
Air conditioning, chilled water Submerged Inlets should be provided with
Air conditioning, condenser A. Contact Point: A rubber properly installed backflow
water hose is submerged in a bedpan preventers.
Description wash sink.
Air line
Aspirator, laboratory Baptismal fount B. Causes of Reversed Flow:
Aspirator, medical Bathtub (I) A sterilizer connected to the Backsiphonage
Bedpan washer, flushing rim water supply is allowed to cool Case 2 (Fig. 45)
Aspirator, weedicide and
fertilizer sprayer without opening the air vent.
Bidet A. Contact Point: A rubber
As it cools, the pressure within
Autoclave and sterilizer Brine tank the sealed sterilizer drops below hose is submerged in a labora-
Auxiliary system, industrial Cooling tower atmospheric producing a tory sink.
Auxiliary system, surface water Cuspidor vacuum which draws the B. Cause of Reversed Flow:
Auxiliary system, unapproved Drinking fountain polluted water into the sterilizer Two opposite multi-story
well supply contaminating its contents. (2) buildings are connected to the
Floor drain, flushing rim The flushing of several flush same water main, which often
Boiler system Garbage can washer valve toilets on a lower floor lacks adequate pressure. The
Chemical feeder, pot-type Ice maker which are connected to an building on the right has
Chlorinator Laboratory sink, serrated nozzle installed a booster pump.
Coffee urn Laundry machine FIGURE 44.
Cooling system Backsiphonage (Case 1).
Lavatory FIGURE 45.
Dishwasher Backsiphonage (Case 2).
Lawn sprinkler system
Fire standpipe or sprinkler Photo laboratory sink
system B
Sewer flushing manhole
Fountain, ornamental A
Slop sink, flushing rim
Hydraulic equipment
Slop sink, threaded supply A
Laboratory equipment
Steam table
Lubrication, pump bearings
Urinal, siphon jet blowout
Photostat equipment
Vegetable peeler
Plumber’s friend, pneumatic
Water closet, flush tank,
Pump, pneumatic ejector ball cock
Pump, prime line Water closet, flush valve,
Pump, water operated ejector siphon jet B B

38 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


When the pressure is inad- Backsiphonage Backsiphonage B. Cause of Reversed Flow:
equate in the main, the build- Gasoline may enter the
ing booster pump starts Case 4 (Fig. 47) Case 5 (Fig. 48) distribution system by gravity
pumping, producing a negative A. Contact Point: The water A. Contact Point: The gasoline or by siphonage in the event of
pressure in the main and supply to the dishwasher is not storage tank is maintained full a leak or break in the water
causing a reversal of flow in the protected by a vacuum breaker. and under pressure by means of main.
opposite building. Also, the dishwasher has a solid a direct connection to the city C. Suggested Correction: A
C. Suggested Correction: The waste connection to the sewer. water distribution system. reduced pressure principle
laboratory sink water outlet B. Cause of Reversed Flow: backflow preventer should be
should be provided with a The undersized main serving installed in the line to the
vacuum breaker. The water the building is subject to FIGURE 48. gasoline storage tank or a surge
service line to the booster pump Backsiphonage (Case 5). tank and pump should be
reduced pressures, and therefore
should be equipped with a only the first two floors of the provided in that line.
device to cut off the pump building are supplied directly
when pressure approaches a with city pressure. The upper
negative head or vacuum. floors are served from a booster Backsiphonage
pump drawing suction directly
Case 6 (Fig. 49)
from the water service line.
Backsiphonage During periods of low city A. Contact Point: There is a
pressure, the booster pump submerged inlet in the second
Case 3 (Fig. 46) Gasoline
suction creates negative floor bathtub.
A
A. Contact Point: A chemical pressures in the low system, B. Cause of Reversed Flow:
tank has a submerged inlet. thereby reversing the flow. Water An automobile breaks a nearby
B. Cause of Reversed Flow: C. Suggested Correction: The fire hydrant causing a rush of
Main
The plant fire pump draws dishwasher hot and cold water water and a negative pressure in
suction directly from the city should be supplied through an B the service line to the house,
water supply line which is air gap and the waste from the sucking dirty water out of the
insufficient to serve normal dishwasher should discharge bathtub.
plant requirements and a major through an indirect waste. The C. Suggested Correction: The
fire at the same time. During a booster pump should be hot and cold water inlets to the
fire emergency, reversed flow equipped with a low-pressure bathtub should be above the
FIGURE 49.
may occur within the plant. cutoff device. Backsiphonage (Case 6). rim of the tub.
C. Suggested Correction: The
water service to the chemical FIGURE 47.
tank should be provided Backsiphonage (Case 4).
through an air gap.
A

FIGURE 46.
Backsiphonage (Case 3).

CHEMICALS INC.
B
A Dishwasher
A

Sewer

High service
Low service
B B Main

APPENDIX B • 39
Appendix C

Illustrations of C. Suggested Correction:


Each pier water outlet should

Backpressure
be protected against backflow.
The main water service to the
pier should also be protected
against backflow by an air gap
The following presents FIGURE 51. or reduced pressure principle
Backflow (Case 2).
illustrations of typical plumbing backflow preventer.
installations where backflow
resulting from backpressure is
possible. Backflow
B
Case 4 (Fig. 53)
Backflow A A. Contact Point: A single-
valved connection exists
Case I (Fig. 50) between the public, potable
A. Contact Point: A direct Backflow water supply and the fire-
connection from the city supply Case 2 (Fig. 51) sprinkler system of a mill.
to the boiler exists as a safety B. Cause of Reversed Flow:
measure and for filling the A. Contact Point: Sewage The sprinkler system is nor-
system. The boiler water system seeping from a residential mally supplied from a nearby
is chemically treated for scale cesspool pollutes the private Backflow lake through a high-pressure
prevention and corrosion well which is used for lawn pump. About the lake are large
control. sprinkling. The domestic water Case 3 (Fig. 52)
numbers of overflowing septic
B. Cause of Reversed Flow: system, which is served from a A. Contact Point: A valve tanks. When the valve is left
The boiler water recirculation city main, is connected to the connection exists between the open, contaminated lake water
pump discharge pressure or well supply by means of a valve. potable and the non potable can be pumped to the public
backpressure from the boiler The purpose of the connection systems aboard the ship. supply.
exceeds the city water pressure may be to prime the well
B. Cause of Reversed Flow: C. Suggested Correction: The
and the chemically treated supply for emergency domestic
While the ship is connected to potable water supply to the fire
water is pumped into the use.
the city water supply system system should be through an air
domestic system through an B. Cause of Reversed Flow: for the purpose of taking on gap or a reduced pressure
open or leaky valve. During periods of low city water for the potable system, principle backflow preventer
C. Suggested Correction: As water pressure, possibly when the valve between the potable should be used.
minimum protection two check lawn sprinkling is at its peak, and nonpotable systems is
valves in series should be the well pump discharge opened, permitting contami- FIGURE 53.
provided in the makeup pressure exceeds that of the city nated water to be pumped into Backflow (Case 4).
waterline to the boiler system. main and well water is pumped the municipal supply.
An air gap separation or into the city supply through an
ACME MILLS
reduced pressure principle open or leaky valve. FIGURE 52.
Backflow (Case 3).
backflow preventer is better. C. Suggested Correction: The
connection between the well
water and city water should be Sprinkler
FIGURE 50.
System
Backflow (Case 1). broken

City
main A A

B
Pump
B

To potable
A system
B
Chemical feeder

40 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Appendix D Appendix E

Illustrations of Illustrations of
Air Gaps Vacuum Breakers
The following illustrations describe methods of providing an FIGURE 57.
Vacuum breakers.
air gap discharge to a waste line which may be occasionally or
continuously subject to backpressure.
Vaccum closes gate
FIGURE 54.
Brass inset
Air gap to sewer subject to
backpressure—force main.
Air enters here Air
preventing rise of
D Rubber sleeve contaminated liquids
Ball check in fixtures

2xD

Flush connection Air vent


Waste line

Pump Cowl nut

FIGURE 55.
Air gap to sewer subject to
backpressure—gravity drain.

D
FIGURE 58.
Vacuum breaker arrangement for
2xD an outside hose hydrant.
Indirect waste

“A” “A”
Ball check
Plan
Support vanes

Horizontal waste
1" sleeve, sch. 40.
FIGURE 56.
½ " or ¾"
Fire system makeup tank for a Hand wheel
gate valve
dual water system.
Exterior
½" or ¾" building wall I.P.S. hose adapter
sch. 40. galv.

½" or ¾"
vacuum breaker
Nonpotable supply Float valves Potable supply ½" or ¾" Coupling M.I. galv.
2xD nipple galv.
½" or ¾" Ell. m. M. I. galv.
Section “A” “A”

(By permission of Mr. Gustave J. Angele


Sr., P.E. formerly Plant Sanitary
Engineer, Union Carbide Nuclear
To fire system Division, Oak Ridge, Tenn.)

APPENDIX E • 41
Appendix F

Glossary

Air gap The unobstructed Effective Opening The Plumbing The practice, Vacuum Breaker A device
vertical distance through minimum cross-sectional materials, and fixtures that permits air into a
the free atmosphere area at the point of water used in the installation, water supply distribution
between the lowest supply discharge, measured maintenance, extension, line to prevent
opening from any pipe or or expressed in terms of and alteration of all piping, backsiphonage.
faucet supplying water to a (1) diameter of a circle, or fixtures, appliances and Water Outlet A discharge
tank, plumbing fixture, or (2) if the opening is not appurtenances in connec- opening through which
other device and the flood- circular, the diameter of a tion with any of the water is supplied to a
level rim of the receptacle. circle or equivalent cross- following: sanitary fixture, into the atmo-
Backflow The flow of water or sectional area. drainage or storm drainage sphere (except into an open
other liquids, mixtures, or Flood-Level Rim The edge of facilities, the venting tank which is part of the
substances into the the receptacle from which system and the public or water supply system), to a
distributing pipes of a water overflows. private water-supply boiler or heating system, to
potable supply of water systems, within or any devices or equipment
Flushometer Valve A device
from any source or sources adjacent to any building, requiring water to operate
which discharges a prede-
other than its intended structure, or conveyance; but which are not part of
termined quantity of water
source. Backsiphonage is also the practice and the plumbing system.
to fixtures for flushing
one type of backflow. materials used in the
purposes and is actuated by Water Supply System The
installation, maintenance,
Backflow Connection Any direct water pressure. water service pipe, the
extension, or alteration of
arrangement whereby Free Water Surface A water water-distributing pipes,
storm water, liquid waste,
backflow can occur. surface that is at atmo- and the necessary connect-
or sewerage, and water-
Backflow Preventer A device spheric pressure. ing pipes, fittings, control
supply systems of any
or means to prevent valves, and all appurte-
Frostproof Closet A hopper premises to their connec-
backflow. Backflow nances in or adjacent to
with no water in the bowl tion with any point of
Preventer, Reduced the building or premises.
and with the trap and public disposal or other
Pressure Principle Type The water supply system
water supply control valve acceptable terminal.
An assembly of differential is part of the plumbing
located below frost line. Potable Water Water free
valves and check valves system.
Indirect Waste Pipe A drain from impurities present
including an automatically
pipe used to convey liquid in amounts sufficient to
opened spillage port to the
wastes that does not cause disease or harmful
atmosphere.
connect directly with the physiological effects.
Backsiphonage Backflow drainage system, but which Its bacteriological and
resulting from negative discharges into the chemical quality shall
pressures in the distribut- drainage system through conform to the require-
ing pipes of a potable water an air break into a vented ments of the USEPA
supply. trap or a properly vented National Primary Drink-
Cross-Connection Any actual and trapped fixture, ing Water Regulations and
or potential connection receptacle, or interceptor. the regulations of the
between the public water public health authority
supply and a source of having jurisdiction.
contamination or pollution. Vacuum Any absolute pressure
less than that exerted by
the atmosphere.

42 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL


Appendix G

Bibliography

Accepted Procedure and Practice in Canadian Plumbing Code 1980, Cross-Connection Control Program, Manual of Cross-Connection
Cross-Connection Control NRCC, No. 17305, Second State of Utah, Oct.1985, Travis Control Practices and Proce-
Manual, American Water Printing, Issued by the Black. dures, State of California, Health
Works Association, Pacific Associate Committee on the Cross-Connection Control, Water and Welfare Agency, July 1981.
Northwest Section, 4th Edition. National Building Code, Quality Division, Colorado Plumbing and Drainage Act
Nov. 1985. Natural Research Council of Department of Health. Revised Regulations, Alberta, as amended
American Backflow Prevention Canada, Ottawa. March 1983. Cross-Connection by Alberta Regulations (295/80).
Association, P.O. Box 1563 Control and Elimination of Cross- Control Survey, New England Regulations Relating To Cross-
Akron, Ohio 44309-1563. Connections, Panel Discussion, Water Works Association, Connections, excerpt from the
Angele, Gustave Cross-Connection Journal American Water Works August 1987. California Administrative Code,
and Backflow Prevention, Association, Vol.50, No.1, 1960. CSA Standards on Vacuum Breakers Title 17, Public Health, 1956.
American Water Works Cross-Connection Complications, and Backflow Preventers, B64 Saskatchewan Regulations 8/78,
Association. Supplementary The Capital’s Health, Vol. 11, Series 1976 Canadian Standards Regulations Governing
Reading library Series – No. No. 9, Dec. 1953, D.C. Dept. of Association, Dec.1976. Plumbing and Drainage
S106, New York 10016. Public Health, Washington, Dawson, F. M., and Kalinske, A. Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems and
A Revision of The Notional Plumbing D.C. A., Report on Cross-Connections the Water Purveyor, American
Code, ASA A40.8-1955, Report Cross-Connection Control, American and Backsiphonage Research, Water Works Association,
of the Public Health Service Water Works Association, Technical Bulletin No. 1, Pacific Northwest Section.
Technical Committee on British Columbia Section, National Association of
Springer, E. K., and Reynolds, K.
Plumbing Standards. Sept. 15, Second Edition, Jan.1980. Cross- Plumbing, Heating, Cooling
1962, Public Health Service, Connection Control and Backflow Contractors, Washington, D.C. C., Definitions and Specifications of
Double Check Valve Assemblies and
Washington 25, D.C. Prevention Device Testing, New Evaluation of Backflow Prevention Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow
AWWA Standard For Backflow England Water Works Associa- Devices—A State of the Art, (N B
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Association, Denver, Colorado, City of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Hendrickson, Howard D. Cross- Cross-Connections, A Hazard in
Reaffirmed 1983. Backflow Third Edition, April 1980. Connection Control, Part 1 & 2,
Prevention and Cross-Connec- All Buildings, Modern Sanitation
Cross-Connection Control, Backflow August & September 1981 and Building Maintenance,
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M14, American Water Works Certification Training Course,
Association, Denver, Colorado How To Prevent Industrial Cross- Use of Backflow Preventers for
Public Drinking Water Connection Dangers, Water
1966. Cross-Connection Control, Joint
Program, Division of Environ- Works Engineering, Feb. 1962. Committee Report, Journal
Backflow Prevention and Cross- mental Quality, Department of Manitoba Plumbing Code 1981,
Connection Control, Ohio EPA, Natural Resources, State of American Water Works
Issued by the Department of Association, Vol. 50, No.12,
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Second Edition, Revised Mar. Cross-Connection Control Manual, Province of Manitoba.
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Manual of Cross-Connection Prevention Hardware, Water and
Devices—Selection, Installation, ing, Tennessee Dept. of Public Control, Dept. of Health and Wastes Engineering, Pt. 1, Sept.
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CSA Standard B64.10M1981. Hospitals, Denver, Colorado, 1970; Pt. 2, Oct. 1970.
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Washington State Dept. of Control, Foundation for Cross-
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York State Dept. of Health,
Jan.1981.

APPENDIX G • 43
Appendix H

Cross-Connection
Survey Form
Date: _______________________________________

Name of Company, Corporation, or Business: ______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Contact: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Type of Use: Industrial _________ Commercial _________ Governmental _________ Other

Location of Service: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Size of Service: ___________________________ Inch Metered? Yes … No …

Require non-interrupted water service? Yes … No …

Does Boiler Feed utilize chemical additives? Yes … No …

Is Backflow protection incorporated? Yes … No …

Are air conditioning cooling towers utilized? Yes … No …

Is Backflow protection incorporated? Yes … No …

Is a Water Saver utilized on condensing lines or cooling towers? N/A … Yes … No …

Is the make-up supply line backflow protected? Yes … No …

Is process water in use, and if so, is it potable supply water or “Raw” water N/A … Potable …
Raw … Protected … Unprotected …

Is fire protection water separate from the potable supply? Yes … No …

Are Containment Devices in place? Yes … No …

Summary

Degree of Hazard: High … Low …

Type of Device recommended for containment: RPZ … DCV … None …

Fixture Outlet protection required? Yes … No …

If so, where?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
44 • CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANUAL
Appendix I

Backflow Prevention Device


Test and Maintenance Report
To: __________________________________________________________________________
(water purveyor or regulatory agency)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
Attn: Cross-connection Control Section

The cross-connection control device detailed hereon has been tested and maintained as required by the
(rules or regulations) of (purveyor or regulatory agency) and is certified to comply with these (rules or
regulations).
Make of device ________________ size ___________________________________
Model Number ________________ located at ______________________________
Serial Number ________________ ______________________________________
______________________________________

Reduced Pressure Devices Pressure Vacuum Breaker


Double Check Devices Relief Valve Air Inlet Check Valve
st nd
1 Check 2 Check
Opened at ______ psid
DC - Closed
Closed Tight … Opened at ______ psid Leaked …
Tight …
Initial Test Leaked … ______ psid Did not open …
RP - ______ psid
Leaked …

Repairs and
Materials Used

DC-Closed Tight Closed Tight … Opened at Opened at ______ psid


Test After Repair RP- ______ psid ______ psid ______ psid

The above is certified to be true.


Firm Name ______________________ Certified Tester _______________________________
Firm Address _____________________ Cert. Tester No. ________________ Date _________
_______________________________
WH-550 Office of Water (4606M)
United States EPA 816-R-03-002
Environmental Protection www.epa.gov/safewater
Agency February 2003
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300

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