Through our Cross-Connection Control Program, we provide oversight and monitor connections to our water distribution system. This is important in the protection of public health by preventing possible contamination or pollution caused by water backflowing from residential, commercial, or industrial consumers into the distribution system.

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between drinking water (potable) and any fixture, equipment, apparatus, or secondary system that is non-potable. These can include both health and non- health hazards.

Common Cross Connections

► Residential: Lawn sprinkling systems, hoses and hose bibs, toilet ball cocks, pools or hot tubs, irrigation systems and secondary water sources such as wells.

What is Backflow?

What is Backflow?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of the flow of water created by a hydraulic condition caused by backpressure or back-siphonage.

► Backpressure is caused when a private water system or piece of equipment’s pressure is greater than the incoming water supply’s pressure causing a reversal of flow.

•Common causes of backpressure: pumps, pressurized irrigation, steam or air, and elevation of piping (Water head pressure).

► Back-siphonage is caused when there is a reduction in the water supply’s pressure which causes a sub-atmospheric pressure in the water system causing water to reverse in flow.

•Common Causes of back-siphonage: Broken water lines, flushing of fire hydrants or firefighting activities, inadequate piping size, shutting off the water supply, or elevation change.

► Click here for a video on backflow from AWWA (American Water Works Association)

How are Cross Connections Protected and Backflow Prevented?

Cross Connections are protected by the installation of a backflow preventer assembly (testable) or by using backflow prevention methods or devices (non-testable). Backflow prevention assemblies are required to be tested annually per State Plumbing Code and Drinking Water regulations and submitted to the water supplier.

Everyone can help protect against backflow by monitoring water use and connections within homes or business.

Backflow Preventer Tests

Submit a Backflow Preventer Test

►Backflow Preventer Test form- https://documents.deq.utah.gov/drinking-water/field-services/cross-connection/DDW-2019-005628.pdf

► Backflow Preventers are required to be tested annually or 10 days after installation

► All Backflow Preventer tests must be performed by a certified tester.
Click the link for a complete list of certified testers in the state of Utah DEQ – WaterSystem (utah.gov)

► To Submit a backflow test report please email or mail the report to

E-mail: [email protected]

Payment drop box located at Bear River Country Market

Mailing:
Attn: Cross-Connection Control
PO Box 266
Bear River City, UT 84301