The most common form of cross connections on residential properties is a submerged hose in non-drinkable water. You can avoid this cross connection by filling the vessel (tub, swimming pool, ornamental fountain) with a gap between the end of the hose and the vessel, also known as an air gap.

Another level of protection on your hose is a hose bib vacuum breaker; this device is not testable but is required to prevent cross connections between a hose and vessel for when an air gap is not achieved.

For irrigation systems, a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) is used to prevent backsiphonage of yard maintenance contaminants.

Not all cross connections can be eliminated, especially for commercial customers. In these cases, backflow preventers (BFPs) are installed within a customer’s plumbing system to prevent cross contamination.

The type of BFP will correspond with the degree of hazard as determined by the applicable codes. The customer shall install a Reduced Pressure Zone BFP to protect against the highest degree of hazard if the end use of the commercial service cannot be determined or if the end use of the commercial service could change. All BFP’s shall meet the requirements of all applicable federal, state, and local codes or ordinances for water service including, but not limited to, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the International Plumbing Code (IPC), and the Louisiana Administrative Code (Titles 17 & 51).

Fire protection service connections are required to have an approved Double Check Detector BFP at the service connection to the public water supply or immediately downstream of the service connection.

Prior to initiating water service, the customer shall forward certification, signed by a licensed Louisiana Master Plumber with a Water Supply Protection Specialist (WSPS) endorsement, stating that the installation complies with all applicable codes. Click here for a list of approved installers.