Cross Connection Control Program Overview
The Richmond County Water Utility is required to implement a Cross Connection Control Program as part of its approval to operate. In buildings, interconnections can easily be made between the potable water supply and any fixture, appliance, system, or non-potable water supply. These connections are defined as cross-connections. Backflow or back-siphonage incidents at these connections have the potential to contaminate the entire public water system. The program aims to ensure appropriate backflow prevention devices (BFP) are installed and maintained to prevent such incidents.
The Utility will use the hazard classification framework outlined in CSA B64.10:17 to identify existing water users within the distribution that may be considered moderate to severe risk. These users will be contacted, and a survey will be completed to determine if a backflow prevention device is required. The type of backflow prevention device required will depend on the degree of hazard and will be determined by the Utility.
Backflow preventors must be installed by a plumber of sprinkler fitter. The device will need to be tested upon installation and annually thereafter by a person with valid CCC testers certification. The installation and maintenance of backflow prevention devices will be the responsibility of the customer. The customer shall submit a report in a form approved by the Utility on any or all tests performed on a BFP device within 30 days of a test. The Utility will maintain a record of BFP installations, testing, and maintenance. The Utility may suspend water service to users that do not comply with the program.
BFP device requirements will be enforced under Schedule “D” Water Utility Schedule of Rules and Regulations.
Annual Backflow Prevention Device Test
A record card must be placed on or beside the BFP indicating:
• The test date
• The tester’s certificate number, name, initials, and the name of his/her employer
• The location, type, manufacturer, serial number, and size of the device
• The name and address of the owner of the device
• A copy of annual BFP test results must be sent to the Municipality.
Hazard Classification Framework
| Risk Classification | Definition | Example of Facilities |
|
Severe/High |
Any type of cross-connection or potential cross-connection involving water that has additives or substances that under any concentration can create a danger to health and is likely to result in serious injury or death. | Hospitals, operating, labs, mortuary facilities, plants using radioactive material, petroleum processing and storage facilities, chemical or plating plants, commercial laundries, sewage, automotive shops, dry cleaners, car washes plants, food and beverage processing plants, premises where access is restricted, dockside facilities for ships, premises with sprinkler systems with glycol loops. |
|
Moderate |
Any minor hazard connection that has a low probability of becoming a severe hazard. | Office buildings, multi-service interconnected facilities, schools, colleges, shopping malls, multi-tenant single service facilities, premises with sprinklers (no glycol), restaurants. |
|
Minor |
Any cross-connection or potential cross connection that constitutes only a nuisance and that results in a reduction in only aesthetic quality of water (color, odor, or taste with little to no health effects). |
Note: For complete list of facilities and their risk categorization, consult the most recent CSA B64.10.
Budget
• All cost associated with surveying, hazard assessment, records / data management, education, and outreach will be absorbed by the Utility and / or the Municipality of the County of Richmond.
• The customer is responsible for all costs associated with installation and maintenance.
pdf Click here to download the Cross Connection Control Plan(339 KB)