 Cross
Connection - Backflow Prevention program
 The Arkansas Department of Health requires that a public water
system institute a cross-connection control program to protect
the distribution system from backflow caused by
cross-connections. The Arkansas State Plumbing Code mandates
that only a licensed plumber install an RPZA. State plumbing
and health codes further require the testing of the RPZA
within 10 days of installation and annually thereafter.
Only personnel with Backflow Assembly Tester Technician
certification from the Arkansas Health Department may test
backflow assemblies within the City of Benton. The technician
must submit the test results to Benton Water Distribution
Dept. Failure to comply with the cross-connection control
requirements may result in the discontinuation of service. An
RPZA installation must be above ground on the customers’ side
of the meter and before the first point of use. An
installation inside a building must be in a location that
provides for adequate drainage for discharge.
Cross-Connection
& Backflow Prevention FAQ
(1) What is backflow?
Backflow is a reversal of the flow of water from the normal
direction. When backflow occurs, the water in your plumbing or
irrigation system flows back through the meter and into the
public water system’s distribution pipes.
(2) What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is a DIRECT, INDIRECT, or POTENTIAL
connection between Benton Water’s distribution system and
another system of questionable quality.
(3) What causes backflow?
Backflow may occur when there is a loss of system pressure or
the customer’s water pressure increases above that of Benton
Water’s distribution system.
Two types of backflow are BACK-SIPHONAGE and BACK-PRESSURE.
BACK-SIPHONAGE occurs when low or negative pressure on the
supply side of the system causes the reversal of the normal
flow of water. Back-siphonage may be caused on the supply side
of the system when there is a break on a water main, during
firefighting, or when a motorist hits a fire hydrant and
causes damage.
BACK-PRESSURE occurs when the water pressure within the
customer's plumbing system exceeds the pressure of the water
utility’s distribution system. Backpressure may be caused by
differences in elevation, a booster pump, or a chemical
injection system.
(4) What is the primary health risk?
The primary hazard associated with cross-connections is
contaminated water being drawn back into the public water
system. If consumed, the contaminated water can cause serious
illness in humans.
(5) How common is a backflow occurrence?
The Arkansas Department of Health has documented numerous
cases of backflow on public water systems in the state. In
documented incidents, serious illness almost always has been
the result. In addition, backflow incidents are not always
documented; therefore, it is unknown just how many illnesses
occur and how often backflow incidents occur.
(6) What can be done to protect public water
system from cross-connections?
In 1995, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) amended Act
96 of 1913 (Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Public Water
Systems) and mandated that all public water utilities
institute a Cross-Connection Control Program. The intent of
the program is to locate, identify, and eliminate, or protect
against, all potential cross-connections. Customers found to
have a cross-connection or a potential cross-connection must
be isolated from the public water system. The City of Benton
Ordinance # 7 of 1998 requires the installation of a Reduced
Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZA) on all water services where a
potential cross-connection may exist. RPZAs, unlike older
non-testable devices such as swing check valves, dual check
valves, and atmospheric vacuum breakers, are testable in place
to assure proper operation. The ordinance also mandates that
these devices are to be tested annually.
(7) What type of device is needed for my level of
hazard?
Benton Water Distribution requires the installation of an RPZA
on the water service of all facilities that pose a potential
hazard to the public water supply.
State regulations also require the protection of the public
water system from the potential of backflow from Fire
Sprinkler Systems. The installation of a Double Detector Check
Valve Assembly (DDCVA) is adequate unless the Fire Sprinkler
System has additives or a secondary water source is present.
In this situation, we require the installation of an RPZA.
Underground Irrigation Systems pose a high health hazard and
also require the installation of an RPZA.
(8) What facilities typically have hazards that
require an RPZA Assembly?
Air Conditioning Cooling Towers Metal Plating Plants
Auto Repair, Paint & Body Shops Medical Facilities
Beauty, Barbers & Nail Salons Multi-water Services
Car & Truck Wash Facilities Recycling Facilities
Commercial Laundries Restricted Facilities
Facilities with Swimming Pools Restaurants & Clubs
Farms & Agricultural Operations Schools
Film Processing Laboratories Sewer Plants
Food Processing Sites with Pumps
Funeral Homes Sites with Chemicals
Health Clubs & Spas Tattoo & Piercing
Industrial & Manufacturing Testing Laboratories
Landfills & Dumps Veterinarian & Kennels
Lawn Irrigation Systems Zoos & Animal Shelters
(9) What are the installation requirements?
Only licensed plumbers may install assemblies. If the assembly
is on a Fire Protection System, then only personnel licensed
by the State of Arkansas and holding a Registered Mechanical
Engineer license or employed by a company licensed by the Fire
Protection Licensing Board may install assemblies. Other wise
the vent of the relief valve on the RPZA shall be between 12"
and 30" above ground. Horizontal clearance shall be 30"
between the assembly and an adjacent wall, 12" on the opposite
side, 8" at each end, 6" above the highest point, and 12"
underneath the assembly. Assemblies 3" or larger in diameter
shall have adequate support and all installations must have a
strainer and blow-off. An assembly cannot be mounted in a
vertical position unless it specifically designed for this
orientation.
(10) Where must I locate the RPZA Assembly?
Installation of an RPZA other than a Fire Service must be
above ground on the customer's side of the meter and before
the first outlet or point of use. If the installation is
inside a building, it must be in a location protected from
freezing, provided there is adequate drainage for discharge.
(11) How do I protect my assembly in freezing
weather?
Permanent outdoor assemblies must be in an approved enclosure
(American Society of Sanitary Engineering Standard 1060).
(12) What are the requirements for testing the
assembly?
The ADH mandates the testing of assemblies within 10 days of
installation and annually thereafter which is the same
standard set for in City of Benton Ord. #7 of 1998. The
department requires the testing of assemblies on irrigation
systems each spring or with placement back in service.
(13) Who has authorization to test the assembly?
Only personnel with Assembly Tester Technician certification
from the ADH may test backflow assemblies in the service area.
Only personnel with a valid license from the Arkansas Fire
Protection Licensing Board and the AHD may test assemblies on
Fire Protection Systems. The Arkansas Department of Health and
Backflow Prevention Association of Arkansas websites provide a
list of testers.
In addition, a partial list of local certified testers is
available at from the Benton Water Distribution Office.
(14) Who is responsible for the cost of
installation, testing, and maintenance?
Under the Arkansas State Plumbing Code, the homeowner has
responsibility for all costs associated with the installation,
testing, and maintenance of backflow assemblies on the
customer’s premises.
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