Recognize and Control Cross-Connection Hazards
We go to great lengths to protect our water from potential contamination or pollution as it flows through the distribution system. One area that poses a significant risk to the quality, integrity and safety of our drinking water is cross-connection.
A cross-connection is the point in a distribution system where a potable water system is connected to a non-potable system or a system of questionable water quality. For example, a water line connected to a chemical solution mixing tank.
Under backflow conditions, it is possible to draw or push these contaminants back into the potable Water Supply System. Backflow is the reversal of water flow from its normal or intended direction of flow. Whenever a customer connects to the Water Supply System, water is intended to flow from the distribution system to the customer. However, in backflow conditions, it is possible for the flow to be reversed and water may reenter the Water Supply System. Backflow conditions are identified and separated into two classifications, backsiphonage and backpressure.
Backsiphonage is a type of backflow condition characterized by a pressure drop in the Water Supply System (supply pressure). Supply pressure can be affected by the time of day, high demand conditions, main breaks (service interruption), firefighting or construction activities when fire hydrants are opened or during the normal operation and transmission of water. When pressure in the Water Supply System drops, causing water from the consumer’s system (and any hazardous substance) to siphon into the main water distribution system, it is called backsiphonage.
Backpressure is characterized by pressure in a consumer’s plumbing system which exceeds the supply pressure. This increase in pressure is often generated by pump, elevation of piping, heating applications (thermal expansion), or steam or air pressure.
The potential hazards to our community drinking water demonstrate the importance for consumers to recognize and control cross-connections. To prevent backflow from occurring, the cross-connection must be eliminated or it must be controlled by installing an approved backflow prevention assembly on the water Service Line. A backflow prevention assembly must be tested when it is installed or repaired and at least annually thereafter to ensure it is operating properly.
Colorado Springs Utilities regularly surveys systems at customer facilities for possible uncontrolled cross-connections. Through these surveys, we can determine whether additional backflow prevention is required at the customer’s property. You may request a site survey by completing the form and mailing it to the Cross-Connection Control Program at the address on the bottom of the form.
