Learn about cross connection, and what your requirements are as a business to prevent backflow events.
A cross connection is any temporary or permanent link between a potable (drinking) water system and any source containing non-potable water or other substances.
If the connection is not made correctly water can backflow from the non-potable source into the drinking water system. This backflow can carry contaminants such as harmful chemicals or bacteria that can cause a public health hazard.
Strathcona County’s water supply is safe and clean. We must all to do our part to ensure it stays that way.
The most common source of cross connections in the home is a hose. Hoses are used in many places around the home such as laundry or garden hoses, shower heads and flexible sink faucets. The danger occurs when a hose is connected, the end is submerged and there is a drop in water pressure. This drop in pressure can cause the normal flow of liquid in the system to reverse and suck up the liquid at the end of the hose, allowing it to enter and potentially contaminate the water supply.
Contaminants may also enter our drinking water through in-ground irrigation systems, water conditioners and heating boilers.
Homeowners must ensure no cross-connections exist on their property that could contaminate their water supply.
In the industrial and commercial sectors there are many pieces of equipment or process that require a cross connection to the water system. These can include, but are not limited to:
As backflow on industrial and commercial processes poses a greater risk to the public water supply they are subject to further monitoring and regulation.
To prevent backflow any time there is a cross connection it must be properly protected with a backflow prevention device (also known as a cross connection control device).
A backflow prevention device is a “one-way” device that only allows water to flow in the desired direction. Once the water flows out, it can't flow back in.
This is a requirement under the Canadian Standards Association (CSA B64.10), the National Plumbing Code of Canada, and Strathcona County Bylaw 16-2016.
For most residential appliances and fixtures backflow prevention already exists in the form of air gaps. For example, the faucet of a sink is set high enough that no matter how full the sink is the faucet will remain above the water.
Within the commercial and industrial sectors there are many applications and processes that require additional protection. As these processes pose a greater risk to the public water supply, they are subject to further requirements.
The main types of backflow prevention devices are
The Cross Connection Control Program reduces the risk of contamination to Strathcona’s water supply. Under the Cross Connection Control Program
Backflow prevention devices must be tested:
Failure to install or correctly maintain an appropriate backflow prevention device can lead to fines.
Find a certified backflow tester.
The property owner will be notified by letter if required to participate in the Cross Connection Control program. The plumber who inspects/tests the cross connection control device must submit the results to backflow@bsionline.ca.
As of August 15, 2024, Strathcona County has contracted with BSI Online to assist with required cross-connection/backflow tracking regulations. BSI Online will serve as the primary point of contact for the program and can be contacted below:
All test submissions need to be entered via BSI online. If you are not currently registered with them, please create an online profile and submit your credentials to get started. The County will no longer be accepting paper or emailed copies. For a new assembly or previously unknown assembly to the system, please email it to BSI, they will process it.
The filing fee is $20.95 and it is charged per test submission. For example, if the property has 3 devices that are tracked in BSI then the testing company will be charged $20.95 times 3 ($62.85) to submit the results.
You can find more details about the requirements for cross connection control in the following Strathcona County bylaws: Strathcona County Bylaw 16-2016.
Water and wastewater services and 24-hour emergency Phone: 780-467-7785 Fax: 780-464-0557 Email: scutilities@strathcona.ca
Last updated: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 Page ID: 51306