Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
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.
Click buttons below for more information:
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.
► Commercial: Lawn sprinkling systems, fire sprinkling systems, boiler, chiller, pool, any industrial process water, irrigation systems, and secondary water sources such as wells.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of 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)
► Click here for an informational flyer about backflow from the Division of Drinking Water
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
List of Local Testers (to be added to this list please reach out to our department)
Submit a Backflow Preventer Test
► Backflow Preventers are required to be tested annually or 10 days after installation
► To Submit a backflow test report please email or mail the report to
E-mail: backflow@slcgov.com
Mailing:
► If you received a letter requiring a backflow test report and were given an access code, please submit through our online portal Enter Backflow Test Here.
Attn: Cross-Connection Control
1530 S West Temple Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Other Information & Resources
Backflow Installation Guidelines
Specifications for backflow prevention for irrigation installations
► Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (Not required to be tested annually)
► Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer
► Air Gap
► Air Gap with secondary (non-potable) water supply
► Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer with secondary (non-potable) supply
General Specifications APWA Standard
► Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Over 3 inches
► Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Under 3 inches
For all other backflow installation requirements please refer to the International Plumbing Code, as amended by the State of Utah
Winterizing your Backflow Preventer
To report a backflow incident or suspected incident please call our 24/7 dispatch number at 801-483-6700.
For Construction projects requiring a backflow or Certificate of Occupancy inspection, please visit SLCDPU's Development Review Services team.
For information related to backflow prevention, please call 801-483-6840 or send us an email.
For more information about cross connections and backflow prevention, including rules, laws, and permitting please visit the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
