West Wilkes Water Association Inc

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Q: What is a cross connection?

A: A cross connection refers to any physical arrangement where the District's water system can connect directly or indirectly with another water supply, sewer, drain, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or device containing contaminated water, sewage, or other waste. These connections risk contaminating the District's water supply through backflow or back siphonage. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, and changeable devices that could cause backflow are all considered cross-connections.

Q: What is a backflow prevention assembly?

A: A backflow prevention assembly is an approved device that stops unwanted reversal of water flow or other substances through a cross-connection into the District's water system or a consumer's potable water system.

Q: Why must I test my backflow prevention assembly annually?

A: Under the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 and state regulations, water suppliers have primary responsibility for preventing water from unapproved sources or other substances from entering public water systems. Health agencies oversee preventing contaminated water from entering both private premises and public supplies. Covington Water District maintains a cross connection control program following Department of Health requirements per Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-290-490, which mandates protection against cross-connections. Annual testing ensures these critical safety devices function properly.

Q: What does the District's premise isolation policy mean regarding backflow prevention assembly placement?

A: The District's responsibility for backflow prevention covers water treatment, storage, and distribution facilities, ending at the point of delivery to the consumer's water system (the downstream end of the service connection water meter located in public right-of-way or utility easement). According to WAC 246-290-490, the District isn't responsible for controlling cross-connections in the customer's plumbing system. That falls under the local administrative authority enforcing the Uniform Plumbing Code.