Factors That Create a Cross-Connection Incident 1

What must happen for a cross-connection incident to occur?

First – there must be a link between the potable water and non-potable systems.

Second – there must be a resultant force towered the potable supply.

Third – there must be an effect on the water quality in the potable water system.

A cross-connection incident will occur when there is link, a resultant force and a water quality issue.  All three must happen at the same time in to be a cross-connection incident.  If one is missing there will be no incident. In controlling cross-connections, it is critical to understand this concept.  To control cross-connections is to understand what they entail.  If there are no connection between the potable and non-potable water systems within a building is there a need to have a backflow prevention device installed on the service line?  If there is no possibility of a resultant force moving toward a potable water source is there a need for a backflow prevention device on the service line? If water quality is not an issue is there a need for a backflow prevention device on the service line? The answer would be logical; if there is no probability of a cross-connection incident then there is no need for a backflow prevention device on the service line.  A hardware store that has mineral spirits on the shelf and has a restroom facility for the employees does not met the definition of a cross-connection because there is no link between the mineral spirts and the potable water system.  The most important thing to remember when dealing with cross-connections is that there first must be a link between two systems. No link no cross-connection no risk. If there is a link, resultant force towards the potable water and water quality issues the cross-connection shall be controlled where it exists. The public water system is not only responsible for the delivery of potable to the customers but is also responsible as part of the cross-connection program to promote the health and safety of the consumer of water by eliminating cross-connections where they exist within the domestic water system.