Cross Connection Control Program

City of Lloydminster employees at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) priority is to treat Raw Water into quality, safe, and clean water to the water distribution system. The Water Distribution team priority is that the clean and safe water from the WTP is transported through a collection of pipes to the consumer without any impact of the quality and safety of the water.

The Water Distribution and Collection team wants to ensure residents and business owners know how to keep the water safe, clean, and reliable. Your help to reduce backflow from your home or business will help the team maintain and deliver the best quality water to your tap!

The Cross Connection Control (CCC) Program is a proactive approach to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water system.

What is Cross Connection?

A Cross Connection in a clean water system is when any connection between drinking water and potential sources of contaminated water. This can happen if a garden hose is left in a bucket of dirty water, or a sink with a faucet submerged under water.

To prevent contamination, backflow prevention devices are used to stop water from backflowing and mixing with clean water.

Examples of typical cross connections include connections between the drinking water supply system and:

Lawn irrigation systems

Fire sprinkler systems

Boilers

Chemical feed systems.

Who is at risk of contaminating the water supply?

Everyone that is connected to the potable water system is at risk, and we all share a responsibility to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Backflow occurs when water flows in reverse or backflow. This can occur if the water pressure in a home or business is higher than the City’s water supply or if the city’s water pressure drops. The best way to prevent backflow is by using an air gap, which is a space between the water outlet and the contaminated water source, stopping dirty water from mixing with clean water.

What is backflow?

There is two ways backflow can occur:

Back siphoning

When low pressure in the water supply system pulls water backwards. This could occur due to a water main break, or when fire fighters are putting out a fire.

Backpressure

When higher pressure in a private plumbing system pushes water back into the water supply system. This could occur due to boilers, or when a pump is installed to increase pressure in the dwelling.

The Cross Connection Control program is aimed at protecting the users of the potable water system by enforcing the Utility bylaw but most importantly educating all water users the importance of cross connection prevention.

Through City of Lloydminster cross connection program, the WD&C team:

Enhance education to all potable water users in City of Lloydminster

Identify areas for cross-connections where contamination can occur.

Conduct cross connection inspections of new and existing facilities

Maintain collaboration with our local stakeholders such as cross connection device testers, plumbers, and business owners.

The goal of cross connection control program is to educate and reduce the risk or eliminate of cross connections in our municipality.

We are all responsible to keep City of Lloydminster drinking water safe.

All owners and occupants are responsible for ensuring there are no cross connections connected to their private water system.

For more information:

Utility bylaw

Canadian Standards Association (SCA) B64.10 “Manual for the Selection, Installation, and Field Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices”

National Plumbing Code

Any local plumbing company.

You can follow these steps to protect our drinking water from accidental contamination:

Never submerge the end of a hose or sprayer directly into contaminated water.

Leave at least one inch air gap between the faucet/hose and contaminated water.

Install backflow preventers where needed on boilers, outside hose bibs and always manually turn off your taps when not in use.

View CCC Brochure

Backflow Prevention Testers

Companies that are certified in the testing and installation of backflow prevention assemblies are authorized to test backflow prevention assemblies in Lloydminster. Speak to your local plumber to see if they are accredited to test backflow prevention assemblies.

A certified tester in Lloydminster will be able to produce the following:

Valid City of Lloydminster business license

A copy of a valid AWWA Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate

A copy of a valid calibration certificate for the test equipment

Backflow prevention assemblies test reports can be submitted to the City of Lloydminster by email at ccc@lloydminster.ca

Documentation to help authorized testers:

Test Report Test Tag

If you require City of Lloydminster test tag, please reach out to ccc@lloydminster.ca or call 780-874-3700 ext. 2906

Frequently asked questions

What is backflow?

· Backflow is a reversal of the normal direction of water flow in a water supply plumbing system.

What is back siphonage?

· Back siphonage occurs when the water delivery main is at a lower pressure than the internal plumbing system. Back siphonage can occur when there is a burst or ruptured water main, or due to excessive demand during fire-fighting operations or other periods of high demand.

Who must pay for the testing and installation of cross connection control devices?

· Property owners are required to install an approved Backflow Preventer Device at their cost if required. These devices eliminate or reduce risks associated with Cross Connections that could result in a hazard to the City of Lloydminster’s drinking water supply. The owner or manager of property that is required to install a cross connection control device is required to have the Backflow Preventer Device tested by a certified tester annually to ensure it is functioning properly, and documentation shall be submitted to the City of Lloydminster by emailing to: ccc@lloydminster.ca.

How do I know if I need cross connection control?

· Reach out to your local plumber or cross connection control expert to complete an inspection and provide information on what may or may not be needed in your business or home.

Is the City going to require all residential homes to install cross connection control?

· No, The City is focusing on severe hazards typically found in commercial and industrial properties. Homeowners and businesses will only be required to install a device if necessary.

How much time do I have to install cross connection control if needed?

· The city will make every effort to give ample timeframe for the installation of cross connection control. The city will work with owners so that they can manage budget and time accordingly.

Who can install and test my backflow preventors?

· Most plumber companies have staff that are certified testers, reach out to your local plumber for more information.

How do I obtain a test report or test tag from the City of Lloydminster?

- City of Lloydminster test report can be found here

- Please reach out to City of Lloydminster Environmental services for a test tag by calling 780-874-3700 ext 2906 or email ccc@lloydminster.ca