Crossed connections

Slovak term: Slovenský termín

1. Any connection, physical or otherwise between a drinking water system and non drinking water, where contamination can enter the drinking water supply lines by, back pressure, back-syphonage, and back flow occurring in the water supply system (American Society of Sanitary Engineering 2007).
2. Any physical connection or arrangement between two other-wise separate piping systems or containment means, one of which contains potable water, and the other water or fluid of unknown or questionable safety (WHO 2006).

Explanation

A drinking water supply system and a non potable water source should not be deliberately connected (World Plumbing Council Working Group 2008).

Example

A cross connection can be found where a storage tank is without the required air gap for protection to prevent back syphoning. A cross connection will also occur when a non-drinking water supply pipe is connected with a drinking water supply pipe without the correct backflow devices installed. In these example, the safety of the drinking water supply is at risk (World Plumbing Council Working Group 2008).

References

• American Society of Sanitary Engineering (2007) Plumbing Dictionary. Sixth Edition
• WHO (2006) Health aspects of plumbing

Links

• WHO — The Health and Environment Lexicon