Cross Connection Program
Protecting the quality of our drinking water
The program’s goal is to protect the drinking water supply from pollution or contamination. We accomplish this by preventing water that has been used for washing, heating, and cooling within a facility or home from backflowing (mixing) into the drinking water supply.
A Cross Connection Program is a cooperative effort between the City’s plumbing inspectors, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, property owners and certified testers to establish and administer guidelines for controlling cross connections, so that the public drinking water supply is protected. The City’s responsibility is for the administration, enforcement, public education, and communications plan.
Common cross-connections that require backflow assemblies are underground irrigation systems, commercial boiler systems, residential and commercial boiler systems with anti-freeze, and fire suppression systems. The backflow assembly requirements are established in the design/planning stage for construction permitting. Once the plumbing work is complete, a City plumbing inspector will give final approval. All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested by a certified backflow assembly tester on an annual basis.
FAQs
- What is a cross connection?
- What is backflow?
- What is a cross connection device?
- Are there any regulations related to Cross Connection Control?
- Who can test cross connection devices?
- Why do cross connection devices have to be tested yearly?
- I have received a letter stating the appropriate cross connection control assembly must be installed to comply with City By-Law 4848, Section 14. What am I required to do?
- I have received a letter stating that my cross connection device(s) are due for testing. What am I required to do?
- Who is responsible for testing a cross connection control device?
- What are the consequences for failing to comply with the testing or installation request?
- What are typical cross connections found in a residential home?
- Will a cross connection control device affect my water pressure?
- Is a plumbing permit required when installing a cross connection device?
- Where can I find more reference material?
- Who do I contact for more information?
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What is a cross connection?
A cross connection is any permanent or temporary connection between the drinking water supply and any other non-drinking water or substance. Examples are a fire sprinkler system, water feed lines to a cooling tower, or a household garden hose connected to a chemical sprayer.
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What is backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non drinking water through an unprotected cross connection and into the piping of a public drinking water system or consumer’s drinking water pipe network.
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What is a cross connection device?
A cross connection control device is a mechanical device that prevents backflow of water into the public drinking water system.
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Are there any regulations related to Cross Connection Control?
The City of Vancouver’s Cross Connection Program administers and enforces the City’s Bylaw 4848, Section 14, to prevent the contamination of the drinking water supply.
The complete transcript of the Waterworks Bylaw 4848 can be obtained at City of Vancouver Bylaws.
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Who can test cross connection devices?
Any individual who is registered as a member in good standing with the British Columbia Wastewater Association (BCWWA) as a Cross Connection Certified Tester can test cross connection devices. The BCWWA is the governing body that certifies the testers in British Columbia.
A certified backflow assembly tester’s job is to inspect the installation of the backflow assembly, ensuring it is installed correctly, not leaking and in good shape. The assembly is tested under pressure to ensure it is functioning properly. Age, wear and tear, and/or fouling of the assembly can prevent the assembly from working properly. Making sure your backflow assembly is tested annually assures it is doing its job protecting the City’s drinking water.
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Why do cross connection devices need to be tested yearly?
Cross connection devices are mechanical devices that have internal seals, springs and moving parts that are subject to being plugged by grit, fouling and wear. Therefore, these devices require annual inspection, maintenance, and testing. Cross connection devices can only be tested by a BCWWA certified cross connection tester.
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I have received a letter stating the appropriate cross connection control assembly must be installed to comply with City By-Law 4848, Section 14. What am I required to do?
You are required to contract a certified tester (plumber, mechanical contractor) to install the cross connection control device located at the subject address. A certified tester can be found in the Yellow Pages under “Backflow Device Testing & Supplies” or “Plumbing Contractors”. Bylaw information: City of Vancouver Bylaws.
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I have received a letter stating that my cross connection device(s) are due for testing. What am I required to do?
You are required to contract a certified tester (plumber, mechanical contractor) to test the cross connection control device located at the address. A certified tester can be found in the Yellow Pages under “Backflow Device Testing & Supplies” or “Plumbing Contractors”.
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Who is responsible for testing a cross connection control device?
It is the owner of the property or the agent of the owner (property manager) where the cross connection device is located.
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What are the consequences for failing to comply with the testing or installation request?
Failure to comply may result in a discontinuation of water service for the property.
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What are typical cross connections found in a residential home?
The most common cross connection found in a residential home is a garden hose connected to a pesticide/fertilizer sprayer or pressure washer, a garden hose left submerged in an ornamental pool, or an underground lawn watering (irrigation) systems.
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Will a cross connection control device affect my water pressure?
All cross connection devices cause some pressure loss. The typical pressure drop for the device depends on the type, make, size and location. Refer to the manufacturer’s literature.
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Is a plumbing permit required when installing a cross connection device?
Any plumbing work related to the installation of a testable cross connection device will require a plumbing permit. For additional plumbing permit information, please contact the Plumbing Branch at 604-873-7052.
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Where can I find more reference material?
The American Waterworks Association (AWWA) Pacific Northwest Section, Cross Connection Control Manual, CAN/CSA-B64.10.01 – Manual for the Selection and Installation of Backflow Prevention Devices and AWWA M14 Manual are good reference manuals.
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Who do I contact for more information?
The City requires cross connection devices installed on residential plumbing systems with lawn irrigation systems and/or certain fire sprinkler systems. Depending on the nature of their business, most commercial premises will have at least one cross connection device installed on their plumbing system. If you are unsure you require a cross connection device or would like more information, please contact the Cross Connection Control Coordinator at 604-873-7352.
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