ABC ABC Cross-Connection Control and Monitoring 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization publishes the Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies list that many US states reference for cross-connection control programs?
- USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (Correct answer)
- EPA Office of Water
- AWWA Standards Committee
- OSHA Water Safety Division
Correct answer: USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research
The USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control (University of Southern California) publishes the widely recognized approved assemblies list used by most state programs.
Question 2: How often must a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly be tested per standard cross-connection control program requirements?
- Annually at minimum (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Only upon installation
- Every 6 months
Correct answer: Annually at minimum
Most state and municipal cross-connection control programs require RPZ assemblies to be tested at least annually by a certified tester.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a double check valve assembly (DCVA)?
- Protect against back-pressure and backsiphonage for low-hazard connections (Correct answer)
- Protect against chemical injection at high-hazard sites
- Measure water consumption at service meters
- Regulate downstream pressure to a set point
Correct answer: Protect against back-pressure and backsiphonage for low-hazard connections
A DCVA uses two independently operating check valves to protect against both back-pressure and backsiphonage at low-to-moderate hazard cross-connections.
Question 4: A certified backflow prevention assembly tester must verify which condition during an RPZ field test?
- That the relief valve opens before the first check valve fails closed (Correct answer)
- That both check valves are fully open under static pressure
- That the upstream shut-off valve is permanently locked
- That the assembly is installed above grade
Correct answer: That the relief valve opens before the first check valve fails closed
The critical RPZ test confirms that the differential relief valve opens (discharges) before the inlet check valve pressure differential drops to zero, ensuring safe operation.
Question 5: Which of the following locations represents a high-hazard cross-connection requiring an RPZ assembly?
- Chemical feed system connected to the potable water supply (Correct answer)
- Residential garden hose bib
- Commercial icemaker water line
- Single-family home irrigation system
Correct answer: Chemical feed system connected to the potable water supply
Chemical feed systems are classified as high-hazard cross-connections because contamination could cause severe illness or death, requiring maximum RPZ protection.
Question 6: What action should a water system take if a customer refuses to install a required backflow prevention assembly?
- Discontinue water service until the assembly is installed (Correct answer)
- Install the assembly at the utility's expense
- Issue a warning only and recheck in 90 days
- Apply a monthly fine and continue service
Correct answer: Discontinue water service until the assembly is installed
Water systems have the regulatory authority to discontinue service if a customer refuses to comply with cross-connection control requirements that protect public health.
ABC ABC Cross-Connection Control and Monitoring 2
Which organization publishes the Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies list that many US states reference for cross-connection control programs?