What Are Some Differences in Municipal Cross Connection Control Programs?

Hazard classification, backflow prevention device placement and testing frequency are just some of the ways one municipal cross-connection control program differs from another. Questions about these differences comes up a lot as we meet with water authority officials across the country.

Here, we lay out the differences and explain the significance of each.

The Cross-Connection Rules of Enforcement

One of the major challenges for engineers, contractors, distributors and manufacturers is the sheer number of discrepancies in municipal cross-connection control programs. The rules of enforcement for one municipality can be vastly different from a neighboring municipality, and they may share the same water supply! Some of the major differences in cross-connection control programs across the country are as follows:

1. Hazard Classification

Some municipalities use an arbitrary level of hazard to determine the type of backflow preventer they require property owners or residential customers to install for backflow protection. Low hazard applications tend to receive double-check or DCDAs as the standard, while high hazard applications require reduced pressure zone valves (RPZs) to protect water systems. Other water jurisdictions or authorities ignore hazard levels altogether, requiring installation of RPZs on all new and updated service lines.

2. Backflow Prevention Assembly Placement

In certain parts of the U.S., public health officials allow for DCs and DCDAs to be installed in below-grade vaults, incurring the dangers of confined space entry. Others mandate all backflow preventers to be installed inside facilities in a mechanical room or basement for optimal backflow protection. Still, others require backflow preventers to be installed outdoors, above-ground and in a heated enclosure, conforming to ASSE 1060 standards.

3. Approvals and Minimum Standards

Many municipalities require certain minimum standards for backflow preventer certification. The Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research at the University of Southern California is a common standard requirement for municipal cross-connection control programs, typically referred to as USC approval). ASSE/IAPMO also has common certifications for backflow preventers that municipalities use to ensure that quality products protect the public water supply.

4. Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing Frequency

Many local water authorities mandate all backflow prevention devices in the water system to be tested and certified annually. Some require RPZs in high hazard applications to be tested every six months. We've also seen certifications needing renewal every three years, and in some cases, the backflow is tested at installation and then never seen or heard from again, which can be detrimental to protection from backflow or cross-connection.

5. Ground Clearance Requirements

Most municipalities and water systems require an RPZ relief valve to be a minimum of 12” above the ground. Others may require 16”, 18”, 24” or even 30” of ground clearance.

6. Backflow Program Fees

The range of program fees for cross-connection control can differ greatly in price, frequency and certification requirements. Always consult your local jurisdiction for compliance, resources, regulations, maintenance requirements and any related fees.

7. Backflow Tester Forms and Procedures

Some municipalities have standard forms, some have to be issued by the municipality with their logos, some can be pre-filled with tester credentials, and some have to be handwritten in blue ink only!

Along with different forms and filing procedures, municipalities now track and file their backflow reports using 3rd party software. This means testers can have up to 10 different apps on their phones and need to remember which software to use for each municipality.

As you can see, there is a litany of differences in cross-connection control programs that makes it difficult to keep up with all of the variables. This is especially difficult for certified testers, who often test in multiple jurisdictions and have to keep up with every variable in protocol and procedure just to stay in compliance.  

Simplifying Cross-Connection Programs

Brian Fiorisi, owner of Test Gauge & Backflow Supply in Dallas, Texas says, “Backflow testers have a very difficult job keeping up with all of the little differences between municipalities. Some of our water customers have over 20 different forms that they sort through every day just to enter their test results.”  

It's also difficult to manage cross-connection programs for:

• Contractors with job installations across multiple jurisdictions

• Engineers who have to design jobs with vastly different specifications, and

• Manufacturers who need to produce devices that meet everyone's requirements and help limit backflow events. 

Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to addressing these vast discrepancies. Each water jurisdiction has its reasons for enforcing the regulations and protection of the public water supply a certain way.  

At Safe-T-Cover, we simply recommend that water authorities provide clear specifications and standard details that everyone can reference and follow. Comprehensive specifications and standard details always keep everyone on the same page, regardless of how many pages there are.

If you'd like to rethink the standard details for your water distribution system or cross-connection control program, we can help. Check out our Standard Details Guide that comes with 5 editable CAD files you can use for your standard details today.