Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
NEW: The Office of Drinking Water has
developed a transition plan for field implementation of
the backflow prevention assembly test procedures in the Tenth
Edition Manual of Cross-Connection Control published by the
University of Southern California. See links below for more
info.
Draft Rule review period closed
The draft Waterworks Operator
Certification Rule review and comment period has ended. The
draft rule includes three new CCC-related sections:
- Cross-Connection Control Specialist (CCS)
responsibilities.
- Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) responsibilities.
- Field test report form content.
We are evaluating the comments and revising the rule
language. See our
Rules page for more information.
Terms
A cross-connection is any actual or potential physical
connection between a drinking water system and any other
non-potable substance (liquid, solid, or gas).
Backflow occurs when water or other substances flow in
the opposite direction than intended allowing contaminants to
enter the public water system or consumer’s plumbing.
A backflow incident occurs when biological, chemical,
or physical contaminants enter the drinking water supply (under
backflow conditions) via unprotected cross-connections. Backflow
incidents may cause injury, illness, or death.
Backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical devices
installed on water service lines (or at plumbing fixtures) to
prevent backflow of contaminants into drinking water through
cross-connections.
Background
To protect health, state drinking water rules require public water systems to develop and implement Cross-Connection Control (CCC)
programs. Under these programs, some water system customers
(property owners) may have to install backflow prevention
assemblies. Backflow assemblies must get tested (when installed
and annually after that) to make sure they work properly. A
DOH-certified backflow assembly tester must do the testing.
See below for useful CCC information.
Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Publications
and Forms from the Dept.
of Health
CD Available for Ordering:
Publications:
-
CCC Rules (PDF, DOH 331-355)
Washington State CCC regulations (WAC 246-290-490) and
related definitions.
-
CCC Guidance Manual
for Small Water Systems (DOH 331-234)
Washington State guidance to help water systems develop and
implement CCC Programs.
-
CCC Public Education Brochures (Pacific Northwest Section American Water
Works Association CCC Committee publication)
Easy-to-understand CCC brochures ideal for educating public
water system customers.
Forms:
Annual Summary Report Forms
Washington State forms purveyors must use to report
information on their CCC implementation activities, severe
health hazard facilities protection, written CCC Program
Plans (procedures and policies), and exceptions to mandatory
premises isolation. Purveyors must submit completed forms to
DOH upon request.
| Form Name: |
Description |
CCC Activities
(DOC, DOH 331-155-F) |
Blue form for reporting on your system's CCC
Activities in 2011. |
|
CCC Severe Health Hazard
(DOC, DOH 331-434-F) |
Grey form for reporting on your system's CCC Severe
Health Hazards in 2011. |
CCC Program Summary
(DOC, DOH 331-154-F) |
Cream form for reporting information about your
system's written CCC Program Plan at the end of 2011.
|
Premises Isolation Exception
(DOC, DOH 331-156-F) |
Green form for documenting the granting of an
exception to a connection that would normally require
premises isolation by an RPBA or approved AG. Complete
one form for each exception granted. |
Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) and Cross-Connection Control (CCS) Resource Information
Questions or
comments? Contact
Terri Notestine, (360) 236-3133. |
