Update
City of Edmonton Bylaw 19626 became effective on April 1, 2022. In this bylaw, to help protect the water system from contamination, we have introduced a revised cross connection control (CCC) Procedure Guide (formerly referred to as the CCC Policy) and new charges for non-compliance with the proper installation and annual testing of backflow preventers. As a commercial or multi-residential property owner, you are encouraged to review these changes.
A cross connection is a piping arrangement that allows a potable water system to be connected to a source of potential pollution or contamination. It's very important to protect cross connections in order to prevent backflow into potable water. Ultimately, backflow can cause the contamination of the entire public water supply, posing a risk for anyone using water for drinking, cooking, bathing or any other purposes.
If there's an incident resulting in contamination of public drinking water (due to improper or unprotected plumbing connections), the owner responsible or occupant of the property can be held liable for damages.
The type of device required for premises isolation of a commercial, industrial, or multi-residential property is based on how hazardous it could be to the public drinking water:
