Backflow Prevention

Cross-Connection Control

What is a cross-connection?

A cross connection is any connection between a potable (drinkable) water system and an unapproved source of water. With a cross connection, our drinking water can become contaminated when water flows backward through the water supply system. This event is called a Backflow or Backsiphonage.

Backflow: May be created when a source of pressure (such as a boiler) creates a pressure greater than the pressure supplied from the public water system. This may cause contaminated water to be pushed into the plumbing system through an unprotected cross-connection.

Backsiphonage: A negative pressure in the pipes. May occur due to a loss of pressure in the municipal water system during a fire fighting emergency, a water main break or system repair. This creates a siphon in the plumbing system which can draw water out of a sink or bucket back into the water supply system.

Backpressure: A pressure higher than the supply pressure, caused by a pump, elevated tank, boiler, or any other means that may cause backflow.

Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention

How can you prevent a Cross-Connection or Backflow incident?

When you turn on the faucet, you expect the water to be as safe as it was when it left the water treatment plant. However, when a Backflow incident occurs, our safe drinking water is threatened. Fortunately, keeping our precious water resource safe from contaminates such as fertilizers or household cleaners is easy. Read below for information on taking all necessary precautions to help keep our drinking water safe.

Benefits of a Backflow Prevention Device

A Backflow Prevention Device has a set of springs and diaphragms designed to close when pressure from one side exceeds or drops relative to the other. There are several types of Backflow Prevention Devices specially designed for specific jobs. The City of Fayetteville requires these devices on residential establishments having in-ground irrigation systems, fire suppression systems, and/or pools and on industrial and commercial developments and buildings, relative to the degree of potential hazard to the public.

For More Information

More information about Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention can be found at the Arkansas Department of Health website or backflowcases.com.

The City of Fayetteville Code on Backflow Prevention is available here.

All backflow assembly test reports should be submitted electronically to https://secure.ecosconnect.com/#/login/.

If you need assistance or have any questions, you may contact the City of Fayetteville Cross Connection Control Program at 479-575-8382 or backflow@fayetteville-ar.gov.

FAQs

Why is the City doing this now?

In the past, the backflow prevention ordinance had addressed commercial and industrial installations. In May of 2017 the City amended its local backflow ordinance to comply with the state plumbing code, which addresses all backflow preventers, including residential installations, as well as the requirement of annual testing and documentation of that testing. To ensure the high quality of our drinking water, the City of Fayetteville Water Department is initiating an automated tracking system and enforcement protocol of this amended requirement.

What is backflow?

Backflow is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances, under positive or reduced pressure into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any source other than its intended source. Backflow is caused by either backsiphonage or backpressure. Backsiphonage occurs when a flow of used, contaminated, or polluted water from a plumbing fixture or vessel enters into the public water system, often due to negative pressure in a pipe. It is important to note that a drop in pressure is out of your control and can occur at any time. Backpressure occurs when the pressure is greater than the pressure in the potable water distribution system.

What is Cross Connection?

Cross Connection is any connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution. Examples of cross connections include a hose connection to a chemical solution, lawn irrigation systems, water softeners, hose connections, boilers, hot tubs and swimming pools.

What is the most common form of cross connection?

The ordinary garden hose is used to create the most common form of cross connection. A hose can be easily connected to the drinking water supply and used for a variety of potentially dangerous applications.

What is a backflow preventer and why are they needed?

A backflow prevention assembly is an approved, testable assembly that uses valves to prevent potential contaminants from flowing into the drinking water system. Two commonly required devices are the Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) and the Reduced Pressure Valve Assembly (RP). Both devices protect drinking water systems from backflow.

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Backflow Prevention

Cross-Connection Control

What is a cross-connection?

Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention

How can you prevent a Cross-Connection or Backflow incident?

Benefits of a Backflow Prevention Device

For More Information

City Code and Cross Connection Handbook

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FAQs

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