Cross Connection Control, Device Testing and Repairs
Did you know that municipalities across Alberta are legally responsible for protecting their drinking water?
The cross control test is an ANNUAL test, performed by a certified AWWA tester that confirms that all devices designed to protect our drinking water, are functioning correctly. We are trained and certified by the American Water Works Association – Western Canada Section.
Irrigation Systems in Calgary
City of Calgary Bylaw 39.3e requires all cross-connection devices on the irrigation system to be tested on IRRIGATION STARTUP, each watering season.
On residential buildings, we see them typically on in-floor heating/boiler systems and on lawn irrigation/underground sprinkler systems. Residential systems also have non-testable devices for the garden hose, on most kitchen sinks.
Each commercial building has at least one device, but most have multiple devices that include car washes, in-floor heating systems, fire protection systems, irrigation, etc.
All irrigation systems installed in a residential home after 2005, must have a testable device.
Repairs and Spare Parts
If your device has already failed or is malfunctioning and you now need it repaired or replaced, you can simply email us a copy of your failed device report and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We carry and stock a large number of repair kits (parts) on our trucks, however, we may be occasionally required to pick up parts from a supplier. Certain parts might need to be ordered. We stock approximately 30 different repair kits for the most popular cross connection devices in the Calgary area.
Cross Connection Control FAQS
Failed cross connection devices must be repaired or replaced within 5 business days.
Besides getting frequently annoying letters from the City, the City of Calgary, or the local municipal water purifier can and will fine you.
In Calgary, the City of Calgary Bylaw: 40M2006 39(3) – Failure to Test can and does result in $1500 fines. On top of that, they will lock out the device and/or have the water shut off to the building, for failing the test.
The goal of the cross connection program is to make sure that the water is safe to drink for everyone.
A cross-connection is a temporary or permanent link between a potable (drinking) water system and any source containing non-potable water or other substances from which backflow may occur.
Examples include the piping between a public water system, or a citizen’s water system and a heating or cooling system, fire suppression system or irrigation system.
What is a cross-connection control device?
A cross-connection control device is a mechanical device that prohibits backflow of water into the public drinking water.
The main testable types of cross-connection control devices are the reduced-pressure principle assembly (RP), the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, the double-check valve (DCV) assembly and registered Air Gaps.
Examples of secondary types of devices are the hose connection vacuum breakers, atmospheric vacuum breakers and residential dual check valves.
Source: City of Calgary’s website.
Cross-connection control devices have internal seals, springs and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear or fatigue; therefore, all cross-connection control devices have to be tested to ensure they are functioning properly.
Did you know?
At the “World Fair” in Chicago, IL in 1933, records show that 98 people died while 1409 other were very sick. The cause was found to be a lack of back siphonage on the plumbing systems. The need for cross-connection control became much more apparent after this event.
