Cross connection control

A cross connection is a piping arrangement that allows a potable water system to be connected to a source of potential pollution or contamination. It's very important to protect cross connections in order to prevent backflow into potable water. Ultimately, backflow can cause the contamination of the entire public water supply, posing a risk for anyone using water for drinking, cooking, bathing or any other purposes.

If there's an incident resulting in contamination of public drinking water (due to improper or unprotected plumbing connections), the owner responsible or occupant of the property can be held liable for damages.

Preventing backflow

To comply with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA B64.10), the National Plumbing Code of Canada, and City of Edmonton Bylaw 19626 property owners must do the following to prevent backflow:

Remove any unnecessary cross connections and isolate your water system from the public's.
Protect cross connections that can't be eliminated with an approved backflow prevention device or assembly.
Ensure that all testable backflow preventers are tested annually by a certified tester, and all non testable devices are visually inspected.

Update

City of Edmonton Bylaw 19626 became effective on April 1, 2022. In this bylaw, to help protect the water system from contamination, we have introduced a revised cross connection control (CCC) Procedure Guide (formerly referred to as the CCC Policy) and new charges for non-compliance with the proper installation and annual testing of backflow preventers. As a commercial or multi-residential property owner, you are encouraged to review these changes.

Backflow prevention assemblies

The type of device required for premises isolation of a commercial, industrial, or multi-residential property is based on how hazardous it could be to the public drinking water:

Severe degree of hazard

Examples of facilities in this category

Automotive repair shops
Hospitals
Dry cleaning plants
Car washes
Labouratories
Mortuaries

Required assembly - Reduced Pressure principle backflow preventer (RP)

Moderate degree of hazard

Examples of facilities in this category

Restaurants
Schools
Hotels
Commercial office spaces
Shopping malls
Apartment buildings

Required assembly - Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)

Consult with a certified backflow tester or our CCC Department to determine the appropriate protection. Residential homes can also play their part in preventing backflow.