Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Program

A cross connection is “any actual or potential connection between a potable water system and any source of pollution or contamination” (CSA, 2017). Any cross connection that is not protected against backflow may serve as a potentially dangerous source of contamination or pollution and further represent health hazards or disruption of service.

Where Are Cross Connections Found?

A potential cross connection can be found whenever a plumbing fixture is connected to the potable water supply. Some examples are:

• A lawn irrigation system installed without a backflow preventer
• A toilet that does not have an anti-siphon float valve installed
• A water softener drain or other type of water conditioning equipment directly connected to a sanitary sewer
• Processing tanks
• Industrial fluid systems and compressors

Backflow occurs when there is “a flowing back or reversal of the normal direction of flow” (CSA, 2017) - from homes and businesses back into our distribution system - which could result in pollution and contaminants entering our drinking water system.

There are two types of backflow incidents that may occur:

• Back Pressure: Back pressure is “a pressure higher than the supply pressure” (CSA, 2017) - when pressure within the private water supply system is higher than the water pressure supplied by the Municipalities water distribution system. An example would be heating systems or booster systems pressure, the private water system, becoming higher than the Municipalities water supply system.
• Back Siphonage: Back siphonage is caused when there is a pressure drop or reduced pressure in the Municipalities water distribution system, causing water from private properties to re-enter the water distribution system. An example would be a water main break or hydrant flushing.

The Municipality's Backflow Prevention Program will monitor compliance of the Water By-law, Part 7 – Cross Connections and Backflow Prevention. This by-law requires backflow prevention devices be installed in all industrial, commercial or institutional, and multi residential buildings. Further, these devices must be inspected annually by a certified backflow tester.

To provide the best program possible, the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc has partnered with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI), a leading backflow data management firm. 

• There is no fee to register as a tester with BSI Online, but you must submit copies of your credentials and test gauge calibration. Please see the Tester Registration and Test Submittal guide here.
• Testing & Inspection Reports accepted by the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, are to be completed on the below forms, or equivalent. 
  • Double Check Valve Assembly
  • Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly
• The Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc requires all test reports, submitted to BSI Online.
  • All new assembly or initial submission of test result reports can be emailed to backflow@bsionline.ca
  • All annual test reports, or future test results, are submitted to BSI Online www.bsionline.ca, the cost of annual report submission is $15.95.
• If you are interested in learning more about the importance of cross-connection control/backflow, you can learn more on the Backflow Academy: https://backflow.com/backflow-academy/

BSI Online: Water Customer & Tester Customer Service Information

• Phone: 604-492-0163
• Email: backflow@bsionline.ca

As part of this program, it is important for the Municipality to acquire information regarding identified properties, and an inventory of current backflow prevention devices to ensure that potential hazards or contaminants are effectively protected. The Municipality will be sending notification letters to identified customers with a request to complete the Self-Assessed Survey, and submit a current copy of the premise backflow prevention device test results to BSI online at backflow@bsionline.ca. 

The Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc is proud of the water they deliver every day. By working together and cooperating in this critical program, you as the water customer are the best resource in protecting or eliminating cross-connections, and further assist in the protection of our water resources.

Property Owner Backflow Survey Requirements

Self Assessed Survey

Identified property owners are asked to complete the survey below. The survey is then to be completed once every 5 years or as necessary by a change in property ownership or facility operations. This will assist in determining the level of backflow risk associated with the property. It is important to note, if there is more than one business located on the property a survey must be completed for each individual business. There is no cost for completing the survey.

Self Assessed Survey

Cross Connection Control Survey

Identified property owners that are deemed by the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc through the Self-Assessed Survey to require to complete a Cross Connection Control Survey, are asked to complete the survey below. This will assist in determining the level of backflow risk associated with the property, and property compliance with the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc’s Water Supply Control By-Law.

1. Hire a certified contractor to conduct the Cross Connection Control Survey.

2. Contractor is to complete the Cross Connection Control Survey. The survey is to be submitted upon completion.

3. Property owners may receive a letter advising of necessary compliance with the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc’s Water Supply Control By-Law, requiring an approved backflow prevention device installed and tested within a specified date of the notification. If property owners have a backflow prevention device installed and necessary testing completed, results are to be forwarded to: backflow@bsionline.ca.

Cross Connection Survey

FAQ's

Where can I find more information about Backflow Prevention?
A helpful website resource:

• Backflow Solutions Inc: https://www.bsionlinetracking.ca/customer/faq

Some helpful video resources include:

• American Backflow Prevention Association video
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVRtfTIqCl0
• American Water Works video
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr7JYhDe7fc

*It is important to note that these videos use American terminology which in some cases may differ from Canadian terminology*

How often does the cross connection control device need to be tested?

The cross connection control device is required to be tested annually in compliance with the Municipality’s Water Supply Control By-Law. Notification letters will be sent by BSI reminding water customers of testing requirements.

If I have a current Backflow Test Report completed on a cross connection control device on the premise, where do I submit the results?
All new assembly or initial submission of test result reports can be emailed to backflow@bsionline.ca
All annual test reports, or future test results, are submitted to BSI Online through www.bsionline.ca

How much does the annual testing results submission to BSI cost?
There is a $15.95 filing fee per test report submitted to BSI Online. The certified tester will be required to pay this fee upon submission of annual testing results.

Where do I find a certified tester in my area?
A helpful resource, and options, to find a certified backflow testers can be found at: https://www.bsionlinetracking.ca/customer/find-a-tester

Where can I find the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc’s Testing & Inspection Reports?
Testing & Inspection Reports accepted by the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, are to be completed on the below forms, or equivalent. 

• Double Check Valve Assembly
• Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly

Guide to Degree of Hazard – Premises (CSA, 2017)