Cross Connection
Hidden Valley Addition Water Association © 2013, All Rights Reserved
Welcome to our Cross Connection Control Program page. The object of this page is to help you better understand our new program.
Any questions regarding Cross Connection Control can be directed to Bob Chandler at (208) 691-3428
Any water system with more than 15 connections is considered a community water system. All community water systems under guidance of the EPA, must implement and enforce a Cross Connection Control Program to better protect the water they serve. This has been handed down as a mandatory requirement by the Idaho Division of Environmental Quality (IDEQ). (208) 769-1422
Cross Connection ~Any physical arrangement whereby a public water system is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other nonpotable water system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture,or other device which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage, or other waste liquid of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water system as a result of backflow. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or change-over devices, or other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because of which, backflow may occur are considered to be cross connections.
Who controls the costs involved in having our backflow devices tested?
Unfortunately, the costs involved in having backflow devices tested rests soley on the shoulders of the testers doing it. Hopefully, with all community water systems doing the CCCP, the prices will stay competitive.
How much does it cost to have backflow devices tested?
We've been led to believe that a ball park figure for just having your backflow device tested ranges from $25.00 to $50.00. If you need maintenace done on your backflow device or to get to your backflow device you will have additional labor or possibly parts charges involved. All of this will be determined of course by the certified tester that you contact.
How do I know if my property complies?
A certified tester can evaluate your property and tell you whether or not you comply or what you need to do to comply. Either way, please make sure we get a copy of the evaluation for our records. If your property already complies, and you have no testable backflow devices that are needed, then you are basically done with the program until you decide to add something that needs a backflow device such as a sprinkler system.
What if I refuse to comply?
The State Administrative Code says this: Discontinuance of water service to any facility where suitable backflow protection has not been provided for a cross connection. HVAWA does not in any way want to have to enforce this. This is part of the reason we are trying to make everyone aware of the CCCP. Everyone that refuses to comply is only endangering themselves as well as the other patrons of the Association
Why does this have to be done annually?
This has to be done annually because backflow devices just like everything else do fail. The state requires that they be tested annually.
For those who already have backflow devices, will we just simply be required to have them tested?
Yes, if you already have the proper backflow devices you will just need to have them tested annually.
What is a backflow device?
Simply, a backflow device will only allow water to flow in one direction. Once water goes past the backflow device, it can't be sucked back into the community water system.
What if I don't have a sprinkler system?
For the residences and homeowners of HVAWA, the main compliance will be anti-siphon hose bibs and sprinkler systems. If your house is less than ten years old, chances are you already have anti-siphon hose bibs. If you don't have a sprinkler system, than your next concern will be the hose bibs on your house. If your hose bibs are not anti-siphon, an adapter can be purchased to screw on the end.
Shouldn't the builder of my house or building be responsible for meeting the backflow requirement?
No. When your house was built it would have had to pass the state plumbing requirements for that year.
Frequently Asked Questions
