Why do Cross-Connections Exist?

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Cross-connections exist because the plumbing is installed by persons who are unaware of the dangers cross-connections. The person working on plumbing is not licensed or certified to work on plumbing. The code officials are not actively controlling cross-connections or the public water system does not have a cross-connection program.  The public water system is not implementing the cross-connection control program. The public water system staff is not trained properly or they do not have a good understanding of how to implement a cross-connection control program. They may not have a good understanding of the hydraulics of backflow. The state agency responsible the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act is not actively implementing the cross-connection control program.  The state cross-connection control program does not regulate cross-connections located on the domestic water system within the building premises after the meter. The plumbing industry and trade union, plumbing boards, or organizations are not providing active training in cross-connection control or enforcement of the plumbing codes. The building owners are not aware of the situations regarding cross-connections and the US Environmental Protection Agency is not actively mandating the control of cross-connection where they exist. The water works industry has not actively endorsed the control of cross-connection to the last free flowing tap.   Cross connection exists because there is a lack of leadership in the cross-connection industry.

Sometimes it is convenient plumbing arrangement without regards to the dangerous situation that creates cross-connection. Convenient plumbing arrangement would include:

  • Inadequate plumbing
  • Bypass arrangements
  • Jumper connections
  • Removable sections
  • Single valves
  • Swivel connections
  • Other mechanical devices
  • Inadequate Distribution System Pressure below 20 PSI

Plumbing should not be installed because it is convenient to do so. Plumbing shall be installed to protect the potable water supply system.