The Atlantic Canada Water Works Association Cross Connection Control Committee mission is to promote the local standardization of cross connection control regulations and programs, create awareness of cross connection control and facilitate certification of cross connection control professionals, to increase the safety of drinking water in Atlantic Canada.

Chair: Chelsea MacPherson

Certification Officer: Shawn MacDonald

ACWWA Executive Director: Clara Shea

The membership of the committee ensures that all points of view pertinent to Cross Connection Control are addressed in reasonable proportion. The majority of membership made up from the four [4] Atlantic Provinces; however, members from other provinces or regions should be made welcome, in limited numbers [one member per province or region].

A maximum of 23 voting members comprising of persons, companies, corporations, partnerships, and associations, who maintain an interest in the production and distribution of clean safe drinking water and may include representatives of:

• Municipal water works field.
• Municipal and /or provincial health field.
• Technical schools conducting cross connection control programs.
• The building inspection and plumbing field.
• Manufacturers/agents of backflow preventers.

Members will be limited in numbers to the following 5 categories:

• Manufacturer/Agent  (1 to 4 members)
• Purveyors (4 to 7 members)
• Regulators (1 to 4 members)
• Educators (1 to 4 members)
• General (1 to 4 members)

What is a Cross Connection?

A Cross Connection is any actual or potential connection between a potable water system and any source of pollution or contamination.  Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or any other temporary or permanent connecting arrangements through which backflow may occur are considered to be cross-connections.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is a flowing back or reversal of the normal direction of flow in a piping system.  It occurs due to a differential pressure existing between two different points within a continuous fluid system; a fluid of higher pressure flowing to a fluid of lower pressure.  Backflow may occur due to either backsiphonage or backpressure.

What is Backsiphonage?

Backsiphonage is caused by pressure below atmopheric in the supply system.  Some common causes of backsiphonage are:

• High velocities in pipe lines.
• Line repair or break that is lower than a service point.
• Lowered main pressure due to high water withdrawal rate such as fire fighting or water main flushing.
• Reduced supply pressure on the suction side of the booster pump.

What is Backpressure?

Backpressure may cause backflow to occur whenever a potable water system is connected to a non-potable supply operating at a higher pressure.  If these connections are not properly protected, potable and non-potable water or liquids can be forced into the potable water supply system.  Some common causes of backpressure are:

• Booster pumps.
• Interconnections with another system operated at a higher pressure.
• Elevated piping (e.g. 30′ above finished grade)

What are the methods of Backflow-Prevention?

The control of backflow, whether caused by backsiphonage or backpressure, requires the elimination of the cross connection and the installation of a Backflow Prevention (BFP) device.

What is a backflow prevention device?

A backflow prevention device is an assembly that prevents backflow. Some types of backflow preventers require testing by a backflow prevention device tester to ensure that they will work as intended.

What is a backflow prevention device tester?

A person who is certified to test backflow preventers.

How is the type of Backflow Prevention device selected?

The type of protection required is based on the Degree of Hazard (Minor, Moderate, or Severe) that the premise and/or individual cross connection represents to the potable water supply.

What is a Cross Connection Control Program?

A program initiated by the authority having jurisdiction to administer and regulate the selection, installation, testing, and maintenance of backflow preventers in accordance with local bylaws and other codes and standards.

CCC Programs: ACWWA CCC Resources

CCC Surveyor Certification: ACWWA CCC Certification

CCC Tester Certification: ACWWA CCC Tester Certification