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Cross-Connection/Backflow Prevention

What is a cross-connection and backflow?

A cross-connection is a direct connection of the water supply plumbing with another system that may contain contaminants or non-potable substances that could be potentially harmful to public health if introduced into the public water supply.

Cross-connection examples include:

Irrigation systems, swimming pools, fire suppression systems, and boilers.

Backflow can occur when there is a sudden loss of pressure in the water system, resulting in either back-siphonage and/or back pressure. These are caused by events such as significant water main breaks or fire fighting demand that suddenly drop the pressure. Negative pressure can cause back-siphonage that creates a vacuum in the piping. These events can result in non-potable substances entering the public water supply through cross-connections.

Backflow Prevention 

All connections to potable water systems need to be protected from backflow.

Backflow can be prevented by various methods. The most common method is to install a backflow prevention device within the plumbing system at an identified cross-connection. These devices only allow flow in a single direction.

Colorado Drinking Water Regulations (Regulation 11, Section 11.39) requires that cross-connections must be controlled by a backflow prevention device or method that prevents backflow. These devices or methods must be inspected and tested on an annual basis.

 

Examples of backflow prevention devices:

Industrial equipment, possibly a sensor or meter attached to piping in a facility with various metal conduits.
Air Gap (pipe not physically connected)
Industrial piping with valves and brackets against a metal wall.
Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly                       
An industrial control valve with gauges and piping.
Dual-Check Assembly (Fire line)           

 

Backflow Assembly/Device Testing 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires that these be maintained, inspected, and tested annually. All backflow prevention assemblies/devices must be tested by an ASSE certified cross-connection control technician.

Commercial, Industrial, multi-family residential customers are required to submit test/inspection reports to Clifton Water District each year.

Clifton Water will notify you when your annual inspection and/or test is due.

If you own a home (single-family) and have a device installed on a dedicated irrigation system, swimming pools, or water softening system, then test reports must also be submitted each year.

Many local plumbing and fire protection companies have certified technicians that provide testing services. Clifton Water District has certified staff to assist if needed.

Dual Check Meter Yokes 

Have you received a letter notifying you that a dual check meter yoke has been installed?

Clifton Water District installs a meter yoke (device in which your water meter is attached) that contain a dual check valve. This is an additional measure the District takes to ensure the potable water system is protected from backflow.

Since the dual check valve only allows water to flow in one direction to your home, it may be necessary for you to protect your household plumbing from possible pressure build-up caused by thermal expansion.  Thermal expansion happens when water in your system is heated, for example, from your hot water heater.  The hot water expands, and pressure builds up in your household plumbing.  A simple device called a thermal expansion tank can be installed to remedy the condition.  The District recommends that you install a thermal expansion tank or other pressure reducing devices to protect your household plumbing system from potential damage from thermal expansion.

List of Certified Testers 

AAA Backflow                                                                       (970)-263-8440

Affordable Fire Protection Inc.                                           (970)-858-8863

Big Creek Landscaping                                                          (970)-260-4818

Chris Bish                                                                               (970)-361-0783

Chuck’s Sprinkler Service                                                      (970)-858-7966 / (970)-243-6294

Colorado Backflow Prevention, LLC.                                (970)-270-3197                      

Colorado West Fire Protection                                            (970)-434-7578

Cookey’s Mechanical                                                              (970)-245-0171

Cowboy Plumbing                                                                  (970)-270-1065

Currier Lawn & Landscape, Inc.                                            (970)-201-2829

Dennis Backflow Assembly Testing                                    (970)-263-8440

Donn’s Backflow Testing                                                       (970)-243-0595 / (970)-216-8225

Excel Fire Protection                                                            (970)-434-4803

FTS – Fire Team Security, Inc.                                            (888)-446-7416

GMMI                                                                                     (970)-434-9500

Jim Hill - Sprinkler Company                                                (970)-216-7112

Great Western Plumbing and Heating, LLC.                         (970)-200-8556

Kendall Plumbing and Fence                                                  (970)-261-3562

Kolar Design Landscape and Irrigation                                  (970)-261-8053

Lunsford Mechanical                                                              (970)-242-5790

Raven Plumbing, Heating, and Backflow                              (970)-241-5779

RDR Property Services                                                         (970)-257-7532 / (970)-261-4989

Simmons Sprinkler Systems                                                   (970)-250-0131

Tri-County Fire Protection                                                   (970)-625-4533

WD Yards                                                                               (970)-243-1229

2-H Mechanical                                                                      (970)-778-4560 / (970)-778-4556

 

 

Question about Backflow Prevention? 

Backflow Prevention Question
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