Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

About the Cross-Connection Control Program

Do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Are you aware of the steps that Halton Region has taken to ensure all residents have access to clean, safe drinking water?

Halton Region, in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, introduced The Cross-Connection Control Program (CCCP) to protect the municipal water distribution system and prevent contamination from non-drinking water sources. It is the responsibility of all industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI), and multi-unit residential property owners to do their part to install the proper water backflow prevention devices and have these tested annually by an accredited tester.

As part of this program, Halton Region:

• Identifies cross-connections where potential contamination of drinking water may occur
• Enforces the installation of backflow prevention devices
• Maintains database of locations with backflow prevention devices installed
• Ensures testing of installed devices on an annual basis
• Ensures compliance of the Cross-Connection Control By-law #61-11 (PDF file)

Backflow prevention devices

Installed at or near the water meter, backflow prevention devices allow water to flow in only one direction by preventing what is known as backflow. Backflow occurs when a backsiphonage or back pressure condition is created in a water line and causes water to flow in the opposite direction.

Types of accepted backflow prevention devices

• RP
• DCVA

RP

Reduced Pressure Principal Assembly (RP)

• Two independently acting check valves separated by a reduced pressure zone
• Installed between two shut off valves
• Each check valve is fitted with a test cock for periodic testing
• Used for health hazards and severely hazardous connections (i.e. hospitals, medical/dental facilities, industrial or chemical plants)

DCVA

Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)

• Two internally loaded check valves, force-loaded or internally weighted
• If one check valve fails to close the other will prevent backflow
• Each check valve is fitted with a test cock for periodic testing
• Can be used for all non-health hazard connections (i.e. fire sprinkler, irrigation systems)

Step-by-step process for cross-connection control

Have you received a letter about Halton Region's Cross-Connection Control Program?

• No backflow prevention device
  • Documents required:
    • Completed Survey
  • Administration Fee
    $110 + HST
• Existing backflow prevention device
  • Documents required:
    • Completed Survey
    • Testing & Inspection Report
  • Administration Fee
    $55 + HST (per device)

Frequently asked questions