Cross Connection Control
The BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) has played an integral role in the development of community cross connection control (CCC) programs and certification for over 40 years in British Columbia and the Yukon. The BCWWA manages backflow tester certification, administers examinations and develops community spaces for CCC members to share information, resources and best practices. We also provide a real-time active tester list to the CCC program administrators across BC.
We are the recognized administrative body for the voluntary certification of over 2,000 backflow assembly testers in British Columbia and the Yukon.
Why is Cross Connection Control Important?
Cross connection control is the series of activities that ensure non-potable water is prevented from contaminating potable water systems (backflow).
Each community increases their risk of liability from an adverse event when they do not manage their backflow hazards. Cross connection control programs are the structures that support communities in ensuring that backflow risks are identified, mitigated and monitored.
According to the Provincial Health Officer’s Drinking Water Report 2024, “In BC, the BC Water and Waste Association is the recognized administrative body for the voluntary certification of backflow assembly testers and cross connection control inspectors.” (page 196)
What is Backflow Testing?
Backflow is when a flow of solid, liquid or gas from any source opposite to the normal direction of flow, enters back into the potable water supply or system.
When a backflow incident occurs, there is a risk of contamination or pollution entering the potable water system and subsequently transmitting unusable or unsafe water to the public for consumption. Severe health consequences can occur, especially for vulnerable populations. Backflow preventer devices are used to mitigate the various hazards that can cause a backflow incident.
The BCWWA provides annual backflow assembly tester certification and membership services, offers certification exams, sells AWWA Canadian Cross Connection Control Manuals and works closely with cross connection control (CCC) training institutions and community programs to ensure a competent and sustainable water sector workforce.
Individuals with an active BCWWA backflow assembly tester certificate are certified to test backflow prevention assemblies. They have demonstrated that they have the knowledge and skills to test whether a backflow device is in proper working order in accordance with relevant codes and standards. Communities in BC with CCC programs in place recognize BCWWA-certified backflow assembly testers as individuals qualified to test backflow prevention assemblies within their water distribution system.
Why is a Community CCC Program?
Cross connection control is defined as the enforcement of an ordinance regulating cross connections. Municipalities and other communities set up cross connection control programs that monitor the installation, maintenance and field testing of backflow preventers in accordance with local bylaws and other codes and standards.
The CCC Community
The BCWWA supports community CCC programs and members with the Cross Connection Control Community of Practice. This is a space for fellow CCC members to build a network and share information, resources and best practices within the field.
Reach out to Katie Patrao at kpatrao@bcwwa.org to get involved with this community of practice.