Protecting Your Drinking Water Against Cross Connections at Home

Water Contamination

Even though your drinking water is thoroughly treated and tested, contaminants can enter the water supply within your home through a cross connection.

Cross Connections

A cross connection is a direct link between a household water line and a contamination source.  Most household cross connections have been traced back to hose connections.

Under certain conditions, the flow in the household water lines can reverse and siphon contaminants through a hose and into the water supply.

An Example of How the Water Flow Can Reverse

• The water main is shut off and depressurized for a repair.

• Water flows out of a break or crack in the water main and into the soil.

• The water in the household line drains into the water main which is at a lower elevation.

• A siphon is created by the water draining out of the household lines.

• Contaminants are siphoned through a cross connection and into the household water lines and the water main system.

Protect Your Drinking Water

You can protect your drinking water and reduce the risks of cross connection on your property by following these practices:

• Never leave the end of a hose where contaminants can be siphoned into your drinking water – this includes swimming pools, laundry tubs, and service sinks.

• Leave at least a one-inch air gap between the end of a hose and a source of potential contamination.

• Attach a hose connection vacuum breaker to indoor and outdoor threaded taps and tell your neighbors to do the same.

Hose Connection Vacuum Breakers

Hose connection vacuum breakers are installed between threaded taps and hoses to control cross connections.  These vacuum breakers screw onto taps and allow water to flow out, but not back in.

Prior to winter, avoid damage due to freezing by manually draining outdoor vacuum breakers and by turning of indoor valves that service outdoor taps.

CSA certified hose connection vacuum breakers are available at most hardware and plumbing supply stores.  Click here for information on free hose connection vacuum breakers.

Please inquire for more information on the Halifax Water’s

Multiple Barrier Approach to safeguarding your drinking water.