The water supply system is designed to ensure that water flows to your property under pressure. There is a risk to public health if there is a cross connection between your water supply and a contaminated source. If there is a pressure drop in the water main, a vacuum could be created in the water supply system. Under certain conditions this creates a siphoning effect and draws liquid from a contaminated source back into the drinking water supply.
Water pressure can be affected when:
- There is a break in the water main
- Water is being pumped from the main water supply during a fire
- A customer is using water at a higher pressure than the pressure supplied
- Heavy water use downstream reduces water pressure upstream
- The water outlet at the property is higher than the water main, causing constant back pressure
A number of different property types pose a particular risk through cross connections.
Risks through cross connections include:
- Chemical plants
- Pest controllers
- Market gardens
- Golf courses/sporting ovals
- Caravan parks
- Greywater treatment systems
- Metal processing plants
- Paint manufacturers
- Residential properties with rainwater storage
We can offer the following services:
- If your site needs surveying for cross connection call us for a consultation.
- Installation of backflow devices
- Annual testing of backflow devices