Backflow Prevention & Cross Connection Control

The drinking water supply to the customers of Spartanburg Water System (SWS) is thoroughly cleaned and made safe for consumption. This water then travels through a complex piping distribution network to customers’ homes and businesses. In an effort to maintain the quality of the water and keep it safe for consumption, SWS has a program for Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention. The water within a piping system or the distribution system can become contaminated or degraded by a condition known as backflow.

Backflow is described as the undesirable reversal of flow from the intended direction, and is the result of one of the following conditions:

Back siphonage is the reversal of flow due to negative piping pressures

Back pressure is the reversal of flow caused by pressure greater than the supply pressure.

The result of backflow causes problems to piping distribution systems and water quality when cross connections are present.

A cross connection is a piping arrangement that allows the drinking water supply piping to be connected to a non-potable water supply, which could contaminate the drinking water supply in the event of backflow.

An example of cross connection is placing a flexible hose into a container of non-drinkable liquids. If backflow were to occur the contents of the container will enter the drinking water supply piping system or the distribution system.

Many water using fixtures have built in backflow prevention features, however there are many fixtures that do not have protective features such as various hose connection devices, swimming pools/spas, and boilers. There are numerous commercial/industrial water uses that do not have backflow prevention features.

Cross connections can be controlled by either eliminating the cross connection or by protecting it with a proper backflow prevention assembly. Certain types of backflow prevention assemblies have installation limitations.

The SWS has an active backflow prevention program. The goal of this program is to locate all cross connections and to eliminate or protect cross connections that could threaten the quality of the drinking water supply in the distribution piping network. The SWS has published a Cross Connection Control Manual. Copies of this manual are available in the Spartanburg Water Maintenance & Construction Department or by calling 864-585-8296 ext. 110.

Certain types of backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually by SCDHEC certified backflow prevention device testers. The current SWS Backflow Assembly Field Test Report is available by clicking on this link: Field Test Report. (Adobe Acrobat required)

Lawn Irrigation

All lawn irrigation systems in SC are considered either high hazard or non-health hazard. The determination of high hazard shall be lawn irrigation systems connected to chemical injection or aspiration, or connected to unapproved water sources such as wells or ponds. High hazard lawn irrigation systems shall be protected by a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly (RPPA) or an approved air gap separation. Non-health hazard lawn irrigation systems shall be protected by a minimum of a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA). Annual testing by SCDHEC Certified Testers is required of a dual check valve assembly (DC).  Annual testing by SCDHEC certified testers is required for all RPPA backflow prevention assemblies.

For backflow prevention information call 585-8296 ext. 110

Links:

Internet Source for Cross Connection Control Industry.

University of Florida Treeo Backflow/Cross-Connection Control Program Page

South Carolina Department Health and Environmental Control Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Page

South Carolina Department Health and Environmental Control

The American Backflow Prevention Association

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