|
Q1: What is a cross connection?
A1: A cross connection is an arrangement of pipes or hoses that allows the potable water supply to be connected to a line that contains a contaminant. For example an ordinary garden hose connected to a sill cock with the end lying in a pond.
back to top
Q2: What is the most common cross connection?
A2: The ordinary garden hose is the most common cross connection in that it can be easily connected to the potable water and used for hazardous applications such as connected to weed killer sprayers, fertilizer applicators, or left lining in a swimming pool. A reduction in the water pressure in the house could draw these contaminants back into the household plumbing system and the water main in the street.
back to top
Q3: What protection should I install on a sill cock?
A3: A hose bibb vacuum breaker should be installed on every sill cock.
back to top
Q4: What protection should I install on my garden/lawn irrigation system?
A4: An Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker should be installed and it should be at least six inches above the highest sprinkler head provided there are no downstream control valves (no zones to your system) otherwise use a Pressure Vacuum Breaker installed at least 12 inches above the highest sprinkler head. Please consult your plumbing code official for additional information and requirements for irrigation systems.
back to top
Q5: Do I need a backflow prevention device on the supply to my boiler or furnace?
A5: Yes a backflow prevention device is needed, please consult your plumbing code official for the required type for your particular system.
back to top
Q6: Have there been cases where the public supply has been contaminated due to the lack of a backflow prevention device?
A6: Yes there are cases where the public supply has been contaminated and there are various reports that list these occurrences. If you require specific examples please contact the technical support unit.
back to top
Q7: I am a homeowner in a private residence with a public supply do I need a Physical Connection Permit?
A7: No you do not need a physical connection permit however if you have an additional source of supply such as an irrigation well you may be required to install a backflow prevention device. Please contact your public water system or plumbing code official for further information.
back to top
Q8: I am a homeowner in a private residence with a public supply and an irrigation well do I need a Physical Connection Permit?
A8: No you do not need a physical connection permit however you may be required to install a backflow prevention device. Please contact your public water system or plumbing code official for further information.
back to top
Q9: I am the owner of a business that has a public supply and a well do I need a Physical Connection Permit?
A9: If any plumbing connected to the well enters the building(s) which have a public supply then yes a physical connection permit is required.
back to top
Q10: I am the owner of a business that has a public supply and a pond to supply a fire suppression sprinkler system do I need a Physical Connection Permit?
A10: Yes you do need a physical connection permit.
back to top
Q11: I am the owner of a car wash that has public supply and has storage tanks for the recovery and recycling of the water do I need a physical connection permit?
A11: Yes you need a physical connection permit.
back to top
Q12: I represent a homeowners association for a development that has its own sewage treatment plant do we need a physical connection permit?
A12: Yes you will need a permit if the public supply enters the sewage treatment plant.
back to top
Q13: I am the director of a Municipal Utilities Authority that operates both the public supply system and the waste water system do we need a physical connection permit?
A13: Yes you will need a physical connection permit for each waste water pump station and sewage treatment plant that also has public supply entering its buildings.
back to top
Q14: I am the owner of a residential care facility that has its own public water system supplied by wells and also a connection to the municipal water system do I need a physical connection permit?
A14: If your public water system is classified as a “public non-community water system” then yes you will need a permit. If your public water system is classified as a “public community water system” then no you do not need a permit.
back to top
Q15: I am the owner of an industrial facility that has a public supply and large storage tanks of process water but no well do I need a physical connection permit?
A15: Yes you will need a permit as the storage tanks are considered an “unapproved source.”
back to top
Q16: I am the owner of an office building that has a fire suppression sprinkler system supplied by a public water system through a service connection that is separate to the service line supplying the 'drinking water' do I need a permit?
A16: If the fire suppression system contains an additive such as antifreeze or for corrosion control then yes you need a physical connection permit.
back to top |
