What’s new in cross-connection control? What should your utility consider revisiting to ensure your backflow prevention efforts are up to snuff and as efficient and effective as possible?
In a recent roundtable discussion, backflow experts from across the country discussed critical conversations utilities should have around cross-connection control, from state requirements to the latest technology.
Cross-Connection Control Conversations Every Utility Should Have:
A Coffee Chat with Industry Experts
The Cross-Connection Disconnect
A consistent theme highlighted the distinction between containment and isolation—what’s required at the state level, what the plumbing code says, and what truly protects water quality. “Most drinking water regulations really do stop at containment,” explains Steve Fox, the cross-connection control program coordination for the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES). “We don’t enforce the plumbing side of it that addresses everything inside the building.”
The backflow prevention at the service connection protects the distribution system; the water system inside the facility may still contain unprotected cross-connections which create the conditions for contamination. But plumbing code tells us exactly where backflow prevention is needed. “There’s a disconnect between drinking water [requirements] and the plumbing side, and there shouldn’t be,” Fox says.
As a culture and as water utilities, “we’re relying on interior backflow prevention,” HydroCorp’s Gary McLaren says. “Your program may stop at containment, but public awareness must go beyond to isolation.”
Convincing the Council
When it comes to cross-connection control, one of the biggest hurdles can be convincing municipal leaders and your community of the benefits of a program. So, for budget and public buy-in, what should you do? “Educate, educate, educate,” says Kathy Riley, the international president of the ABPA.
“Routine tests reveal worn springs, leaky valves, misalignments, and more before they escalate into an emergency. Early detection [in cross-connection control programs] means fewer repairs and avoids costly replacements or water damage in the future,” she explains. “Overall, it saves money over time. Backflow incidents cost money, too.”
By educating both the public and municipal leaders about the inherent risks of backflow, how common unprotected cross-connections are, and the role of a cross-connection control program, utilities can get the resources and support they need to maintain safe, compliant water systems.
Changing Technology, Proactive Approach
“Technology is changing rapidly, particularly as it relates to the integration of electronics and data around backflow prevention assemblies,” says Rich Davison, product consultant and technical trainer at Soderholm & Associations. “There are devices available on the market that can monitor for differential pressures on backflow preventers, monitoring them for abnormalities in pressure.” The bottom line: This new technology can help public water systems take an increasingly proactive approach to backflow prevention.
“It’s going to protect our water supply even better, allowing us to be proactive rather than having a failed valve sitting in line for a long period of time,” Davison explains. Utilities can set up systems that collect data and notify staff members if there’s a problem.
For even more monitoring, smart water meters—especially those installed in the last five to 10 years—can detect a reverse flow condition. “It’s not going to prevent backflow,” say McLaren, “but it’s going to allow a water system to get ahead of contamination.”
Whether it’s shifting regulations, public education, or new technology, all utilities should be keeping up with cross-connection control trends to ensure their program does what it sets out to: protect community drinking water from backflow.
Ready to learn more about how HydroCorp can support your utility’s cross-connection control efforts?
