Risks of a Cross Connection
A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between a drinking water system and any source of contaminated water. Backflow assemblies reduce the risk of contamination, but if a device fails your clean water can become contaminated, putting everyone’s health at risk if not immediately resolved.
We must all do our part to keep our drinking water safe from the hazards within residential buildings as well as industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural facilities. Taking steps to avoid cross connections will ensure that our water remains safe and clean.
Cross Connection Control Portal
Use the Cross Connection Control Portal to register your backflow prevention devices, manage testing by certified device testers, and view the status of your devices electronically.
Cross Connection Control Portal
Why is Testing Required?
Backflow assemblies are mechanical devices that assist to prevent backflow in cross connections. These devices are subject to failure from wear and tear, corrosion, freezing, water conditions and misuse. Typically, each assembly is designed to be used for a specific process hazard level application:
- Low (minor)
- Medium (moderate)
- High (severe)
Annual testing ensures that assemblies are operating as designed to prevent backflow of contaminated water into the drinking water system.
Local Testing Companies
The following local companies employ certified backflow prevention assembly testers. This information is provided only as a service to assist the public and does not represent any endorsement or implied approval by the Capital Regional District (CRD). Companies other than those listed may be used to perform testing if they employ certified testers.
The property owner or contact person should ensure that anyone contracted to perform testing has current certification and that their test gauge is currently calibrated to meet the requirements of the CRD and Bylaw No. 3516.
The CRD Bylaw No. 3516 allows staff to inspect and enforce cross connection control requirements according to the BC Building Code and CSA Group standards.
This information is provided only to assist the public and does not represent any endorsement by the CRD. Companies other than those listed may be used to perform testing if they employ certified testers.
Processes
Forms
- Backflow Preventer Test Report [PDF/46KB]
- Backflow Preventer Repair Test Report [PDF/46KB]
- Backflow Preventer New Installation [PDF/47KB]
- Design Level Survey Form [PDF/325KB]
- Backflow Preventer Testers Annual Registration [PDF/1MB]
