CrossConnection Control and Backflow Prevention Al Fuentes TCEQ

Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Al Fuentes TCEQ Cross-Connection Control Program Coordinator Water Supply Division

Outline of this Presentation • • • Elements of backflow Case Histories: Why Cross. Connection Control is Important What is a “good” Cross-Connection Control Program Basic Backflow Event Response FAQs

Elements of backflow

Case Histories Backflow at Elementary School • Janitor at school opens water faucet and the water has a dark pink color to it. • Cross-Connection at the heating system for the school. • No testing • Replaced and tested RP. • Flushed plumbing system. • Sampled water at all water use areas • Took bacterial samples

Cross-Connections

Case Histories San Antonio: • Large facility using potable and pond water for irrigation. • Backflow preventer at cross-connection. • People started complaining.

Cross-Connections

What’s is a “good” Cross. Connection Control Program • • • Authority Education & Training Identification Testing & Tracking Record Retention

The Three C’s Coordination, Communication, Cooperation • • City, utility, or district management Plumbing Inspector Building Official Environmental Services Water department management and staff Fire Marshall’s Office Industry professionals

Backflow Preventers Containment vs Internal Cross. Connection Control • Special considerations • Approved backflow preventers. •

Backflow Event Response • • • How do you know backflow has occurred? Isolate, Alert, Identify Flush Sample Additional Actions

F. A. Q. s • • • What if its on 47(f) but, no hazard? Can BPAT test BPA on fireline? Do fire hydrants need BPAs? What if they have a BPA but no hazard? Is there any Grandfathering?