Air Gap Inspections for Cross-Connection Control Programs

In Cross-Connection Control, the protection of public health is paramount. One of the essential aspects of maintaining a safe water supply system is preventing the contamination of potable water by non-potable sources. A cross connection is an actual or potential connection between a potable water supply and a non-potable substance or source. Cross connections can pose a significant threat to water quality. To combat this issue, various methods of protection are employed, with air gaps sometimes being the preferred choice due to their effectiveness.

The Significance of Air Gaps

An air gap is a physical separation between the water supply line and the flood-level rim of a receiving vessel or container. It acts as a barrier that ensures that water flows in only one direction, mitigating potential contamination from flowing back into the drinking water supply. This separation must adhere to specific guidelines; per the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), it should be at least twice the diameter of the supply line but never less than one inch.

Why Air Gaps Are Used

Air gaps are typically the preferred method for protecting against health hazards. Their effectiveness lies in their simplicity and reliability. Unlike mechanical devices and assemblies that can fail or be compromised, an air gap is a purely physical separation that does not rely on mechanical devices to work correctly.

Moreover, air gaps provide protection against a wide range of contaminants. Whether it's chemicals, pathogens, or pollutants, the physical barrier offered by an air gap ensures that these substances cannot infiltrate the drinking water supply. This makes air gaps a good choice for protecting against health hazards.

Annual Backflow Assembly Testing vs. Air Gap Inspections

In many potable water supply systems, annual backflow assembly testing is a common practice to ensure that backflow prevention assemblies are functioning correctly. However, air gap inspections are not typically performed as frequently, if at all. This discrepancy in inspection frequency can be a cause for concern, considering that air gaps play a crucial role in protecting public health.

Water system operators and authorities should prioritize air gap inspections, even in instances where they are not explicitly required by regulations. The reason for this proactive approach is clear: air gaps are the last line of defense against contaminants that could lead to severe health consequences. Neglecting air gap inspections can leave water systems vulnerable to potential health hazards that could otherwise be prevented. - Byron Hardin, CPM

Practical Solutions

Conducting yearly inspections of every air gap in residential, commercial, and industrial properties can often be impractical for water systems. Here are some practical steps to address this issue:

• Prioritize Properties: Begin by categorizing properties based on their risk level to establish inspection priorities. For instance, a chemical plant may be classified as high risk, while a dentist's office could be considered a medium-risk site.
• Annual Inspections: Focus on performing annual inspections for high-risk properties, as this is a feasible approach. These inspections can be integrated into cross-connection surveys or Customer Service Inspections (CSIs) in regions like Texas. Alternatively, for properties with complete CSI inspection records on file, the scope of the annual inspection can be limited to assessing air gaps and ensuring backflow assembly tests are current.

Conclusion

While annual backflow assembly testing is a common practice, the same attention should be given to air gap inspections, as they can be even more critical  in maintaining the integrity of water supply systems from non-potable auxiliary water supplies.

Water systems should consider implementing regular inspections of air gaps, following recommendations and or requirements from state regulations, plumbing codes, and industry best management practices, as an extra layer of protection for the communities they serve. By doing so, they can ensure that their water supply remains safe, reliable, and free from potentially harmful contaminants.

For Cross-Connection Control Program support, reach out to Hardin & Associates Consulting today! info@hactexas.com | (972) 823-8800