Cross Connection Control

Cross Connection Control

Did you know that some common items connected to the water pipes can actually contaminate the water in your home or business? This is called a cross connection and it can result in serious illness or injury depending on the type of contaminant present.

Our Cross Connection Control Program ensures that these connections are either eliminated or isolated through installation and testing of approved backflow prevention assemblies.

Examples of cross connections include:

• Irrigation or in-ground sprinkler systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Boilers
• Swimming pools
• Radiant or solar heat systems
• Chemical dispensers at wash basins and service sinks
• Auxiliary water supplies such as wells and storage tanks

If you have any of these in your home or business, you need backflow prevention. Properly installed and maintained backflow prevention assemblies stop contaminated water from reaching your tap or the water system.

For more details, see the following brochures:

• Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems and Backflow Prevention
• Cross Connections Can Create Health Hazards
• Lawn Irrigation Systems and Backflow Prevention

Approved Backflow Prevention Devices

Most cross connections will need to have an approved mechanical backflow prevention device or assembly installed.

Types of approved backflow devices include:

• Air gaps
• Reduced pressure backflow assemblies
• Double check valve assemblies
• Pressure vacuum breaker assemblies
• Atmospheric vacuum breakers

The type of assembly you choose will depend on the potential hazard present. In general, we accept air gaps and reduced pressure backflow assemblies for high hazards, and double check valve assemblies, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies and atmospheric vacuum breakers for low hazards.

The backflow preventer you choose must be listed on the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research Approved Assemblies List. Assemblies not currently listed must have been listed at the time of your original installation.

We inspect assemblies upon installation and conduct periodic re-inspections on all existing assemblies. Assemblies must be tested annually by a state of Washington certified backflow assembly tester. Assemblies must also be tested after any repair or replacement. We require a copy of each test report.

Learn more about proper backflow prevention with these resources:

Cross Connection How To
Backflow Assembly Requirements
Cross Connection FAQ