Cross Connection Control

Written by: Troy R. Gallagher www.WaterWorldCE.com

Cross Connection Control

Educational Objectives
In this course, a water distribution operator will gain valuable tools and a basic understanding of how to control and prevent cross connections into potable water supplies. Basic information on Chlorine residuals, waterborne bacteria and viruses, hydraulics, and pressure are also examined. Operators will gain knowledge of the various dangers associated with potable water corruption and how to avoid possible contamination.

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Abstract

This Cross Connection Control course describes the basic fundamental techniques, instruments, and skills needed for a water distribution operator to control and prevent contamination of potable water systems due to cross connections.

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Keywords and Defenitions

Take a glance through this list and be sure to read carefully any terms or abbreviations with which you are not familiar. Cross Connection: Cross connection is any link between a potable water system, wherein there is the possibility of a contaminant entering that system. Contaminants can range from harmful chemicals to disease causing pathogens. Air Gap: An Air Gap is a control device used to prevent contamination in a water system. It is the safe distance of the water opening above the maximum highest water level to which consumer water is delivered. General regulations state that it shall be an amount no less than one inch (1.0) or at an amount greater than twelve inches (12.0) and at least twice the diameter of the inlet piping. Secondary Water Supply: Secondary water supply is a water source that has been possibly exposed to contaminants or has been stored in a facility or treated in any such way that does not meet state or federal regulations for potable water use. Backflow: Backflow is the stream of water, gases, or any other contaminants back into a publicly used water system. Backflow is a result of backpressure or backsiphonage.

Backpressure: Backpressure is a force situation that can cause a backflow. Because backpressure has a higher pressure than the water system itself, water, gas, or other foreign liquids are forced back into system. Backsiphonage: Backsiphonage is another condition that can cause a backflow. It is a pressure situation, wherein any potable water systems pressure is less than atmospheric pressure, and the possibility is that contaminants, liquid, or gas can be sucked into the system by a vacuum. Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventers: A series of spring-loaded check valves to prevent a backflow from occurring are referred to as reduced pressure principal backflow presenters. The system works according to pressure differentials across the systems. Vacuum Breaker: A vacuum breaker is a type of backflow prevention device. Sometimes referred to as anti-siphon valves, there are two common styles: atmospheric and pressure vacuum breakers.

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Virus: An obligate, intercellular parasitic microorganism smaller than bacteria. Since it has no metabolism of its own, it must depend upon controlling the metabolism of the host cell to produce new viruses.

lll. Introduction
The water industry has concentrated its efforts on providing consumers with the highest quality water possible. Most of the operation and maintenance of water systems have concentrated their efforts on the quality of the water being treated at the surface or ground water system. Consequently, the quality of the water in the distribution system is sometimes forgotten. The number of cross connections between potable water supplies and contaminants is increasing in public water distribution systems. More and more industrial and public water uses are being implemented due to growth and technology changes. Weve read over and over about the public getting sick or even deaths occurring from insufficient knowledge and lack of training for operators when tapping into public water supplies. Cross connections are difficult to monitor or prevent by performing inspections alone. Proper training for operators on regulations and control devices is essential in protecting potable water systems. Cross connection control and the elimination of any possible cross connections are required by federal law and fall under the Clean Water Act. The water utility is responsible to provide safe and adequate drinking water to the public. A number of potential issues can arise within a distribution system. Awareness of possible hazards and how to control them is the main goal in this training course on cross connections. Consequences of Cross Connections Many publicly owned water systems are not aware of hidden cross-connections that can cause harmful contaminants to enter their system and could cause potential illness or even death for water consumers. Historically, there have been numerous deaths of people caused by infections contracted through contaminated water. These infections can be caused by various pathogenic bacteria and various viruses. For example, numerous infectious outbreaks have been reported due to cross connections. Such things as hepatitis, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and typhoid fever are a few of the known infectious outbreaks. Protecting the Distribution System Distribution systems must be protected from cross connections and potential contamination throughout the distribution system. This includes making sure that a safe water supply is maintained from the origination of the supply when it leaves the water plant until it is supplied to the consumer. Potential contamination of the water distribution system is greatly increased during repairs to the distribution system. There have been numerous examples of materials being
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Double Check Valves: A double-check value is a control device used to prevent backflow. These valve types are not used in the protection from serious hazards to potable water systems. Contamination: A general term referring to the introduction of materials into the water that makes the water less desirable for its intended use. It is also the introduction of undesired substances into air, solutions, or other defined materials (chemical or biological). Disinfection: Effective killing by chemical, radiation, or physical processes of microorganisms, including those capable of causing infectious diseases. Chlorination is the disinfection method commonly employed in water and wastewater treatment processes. Drinking Water Standards: A list of standards prescribed for potable water acceptable for public consumption. The standards concern sources, protection, and bacteriological, biological, chemical, and physical criteria--some mandatory, some desired. Fecal Coliform: A subgroup of coliform bacteria that has a high positive correlation with fecal contamination associated with all warm-blooded animals. These organisms can ferment lactose at 44.5 C and produce gas in a multiple tube procedure (EC Confirmation) or acidity in the membrane filter procedure (M-FC medium). Infection: Introduction of a foreign organism that can multiply and produce a resulting change from the normal. Pathogen: An organism capable of causing disease. Potable Water: Water suitable (from both health and aesthetic considerations) for drinking or cooking purposes.

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drawn into the distribution system when the pressure on supply system piping is lowered or turned off allowing materials to enter the system through backpressure or backsiphonage. Cases have involved various materials being drawn into the system through garden hoses from residential users and from various chemical operations at industrial sites. Operators need to ensure that any water leaving a distribution system is disease free. Contamination of water supplies can be the result of situations such as water distribution systems that have been improperly designed, lack of inspections or improper testing procedures (recommendations of the manufacturer of the device should be followed), testing, and repairs to backflow prevention devices, or carelessness when choosing the type of backflow prevention device and not knowing potential hazards are present. Chemical contamination can also be a result of a cross-connection and cause sickness. The following is a list of potential cross connections:
Chlorination Systems Irrigation Systems Fertilizer Systems Laboratories Wastewater Systems Home Garden Hoses Laundries Car Wash Swimming Pools Canneries & Breweries Sprinkler Systems Boilers Cooling Systems Dairy Processing Manufacturing Goods Schools Golf Courses Apartment Complexes

However, air gaps may not generally be acceptable protection for other types of cross connections like chemical laboratories and industrial applications because there is the possibility of splashing or high pressure. One major disadvantage of air gap protection is the loss of pressure on the system. Properly designed systems can account for pressure differentials and use of air gaps provides an excellent means for cross connections control. Even though air gaps are a very simple and maintenance free protection, there is still a need for regular inspection of these systems to make sure there has not been any alteration in the adequate safe distance between the potable water line and service connection. Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventers Remember, the definition of a reduced pressure system is a series of spring loaded check valves to prevent a backflow from occurring. The system works according to pressure differentials across the systems. The check valve is divided into separate pressure compartments. The first spring valve area operates at the same pressure as the potable water system and is positioned on the potable water side. After the potable or service water passes this area, the pressure drops due to a small amount of head loss. Actually, the pressure drops after the service water passes each check valve area. The spring-loaded relief valve stays in a closed position because there is a higher pressure in the first check valve area than in the second check valve area. If the service or potable water pressure becomes less than the system it is feeding, the flow will reverse.

These are just a few of many that could potentially and seriously contaminate a drinking water system. Cross connections can cause very serious consequences on the public, if not properly controlled. Always use caution when working around potable water systems and make sure control devices are properly installed and maintained at all times. Cross Connection Control Measures and Prevention Devices Air Gaps Air gap protection is a very effective method of protecting potable water supplies. Remember the definition of an air gap is the safe distance of the water opening above the maximum highest water level to which consumer water is delivered. Regulations state that it shall be an amount no less than one inch (1.0) or at an amount greater than twelve inches (12.0) and at least twice the diameter of the inlet piping. Air gaps are inexpensive to maintain and require only the attention of operators to ensure there have not been any changes made to their size. Air gaps can usually be found around water tanks and trucks that supply water for fires or irrigation. Air gaps are also relatively routine protection for in-home installations of such things as bathtubs, washers, sinks, and hoses.
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Therefore, the backflow prevention device (check valves) will seat, and the pressure change will open the relief valve preventing any contaminated water from entering the potable
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or service water system by heading out the drain or relief area. The drain or relief should be free of possible contamination or protected by an air gap from a drainage holding tank or piping system. These devices provide good protection for industrial areas such as carwashes, but the RPBPs require frequent inspections and mechanical servicing. If the system fails or is down due to servicing, a second protection device should be in place to immediately protect the publics water supply. Running cross connection control devices together in potable water systems is a good practice. This affords excellent protection along with a good service and inspection schedule.

With small systems, replacement is usually performed before any major repairs are made due to their inexpensive nature. During inspections, keep clear, written records of when vacuum breakers are replaced or maintained. Good record keeping helps you keep track of past performance. Double Check Valves Double check valves are used in less hazardous situations. As with vacuum breakers, double check valves should not be used to protect public water supplies. Leakage by the valve can create a significant problem with check valves. When installed properly, they can be very effective protection against non-hazardous contaminants. Backpressure and backsiphonage will allow the check valves to close and protect the system. The residential dual check valve is a simple example of this type of valve; these are normally used to protect the distribution system at residential connections. As with any protection device, inspections should be performed regularly and by someone with mechanical and operational experience.

A gate valve is a positive top gate that completely shuts off the flow inside a pipe. The valve is ordinarily operated manually. The gate slides up and down in a valve seat. The gate valve is a very robust and strong gate. Vacuum Breakers Vacuum breakers are another protection device for potential cross connections, but can only protect against backsiphonage. Vacuum breakers are an adequate control system but should not be used solely to protect a potable water supply. There are two basic styles of vacuum breakers: (1) atmospheric and (2) pressure vacuum breakers. Atmospheric vacuum breakers should be placed at the highest point of the system and must be placed on the discharge side of the last valve. This style of vacuum breaker sucks air into the water supply system when the pressure drops down to zero in the water system. A pressure vacuum breaker can be placed in front of a shut off valve because it works as a relief valve that is spring loaded. Vacuum breakers are usually easily installed and are relatively inexpensive. There are many application points for vacuum breakers such as sprinkler systems, sinks, and toilets. Remember that vacuum breakers should not be installed where positive pressures from pumping systems could affect the device and should only be used to protect against backsiphonage. Inspection is important because if the device is left under water it will not work properly.

Spring-Loaded Check Valve There are many effective methods to protect against cross connections, backpressures, and backsiphonage. Isolating the possible contaminated system is also effective. Using temporary piping connections when using the water supply and removing them when finished will protect against hazards and lower your inspection and maintenance time. There are many cross connection potentials on public water supply systems. Wells, swimming pools, water softeners, toilets, and even sprinkler systems can become a nightmare to a water operator. All mechanical systems need operator attention to stay in good working condition. Remember, the protection device is only good as the operator inspecting and maintaining it. Piping Identification Color-coding and pipe identification is extremely important in the fight against cross connections. A good colorcoding scheme for any utility should be provided and used throughout the system and suggest any industrial and large public users utilize it. There are many color-coding and tagging systems in existence. The following is only a suggested color-coding scheme that may be successful for your plant:

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Waste Lines
Backwash Waste Sewer (sanitary and other) Sludge Light Brown Dark Gray Dark Brown

What types of protective measures are in place for the possibility of contamination?

IV. Chlorine Residual, Water and Wastewater Test

This section examines the chlorine residual for water and wastewater tests. Chlorination Chlorination is the most widely used means of disinfecting water and wastewater. Water systems must protect the distribution system with chlorine residual. Chlorine gas dissolved in pure water forms hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite ion, and hydrogen chloride. See formula below. Cl2 + water = HOCl + (OCl)- + HCL Disinfectant The HOCl and the (OCl) - are the disinfectant. Their Total Concentration = the free chlorine residual. They exist in equilibrium unless the pH (base or acidity) of the water is lower or temp is lower. If it is lower, then more HOCl and thus the more powerful disinfectant which is a desirable condition. Ammonia and Chlorine If there is any ammonia present (commonly high in wastewater), then the chlorine will react with ammonia to form chloramines, such as Cl2 & NH3 = monochloramine, then dichloramine, and then trichloramine. Excess residual is converted to free chlorine residual (breakpoint chlorination) and is very powerful. Combine Chlorine Residual Combine Chlorine Residual refers to the total concentration of chloramines. Not as powerful as free chlorine and it does not react with humic and fulvic acids to form trihalomethanes, but free chlorine will! If combined chlorine residual is desired in clean water, then ammonia must be added. Sources of Chlorine Where do we get chlorine? The following are sources of chlorine: Cl2 chlorine gas, NaOCl sodium hypochlorite, Ca (Ocl)2 calcium hypochlorite. Treatment Plant Significance Chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant. It protects drinking water from waterborne pathogens. Chlorine reacts with inorganic and organic compounds and oxidizes them. The amount of chlorine needed for these reactions plus the chlorine used up in disinfection equals the Chlorine Demand. The left over is the chlorine residual. Wastewater Chlorine in the plant effluent is harmful to stream life even in small concentrations. Wastewater plants ordinarily use enough chlorine for disinfection to meet bacteria needs;
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Water Lines
Portable (finished) Raw Settled (clarified) Dark Blue Olive Green Aqua

Chemical Lines
Alum (primary coagulant) Ammonia Carbon Slurry Caustic Soda Chlorine (solution & gas) Fluoride Lime Slurry Ozone Phosphate Compounds Polymers (coagulant aids) Potassium Permanganate Soda Ash Sulfur Dioxide Sulphuric Acid Orange White Black Yellow w/ Green Band Yellow Light Blue w/ Red Band Light Green Yellow w/ Orange Band Light Green w/ Red Band Orange w/ Green Band Violet Light Green w/ Orange Band Light Green w/ Yellow Band Yellow w/ Red Band

Other
Compressed Air Gas (natural, liquid or diesel fuel) Other Lines Dark Green Red Light Grey

Cross Connection Inspection It is extremely important for any cross connection inspection program to implement procedures and require reports be used when visiting public or industrial establishments. Inform inspection sites that you are coming and make the inspection friendly. You want them to be on your side and help you with cross connection control. Try and meet management and system operators when you make your visit. The following are essential to your inspection: Obtain current drawings of the facility and the water uses. A tour of the entire plant is necessary along with inspections of any control devices. Know what types of systems are in use: boilers, cooling towers, softeners, laboratories, or fire systems. Know what types of chemicals or gases are used in the plant. Is a constant supply of potable water necessary for plant operation? Know the training procedures for the operators on cross connection. Color coding and tagging system in use. Are chemicals such as biocides and polymers added to the water supply? Is there an irrigation system in use?
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however, the excess must be de-chlorinated prior to allowing the outflow to pour into receiving waters. General Limits Generally, Federal Limits apply (for example, the effect on potable water). All treatment plants that disinfect must maintain a residual of as least .2 mg/L. All surface waters source systems must disinfect. There must be a chlorine residual present throughout the distribution system in 95% of samples tested, over any two month period. All systems that serve over 3300 population (the size of the community) must have continuous online chlorine residual analyzers installed at the entrance to distribution. The chlorine amounts are determined through a multiplication of chlorine residual and the contact time (CTs will be set for each plant separately).

plant. Daniel Bernoulli figured out how to forecast the affect of proposed plant modifications and plant upgrades. Elevation differences, pipe diameter differences, velocity differences are all common modifications made in every facility. Application: Will the pressure go back to its original state if the pipe diameter is returned to the original size and configuration? The answer is yes. Flow We have all heard the term flow. Flow is the quantity of water passing a point in a given unit of time. Flow is expressed as gallons/day, gallons/minute, or cubic feet/second and million gallons per day. Hydraulic Grade Line In a static water system, the Hydraulic Grade Line is always horizontal. Pipeline pressure will be lower where the pipe is elevated. The hydraulic grade line will slope downward along the length of the pipe. Static hydraulic grade line & the dynamic hydraulic grade line Static hydraulic grade line & the dynamic hydraulic grade line refer to the feet of pressure lost due to friction in the pipe. This is called Head Loss. Why is Head Loss important? We need to provide adequate pressure to all service areas. Adequate pressure is affected by Head Loss, valving, pipe distances, friction loss, and blockages. All of these variables must be overcome. Head loss is calculated to provide to compensate for those losses. Pressure Head Pressure head is directly due to the depth of the water. For example, 50 feet deep = 50 feet of head pressure. Calculating the pressure would follow this formula: Psi pressure = 50 ft X 2.31 ft/psi Elevation Head Elevation Head describes the pressure due to elevation. Is a water storage tank an example of an elevated head? The answer is yes. But remember, a water column by itself is not elevated pressure. The pipe creates the distance from the bottom of the tank to the top and this is the elevated pressure. Pressure for community water use can be provided adequately by pressure head alone or by a combination of pressure and elevation head. Velocity Head Velocity Head explains the relationship between moving water = motion = energy. The energy is kinetic energy because of its velocity (energy in motion). Velocity Head is registered as feet of water and is usually the smallest of the three energy components (Velocity Head = V2/64.4). We ordinarily see normal velocities in the range of 2 to 10 ft/sec. This is not recorded on a pressure gauge as head and
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V.

Heterotrophic Bacteria in Drinking Water

Several common misconceptions exist about heterotrophic bacteria (bacteria that acquire food from organic matter). Are heterotrophic bacteria (HPC) in drinking water harmful to the consumer? The answer is No. Heterotrophic bacteria are naturally occurring and their presence in drinking water is not indicative of a public health risk. Adding to the confusion is that while heterotrophic bacteria are not regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the SDWA does recognize the presence of heterotrophic bacteria in excessive numbers. Some water utilities monitor for the HPC levels in their treatment processes and distribution system. Heterotrophic bacteria are more resistant to disinfection; they are useful as an indicator of treatment or deteriorating water quality in the distribution system. What are the advantages of the HPC analysis? The two advantages are that HPC results provide the water treatment plant operator with data that are useful in evaluating the efficiency of treatment processes and distribution system maintenance, and it is relatively easy and inexpensive to perform.

VI. Hydraulics
This section will examine important hydraulic terms with respect to the basic principles involved in Bernoullis Theory. Bernoullis theorem Bernoullis theorem was developed by Daniel Bernoulli, a Swiss mathematician and physicist in the 1700s. He developed a calculation for the total energy relationship from point to point in a steady state fluid system. This means that as you change one component, all other components are affected in a specific manner and that change can be measured. For example, a reduction in one energy form = increase in another energy form. Basically, energies are composed of pressure head, velocity head, and elevation head. Why do we care about a Swiss scientist from the 18th Century? As you work at your facility and plant improvements are made, you must account for how those changes affect your
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elevation pressure. Instead, a Pitot gauge is used as the flow measuring device. No velocity head in a static system. Question: Will it change if the pipe diameter changes? Yes, because as the pipe diameter increases the velocity head decreases due to change in volume. Essentially, whenever you change a component in Bernoullis Theory, you change the outcome. Total Head Total Head = pressure head + velocity head + elevation head. See, Th = Ph + Vh +ZRemember, all heads must be registered in feet of water. Friction Head Loss Friction Head Loss needs to be considered. The friction in the pipe will change the pressure. Friction Head Loss describes the amount of loss that depends upon system length, diameter, flow, and interior roughness of the pipe. Energy is lost as heat is encountered by the rubbing action due to the roughness of the interior of the pipe. It is a loss of hydraulic energy. And this creates head loss. Head loss means losing energy. Something has to let go. Pressure head can be decreased along the way due to heat loss. Steady State Flow Remember, when considering the component of steady state flow: the flow that enters the system, exits the system. It is assumed that flow and pressure remain constant. Pressure is lost due to friction in a dynamic state but is flow lost? Flow is never lost.

pressure) than at the top, especially if the diameter is large (i.e., 48 inch pipe as opposed to a 6 inch pipe). Air Pressure/Water Pressure Lets review atmospheric pressure: 14.7 psi at sea level. Remember that water incompressible fluid. What are the effects of pressure? Common effects include the following: 1. Water Hammer is the effect of the introduction of a quick change in pressure. The difference in change is fast. The sound is similar to marbles or rocks flowing through a pipe. This is a bad thing because water hammer eats up impellers and valves. Water hammer is commonly caused by air, or a 90 degree turn in a pipe, or a temperature change such as when cold/hot water mix together. In addition, water hammer can be caused by the seal around the shaft because the seal may cause air introduction. Sometimes, when adding the packing on valve, air can be introduced into the pipe. 2. Thrust Force is the pressure created when you move water around a bend. 3. Use of Thrust Blocks absorbs the energy of the change in pressure. Check the soil around the pipes to make sure it can absorb such energy. 4. Use of Restrained Joints adds higher protection to a joint in the form of a collar or an otherwise heavy duty joint. 5. Uses of Tie Rods shafts that go from joint to joint reinforce each other. Tie rods are fixed on the outside of the pipe.

VII. Pressure
This section examines pressure. Pressure is the force on a unit area. For example, a cubic foot block of water, one foot high, exerts a pressure of .433 lb on every square inch of bottom surface area. The total weight of one cubic foot of water is a little over 62 pounds. The formulas for pressure are Pressure = Weight X Height; 1 psi = 2.31 ft of water (depth). Pascals Law The pressure at any one point in a static liquid is exerted with equal intensity in all directions. This describes the relationship between Height vs. Shape. Pressure is exerted with equal intensity in all directions. This means that the shape of the tank does not matter, nor does the number of gallons each holds. Shape doesnt matter because pressure doesnt change in the corner of a square tank or at the middle of a round tank. Pressure Measurement A Piezometer is an open tube connected to the pipe and the tube is open to the atmosphere. A Piezometer measures change in pressure, so it is a pressure gauge. A common question is, Does gauge position matter? Yes, gauge position matters. The bottom of a pipe will always read more (higher
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VIII. Conclusion
Cross connection control is one of the most important responsibilities of a water system operator. The possibility of a contaminant entering a potable water supply is very real. Improper connections between water supplies and industrial, municipal, and commercial settings are common. Understanding current regulations, knowing and understanding cross control devices, proper training of water supply users, and good sound inspection programs could save hardships to water plant managers and operators. Good cross connection control could also save a life or prevent serious illness to water consumers. Treated water can spend a large amount of time in the distribution system; therefore, the opportunity for contamination is great. Operators and maintenance personnel need to provide attention to preventing contamination of their water system. The information youve received from this course should initiate your first steps in realizing the enormous potential for disaster, and how crucial your function as an operator is to the public water consumer.
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Online Completion

Use this page to review the questions and choose your answers. Return to www.waterworldce.com and sign in. If you have not previously purchased the program select it from the Online Courses listing and complete the online purchase. Once purchased the exam will be added to your Archives page where a Take Exam link will be provided. Click on the Take Exam link, complete all the program questions and submit your answers. An immediate grade report will be provided and upon receiving a passing grade (70%) your Verification Form will be provided immediately for viewing and/or printing. Verification Forms can be viewed and/or printed anytime in the future by returning to the site, sign in and return to your Archives Page.

Questions
1. Backpressure is a force situation that can cause a backflow. Which item(s) can be forced back into the system? Choose all that apply.
A. B. C. D. E. Water 1 Other foreign liquids 1 Gas 1 Cement 0 None of these 0 B. There is only one utility color-coding scheme in existence for industry and public uses and once you have learned the system you can utilize it consistently at any plant. C. There are three utility color-coding schemes in existence for industry and public uses, and once you have learned them you can utilize them consistently at any plant. D. There is only one utility color-coding scheme set by OSPHA in existence for industry and public uses and once you have learned the system you can utilize it consistently at any plant. C. Operators wearing the correct color uniforms D. Is the supervisor wearing the correct color hardhat?

2. What are the two basic styles of vacuum breakers? Choose all that apply.
A. B. C. D. Pressure Atmospheric Backwash Spring-loaded

15. What is a type of system that works according to pressure differentials across the system, thus this series of spring-loaded check valves prevents a backflow from entering? Choose the best response.
A. Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers B. Backsiphonage C. Double check valves D. Backpressure

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3.

Cross connections are __________. Choose the best response.

A. B. C. D. usually not visible usually visible never visible always visible

Double check valves are best for protecting public water supplies because there is less possibility of leakage by the valve. True or false?
A. False B. True

16. Generally, it is good practice to run cross connection control devices together in potable water systems for better protection. True or false?
A. True B. False

4. A major advantage of air gap protection as a control device for cross connection is pressure loss on the system. True or false?
A. False B. True

10. Vacuum breakers should only be installed where positive pressures from pumping systems could affect the device. True or false?
A. False B. True

5.

Vacuum breakers should not be used to protect against backsiphonage. True or false?
A. False B. True

11. Operators and maintenance personnel need to pay attention to the enormous potential for disaster, and they must realize how crucial their function is to the public water user. Choose the best response.
A. Always B. Never C. Sometimes

17. Contamination of the water can occur due to a cross connection. Contamination can cause serious illness such as dysentery, polio, typhoid fever, and hepatitis. Generally, what kind of contamination can occur? Choose all that apply.
A. B. C. D. E. Chemical Wastewater Only chemical Only wastewater Wastewater or chemical, but never both

6. In the water industry, major efforts have been concentrated on providing consumers with the highest water quality possible. If so, how is it possible for a water system to become contaminated? Choose all that apply.
A. It can occur from an improperly designed system. B. It can occur from lack of inspections. C. It can occur from choosing improper backflow prevention devices. D. It can occur during the repairing of a distribution system.

12. Contaminants entering into a public water system due to insufficient training or lack of knowledge on an operators part when tapping into the system could result in: Choose the best response.
A. B. C. D. E. numerous illnesses or even death. few illnesses. few fatalities. few illnesses but many fatalities. numerous illnesses but few deaths.

18. What is a pressure situation wherein any potable water systems pressure is less than atmospheric pressure and the possibility exists that contaminants can be sucked back into the system by a vacuum? Choose the best response.
A. B. C. D. Backsiphonage Backpressure Secondary water supply Double check valve

7.

Cross connection inspections should be performed on public and industrial establishments. Unannounced surprise inspections are ___________ in order to inspect unprepared utilities. Choose the best response.
A. not highly recommended B. highly recommended C. usually recommended

13. Mechanical parts in backflow prevention devices need __________ to keep them in good working condition. Choose the best response.
A. B. C. D. regular operator attention no operator attention daily operator attention occasional operator attention

19. Choose the type of cross connection that could potentially and seriously contaminate a drinking water system. Choose all that apply.
A. B. C. D. Home garden hose Car wash Golf course School

20. Cross connection control is __________. Choose the best response.

A. one of the most important responsibilities of a water system operator B. one responsibility of a water system operator C. one of the least important responsibilities of a water system operator D. sometimes one of the most important responsibilities of a water system operator

8. Color-coding and pipe identification is extremely important in the fight against cross connection. Choose the best response.
A. There may be different utility color-coding schemes in existence for industry and public uses. Once you have learned one system, then you may or may not be able to utilize it consistently at any other plant.

14. Items essential to look for in a positive inspection of a water system include: Choose the best response.
A. Is there a color coding and tagging system being utilized? B. Operators wearing the correct color or protective eyewear

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Cross Connection Control

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1. A B C D 2. A B C D 3. A B C D 4. A B C D 5. A B C D 6. A B C D 7. A B C D 8. A B C D 9. A B C D 10. A B C D

11. A 12. A 13. A 14. A 15. A 16. A 17. A 18. A 19. A 20. A

B B B B B B B B B B

C C C C C C C C C C

D D D D D D D D D D

We encourage participant feedback pertaining to all courses. Please be sure to complete the survey included with the course and mail to: jamesl@pennwell.com. PennWell maintains records of your successful completion of any exam. Please contact our offices for a copy of your professional development hours report. This report, which will list all credits earned to date, will be generated and mailed to you within five business days of receipt. 2010 by the PennWell Corporation
RECORD KEEPING

COURSE EVALUATION and PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

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