Cross Connection Control

Reminders During Postal Strike

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• How to View Property Information Online

  Property owners, managers or maintenance companies are encouraged to log on to bsionline.ca to access information about your building’s back flow preventers, notices for testing and other information. 

  See the attached PDF for further information about how to register with BSI Online. 

• What Is a Cross Connection?

  In water supply systems, water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower, etc. When pressure falls or is reduced, which may happen if a water main bursts or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system, the pipe may allow contaminated water from the ground, from storage or from other sources to be drawn up into the system.

  Points at which a potable (drinking water) system connects with a non-potable water system are called cross connections.

  There are two types of backflow: back-pressure and back-siphonage.

  Back-pressure occurs when the pressure in a private water system is greater than the pressure in the City's water supply system. To reduce the risk of contamination, a backflow preventer must be fitted. It’s also important when potentially toxic chemicals are used.

  Back-siphonage is the reversal of normal flow. This is caused by a reduction in the pressure in the local water supply system which can be caused by nearby fire-fighting or water main break. Back-siphonage can cause contaminated water to be pulled into the water supply system.

• Cross Connection Devices

  Air gap: The least expensive and most effective way to provide backflow prevention is to provide an air gap. A simple example is the space between a wall mounted faucet and the sink rim (this space is the air gap). Water can easily flow from the faucet into the sink, but there is no way that water can flow from the sink into the faucet without modifying the system. This arrangement will prevent any contaminants in the sink from flowing into the potable water system by siphonage.

  Vacuum breaker: This typically contains a plastic disc that is pressed forward by water supply pressure and covers small vent holes. Should the supply pressure drop, the disc springs back, opening the vent holes which let in outside air, preventing backflow of water.

  Double Check Valve Assembly: A DCVA consists of two check valves assembled in series. It’s suitable for prevention of back pressure and back siphonage but not suitable for high hazard applications. It is commonly used on irrigation, fire sprinkler and boiler systems. If the hazard is higher, such as using antifreeze in the fire sprinkler system, then a more reliable check valve such as reduced pressure backflow assembly must be used.

  Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly: This device consists of two independent check valves, plumbed in series, with a pressure monitored chamber between. The chamber is maintained at a pressure that is lower than the water supply pressure, but high enough to maintain downstream pressure. The device must be mounted in a location where the drain will not become flooded.

• Penticton's Cross Connection Control Program

  The City of Penticton is working to ensure all properties are provided with premise isolation. This is the isolation of a property's private water system from the City's potable water system. In addition, we are examining the potential for contamination within the building to its occupants from fire, sprinklers, irrigation, air conditioning, boiler and other systems.

  • We will conduct a survey of your building facility to identify possible cross connections.
  • Once complete, you have six months to hire a certified plumber/tester to install the device(s) and provide the initial test forms to the City. A Plumbing Permit is required for installation of backflow preventers.
  • To ensure that backflow prevention devices are functioning properly, a certified tester must then test them annually, and also if they are repaired, relocated, or replaced.

  BSI Online is maintaining our backflow test records. They will be sending testing notices to water customers as well as collecting results from testing companies.

• Backflow Prevention Testing

  Water Customers – Need to know if your results have been submitted?

  Testing Companies – Need to register with BSI Online?

  If you have any questions about the program, contact BSI Customer Service at 604-492-0163 or email backflow@bsionline.ca. 

  Please note: As of January 1st, 2018, testing companies will pay a filing fee of $20.95 for every test report submitted.

• Forms and Documents

  Partial List of Certified Testers

  This list of backflow prevention testers is provided for your convenience only. These testers are not endorsed by the City.

  Backflow Device Test Form

  This form is used for annual testing of new, existing, repair, removal and relocation of backflow devices.

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