Below are some Q&A we discussed at our in person meeting last week. Please review/edit/correct and answer these. Thanks. 

 

 

Backflow Panel Questions

Q1. What is the difference between a survey and an inspection?

This is one of the most often asked questions and one of the most confounding for us to answer. In Illinois, under Title 35 it states:

Section 653.802 Cross-Connection Control Program

An active cross-connection control program shall be adopted and shall include the following:

a) A cross-connection control survey of the distribution system shall be conducted at least every two years by the official custodian or an authorized delegate.

1) The purpose of this survey is to compile and update an inventory of devices; the survey must consist of a pencil and paper collection of information, conducted by telephone, mail or personal visit to the manager or owner of a specific property.

2) This survey is not intended to include an actual visual inspection of piping or plumbing systems.

Clear as mud right? We as a committee have had numerous discussions about this. When looked at literally this regulation only says that suppliers need to do a bi-annual survey of "devices”. So in this interpretation it would pretty much mean asking customers to tell us what backflow prevention devices are in place already. And what good will that do us? For one thing many customers have little to no idea of what a backflow device even is. If they do and report that device on a "survey” once that is done it is quite redundant to do that every two years. To what end? We have come to believe that to make this an effective part of a cross-connection program that the regulation needs to be changed, which is very difficult to do, or at least be interpreted in a different way. Of course you as the water supplier can make your own ordinances and policies regarding the cross-connection program as long as they are at least as stringent as the state's. The backflow committee suggests the following definitions to be used in your ordinance or policy:

Bi-annual survey

A bi-annual survey is a collection of information, conducted by telephone, mail or personal visit to the manager or owner of a specific property to compile or update a listing of all water uses on the premises. This list is compared to the utilities database of existing backflow devices for that property to see that all water uses are properly protected from backflow. Based on the survey results an inspection of the premises may be required.

You can fulfill the requirements of the regulation as written by including on your survey form a space for information on existing backflow prevention devices.

Inspection

An inspection means an on-site verification by a licensed plumber that all water-using devices are properly protected from backflow and to specify the appropriate backflow device where lacking.

Note that by state law any licensed plumber can do an inspection. We feel you will be better served if in your ordinance or by your policy that this person also be required to have a CCCDI certification. These plumbers have received special training in the identification of and protection from backflows.

Whether it's called a survey, or an inventory of devices or an inspection the point is this. We as water suppliers are charged with finding and eliminating cross-connections. To do that you must know how your water is being used. An effective way to find your water uses is through a survey. Once the survey is completed and you know how the water is used at a premise it can then be determined which uses will require backflow devices with an inspection.

Q2. What are the pros and cons of isolation versus containment versus both?

From the perspective of a supply that wants as little to do with a cross connection program as possible, containment is the way to go. Slap on a dual check backflow device at the service entrance or on the meter and you're done. And that will work as long as there are no water uses within the building that require a higher degree of protection than a dual check will provide.

From the perspective of a supply that wants to do a better job of protecting users within a facility isolation does the trick. Only apply backflow devices where necessary at the time of an inspection, check that the device is tested annually and you're done.

From the perspective of a supply that wants to do the best job of protecting the supply as well as its users you need both containment and isolation and you're never done! But you will provide the best protection program for your system and your customers.

As for cons with containment:

1. Most systems that use this approach require use of a residential dual check at residences. These are appropriate only where there are low hazards.

2. When you put a backflow preventer on a service entrance you have created a closed system and means for thermal expansion must be considered.

3. A backflow device at the service entrance will reduce pressure throughout the building.

4. This approach does nothing to protect the users within that premise.

Cons for isolation:

1. Usually more expensive than containment.

2. Requires more tracking and follow up.

3. May not control all backflows to the potable water supply if unprotected plumbing fixtures are added or if an individual backflow device fails.

Cons for both containment and isolation:

1. Usually the most complex program.

2. Usually the most expensive.

Q3. How do you address unprotected hose bibs.

Educate, educate and educate again. This needs constant reinforcement. Put it in your newsletter, put it on your bills, show a picture of a hose thread VB, tell people where to get them, make sure your local hardware store stocks them. When you respond to your customers about their bi-annual survey make sure there is reference to the need to protect all hose thread connections and again tell people how inexpensive and important it is FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY to install these devices.

Q4. What if a private company runs our water system? Who's responsible?

It depends whether the system is actually owned privately or if just the operation is contracted out. The system OWNER or OFFICIAL CUSTODIAN is ultimately responsible.

Q5. How do you get "buy-in” from political entities and customers?

Q6. How should we handle temporary connections?

Q7. Does every system require a cross-connection program?