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1. What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is any physical connection between a potential source of contamination and any drinking water system piping.  Examples include lawn irrigation and fire suppression systems.  

For more information, please visit Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention (LINK).

2. What is backflow?

Backflow is the flow through a cross-connection from a potential source of contamination back into the drinking water system.

For more information, please visit Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention (LINK).

3. What can cause a backflow?

There are two main causes of backflow:  backsiphonage and backpressure.

• Backsiphonage can occur when there is a loss of water pressure in the system due to a break in the main line or a heavy demand such as a firefighting effort.  Backsiphonage is the reversal of normal flow caused by negative pressure, vacuum or partial vacuum, in the supply piping.  This condition allows liquids to be siphoned back into the water distribution system, the same effect as using a straw to drink from a glass.
• Backpressure can occur when the downstream pressure becomes greater than the supply pressure.  This is normally not an issue with residential services unless a booster pump is in use for an irrigation system.  

4. Why should I be concerned about cross-connection contamination?

Any unprotected or inadequately protected cross-connection on your premises could contaminate the potable water supply for your customers, employees and even neighboring homes and businesses.  Severe illnesses have resulted from cross-connection contamination events that could have been easily prevented.  

5. What is my liability?

You are responsible for all unprotected or inadequately protected cross-connections on your premises and liable for any damages or illnesses they may cause.  In cases where business owners have been proven at fault for cross-connection contamination events, judges and juries have awarded plaintiffs substantial monetary damages.

6. What is my responsibility as a business owner?

Each cross-connection must be eliminated or properly protected by an approved backflow preventer.  All work done on the internal plumbing system of your facility must be performed by a state-licensed plumber.  Any changes to your plumbing must be approved by your local plumbing inspector.  

For more information, please visit Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention (LINK).

7. What does the law say about cross-connections?

Virginia Law 12VAC5-590-610 Owner Requirements:

• Install an approved backflow prevention device if there is an existing or potential cross-connection.
• All testable backflow prevention devices are required to be tested at installation or repair, then annually by a certified backflow testing company.  The owner will be given a copy of the approved test results and is responsible for the submittal of all required forms to Spotsylvania County Utilities’ Cross-Connection Coordinator.  All devices that fail testing or are otherwise non-compliant must be repaired or replaced and then retested.

For more information, please visit Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention (LINK).

8. What is Spotsylvania County Utilities' role in backflow prevention?

Spotsylvania County Utilities is responsible for maintaining records on testable backflow prevention devices connected to the public water distribution system, enforcing state laws regarding proper installation/maintenance and sending out annual notices to property owners/responsible parties with testable backflow devices due to re-certification.

For more information, please visit Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention (LINK).