Question: What is a Cross Connection?
Answer: When drinking water piping connects to various plumbing fixtures or water utilizing equipment a cross-connection is created. If improperly protected, contamination can result when a backflow event occurs; allowing contaminates to reverse flow from the fixture/equipment back into the drinking water piping.
Question: Why is annual testing required?
Answer: To ensure that the required backflow preventer is functioning properly. Mechanical
backflow preventers are an assembly with springs and moving parts and are used in situations where an air gap cannot be used. Over time and continuous wear, these assemblies will fail or need parts replaced. When an assembly fails, it is no longer preventing backflow from occurring. Annual testing and inspection insures that the assemblies are kept in working condition.
Question: Before moving to Cape Cod I lived in an area that did not enforce annual testing
for backflows prevention devices on lawn irrigation systems, so why does Massachusetts?
Answer: Lawn irrigation systems are considered “high risk “cross-connections because a backflow incident could introduce fertilizers, pesticides, and other lawn chemicals into the drinking water. Not to mention tiny insects and animal feces. To prevent this and keep the water safe, the state adopted requirements to ensure safe, quality drinking water that is free from any contaminations.