What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system orconsumer’s potable (i.e., drinking) water system andany source or system containing nonpotable water or other substances. An example is the piping between a publicwater system or consumer’s potable water system and anauxiliary water system, cooling system, or irrigation system.
A cross-connection is a DIRECT, INDIRECT, or a POTENTIAL connection between Central Arkansas Water’s (CAW) distribution system and another system of questionable quality. For example, the most common cross-connection is a common garden hose. If the garden hose happens to be connected to chemical applicator, at the same time there is a reduction in system pressure, water can be sucked back through the hose and into the public water mains.
Any physical or potential connection between a potable water supply and a hazardous material or one of questionable quality is a cross-connection. There shall be no such connection without the installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly in accordance to the degree of hazard of the substance involved.
