What are cross-connections and backflows?
When drinking water piping connects to various plumbing fixtures or water utilizing equipment a cross-connection is created. If improperly protected, contamination can result when a backflow event occurs - allowing contaminates to reverse flow from the fixture/equipment back into the drinking water piping.
Conditions that are likely to create a backflow event are typically common, but unfavorable, hydraulic events that occur within the public or private segments of the water distribution system such as: an owner or worker draining down a house or building to make a plumbing repair; a broken water main or distribution pipe; severe/widespread power outages; fire fighters using large quantities of water to extinguish a fire, or; a water utilizing piece of equipment or process creating pressures greater than those present in water distribution system.
When these unfavorable hydraulic events are occurring, contaminates can be back-siphoned into the drinking water due to negative pressures; or contaminates can back-pressured into the drinking water due to excessive pressure imposed by the water utilizing piece of equipment or process.
What is the Cross-Connection Control Program?
If there's an incident resulting in contamination of public drinking water (due to improper or unprotected plumbing connections causing backflow), the owner responsible or occupant of the property can be held responsible for damages. The Town of Strathmore has initiated the Cross-Connection Control Program to help property owners reduce the risk of a contamination event they may be liable for.
The program requires appropriate cross-connection control devices on all new industrial, commercial, and industrial (ICI) developments. Existing ICI properties are required to undergo retrofits or testing of backflow prevention devices. Many ICI properties in Strathmore have already installed backflow devices. Testing will help these properties to ensure their device is working properly.
The Cross-Connection Control Program will significantly reduce the risk of contamination to Strathmore’s water supply. It will also reduce the liability of customers who could be sources of such contamination.
What properties are affected by this program?
The amendments to the Water Utility Bylaw are specific to Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional properties in Strathmore. However, any property owner - even a residential customer - is liable if an incident of contamination due to backflow originates on their premises.
Who can install and test a backflow prevention device?
Installation and/or testing must be completed by a certified Cross-Connection Control Tester. These professionals hold a current AWWA Cross-Connection Control Tester Certificate.
View the Water Utility Bylaw for more information.
View the Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Policy for more information.