Full Text
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM Cross Connection Requirements The Program surveys businesses & in- dustries to identify actual or potential cross-connections, and determines the level of risk that these facilities repre- sent to the distribution system. Whenever a business is found to pre- sent a potential risk, an approved back- flow device is requested to be installed. Once installed, all backflow devices must be inspected annually by a certi- fied backflow technician and results must be sent and filed with the City . Additionally, the City diligently check the plans of new businesses for compliance with cross connection & backflow re- quirements. However, once the water enters your business property you become respon- sible for protecting water quality. As a consumer, you must be aware of cross connections and be responsible for pre- venting them. (Brighton Municipal Code - Sec 15-36-75, Cross Connection Control) CONTACT INFORMATION City of Brighton PW / Backflow Office 22 S 4th Avenue Brighton, CO 80601 Ph: [PHONE REDACTED] / Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] / www.brightonco.gov What is a Cross Connection? Learn how to prevent it! The City of Brighton developed this brochure to assist businesses & industries on cross connection & backflow prevention compliance. CROSS CONNECTION POLLUTION PREVENTION for Industrial & Commercial Utility Customers BACKFLOW PROTECTION BACKFLOW PROTECTION BACKFLOW PROTECTION BACKFLOW PROTECTION DEVICES DEVICES DEVICES DEVICES 1. Air Gap Separation (AG) An AG is a physical separa- tion between the supply pipe (or faucet) and the flood level rim of its receptacle. 2. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) The components of a PVB valve are: two independently acting valves (check valve & air valve); test cocks & 2 shutoff valves. This valve is commonly used for irrigation systems 3. Double Check (DC) Valve The components of a DC valve are: 2 single check valves, test cocks & 2 shut-off valves. This valve is commonly used to protect against low to medium hazard installa- tions such as firefighting systems which does not use toxic additives. 4. Reduce Pressure (RP) Valve The components of a RP valve are: 2 single check valves, 1 relief valve, test cocks & 2 shut-off valves. This valve is commonly used to protect against high hazard installations such irrigation systems that use chemical additives; or firefighting systems that use toxic additives (antifreeze). Brochure printed on 100% recycled paper ---PAGE BREAK--- CROSS CONNECTION & BACKFLOW PREVENTION WHAT IS THE DANGER? Under normal flow conditions, potable water travels directly from the treatment plant to the customer’s tap. However, under certain situations, the direction of flow may reverse creating a backflow event. Backflow is caused when the distribution system’s pressure drops; or if a connected external sys- tem operates at a higher pressure than the water service regular pressure. If a cross connection (non-authorized connection between the drinking water supply and any other source) exists and a backflow event occurs, the differ- ential pressure can cause unknown contaminants to be drawn or forced into the potable waterlines. This makes the water unsafe to drink and creates a health risk for you, your employees and your customers. Pollutants in your drinking water system are extremely dangerous, specially because consumers always assume that water coming from the tap is completely safe. The City of Brighton proudly treats and supplies quality potable water to its customers. But even the highest quality potable water can become contaminated if a backflow event occurs where a cross- connection exists. Unsafe drinking water not only may result in sickness and serious illness to customers, but also may spread through the system impacting the remain of the community. To be able to protect our drinking water from possible contamination while it flows through the distribution system, and to keep in compliance with Federal and State regulations, the City of Brighton created the Cross Connection & Backflow Prevention Program. This easy-to-install device prevents contaminated water from being si- phoned through the hose. A vacuum breaker can be found at hardware stores. Just remember to drain the device before cold weather sets in, or it may freeze and break. Brochure printed on 100% recycled paper