A cross-connection is any point in a water distribution system where chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may come into contact with potable water.
During a backflow event, these pollutants/contaminants could be drawn or pushed back into the potable water system. A backflow prevention assembly installed at every point of cross connection prevents polluted/contaminated water from entering the potable water distribution system.
- Pollutants from a cross-connection can be non-hazardous to human health, causing aesthetic problems such as taste, odor, and color problems.
- Contaminants from a cross-connection can be toxic, causing illness or death to those who unsuspectingly consume the contaminated water.
Common cross-connections requiring backflow assemblies are lawn sprinkler systems, commercial boiler systems, residential boiler systems with anti-freeze, and fire suppression systems.
- Lawn sprinkler systems are exposed to chemicals such as fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides.
- Commercial boiler systems contain large amounts of non-potable water, since the water is constantly re-used causing the disinfectant properties to disintegrate.
- Residential boiler systems with anti-freeze or anti-freeze connections can be contaminated with automotive anti-freeze, which is very toxic and a health hazard if consumed.
- Fire suppression systems have stagnant water that present a pollution problem causing taste, odor, and color problems, unless anti-freeze is introduced, which then causes a health hazard.
CITY ORDINANCE NO. 1048, SERIES 2005, was developed and adopted to implement Article 12 of the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation.
The regulation states:
“A public water system or consecutive water distribution system of a public water system will have no uncontrolled cross-connections to a pipe, fixture, or supply, any of which contain water not meeting provisions of the drinking water regulations.”
Useful Links:
- City cross-connection brochure
- City cross-connection new construction brochure
- Cross-connection definitions
- Residential cross-connection self assessment form
- Commercial cross-connection self assessment form
- Regulations for commercial water haulers using the City's water docks
- Cortez establishes single engine airtanker (SEAT) reload facilities
If a time extension is needed for installation or certification of a Backflow Prevention Assembly, please contact the City Cross-Connection Technician stating the reason and amount of time required.
All Certified Cross-Connection Testers must submit their tester certification and equipment certification to the City, prior to doing any cross-connection testing within the City limits. As of 4/23/2010, the Certified Backflow Testers are as follows:
Leo Campuzano - 749.2397
David B. Belmear - 764.8448
Ray Lopez - 799.0542
Todd Sehnent - 570.7988
Ryan Saunders - 560.0297
Steve Miles - 749.1173
Bruce Young - 1.800.985.1578
Ron Valdez - 882.2140
Edwin Wood - 564.1989