AWWA Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention 3

Question 1

What condition causes backpressure backflow?

Accepted Answer

Downstream system pressure exceeding the supply pressure from the water utility

Answer

Backpressure backflow occurs when the pressure on the customer's side of the connection (from booster pumps, elevated tanks, or thermal expansion) exceeds the utility supply pressure, forcing water to flow backward.

Question 2

Which of the following represents a high-hazard cross-connection?

Accepted Answer

A swimming pool with an automatic fill valve inlet submerged below the waterline

Answer

A submerged automatic fill valve in a swimming pool creates a high-hazard cross-connection because pool chemicals (chlorine, algaecides) could be siphoned directly into the potable water supply during a backsiphonage event.

Question 3

A double check valve assembly (DCVA) is appropriate protection for which category of hazard?

Accepted Answer

Low-hazard (non-health or pollutant-hazard) connections only

Answer

A DCVA is approved only for low-hazard (non-health-hazard) cross-connections; it is not sufficient for high-hazard applications because it lacks the pressure-differential relief valve of an RPZ assembly.

Question 4

Under AWWA cross-connection control guidelines, who bears responsibility for backflow prevention on private premises?

Accepted Answer

The water utility has authority to require protection, while the property owner is responsible for installing and maintaining approved devices

Answer

AWWA guidelines establish a shared-responsibility model: the water utility has the regulatory authority to require cross-connection control measures, but the property owner is responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining approved backflow prevention assemblies.

Question 5

What does 'testable' mean when describing a backflow prevention assembly?

Accepted Answer

The assembly has test cocks that allow a certified tester to use a differential pressure gauge to verify each component in the field

Answer

Testable backflow prevention assemblies are equipped with test cocks (ports) that allow a certified backflow tester to connect a differential pressure gauge and verify each check valve and relief valve is functioning correctly without removing the device.

(AWWA) American Water Works Association Practice Test

(AWWA) American Water Works Association Practice Test

AWWA Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention 3