Cross Connection Testing
Cross Connection Testing
Keeps our drinking water clean.
Learn all about Cross Connection and Water Backflow.
For the City of Calgary, a cross connection is any temporary, permanent or potential water connection between a drinking water system and any source containing non-drinking water or any other potential contamination substance from which backflow may occur. Improper plumbing or cross connections can contaminate the public drinking water supply, making testing an essential check on residential and commercial clients.
Calgary’s drinking water supply is safe and clean. Water backflow device valves ( cross connection ) prevent contaminated water to go backward essentially preventing contamination of our drinking water and that is why this test is so important.
Water Utility Bylaw section 39.3e: “A test must be performed at the time the system is turned on at the beginning of each irrigation season.“
Your home is full of appliances that use water. Some might be obvious on how they contaminate water, others not so much. The following fixtures and areas can have cross connection:
Homeowners must ensure no cross-connections exist on their property that could contaminate their water supply. Click here to learn more about water backflow
For a device to pass a City of Calgary cross connection test it must meet the following criteria:
In Addition, the device must also be installed as per AWWA recommendations. An improperly installed device can result in the immediate failure of a device.
If the device passes all three tests, the device can be returned to service. If the device fails, it must be serviced prior to the device being returned to service.