Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

Waterworks Operator Certification Rule

The Waterworks Operator Certification Rule (Chapter 246-292 WAC) includes three new Cross-Connection Control related sections.

1. Cross-Connection Control Specialist (CCS) duties (Chapter 246-292-033 WAC)
2. Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) duties (Chapter 246-292-034 WAC)
3. Field test report content (Chapter 246-292-036 WAC)

We've developed a Sample Backflow Preventer Inspection and Field Test Report to complement the rule. This report should help backflow assembly testers (BATs) and water systems comply with the minimum test report content requirements in the Operator Certification Rule.

Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies List

Under WAC 246-290, backflow prevention assemblies that appear on the USC-Approved Assemblies List are acceptable for protection of the public water system.

Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Publications and Forms

Publications

• CCC Rules 331-355 (PDF) — Washington State CCC regulations (WAC 246-290-490) and related definitions.
• CCC Guidance Manual for Small Water Systems 331-234 (PDF) — Washington State guidance to help water systems develop and implement CCC Programs.
• CCC Public Education Brochures (Pacific Northwest Section American Water Works Association CCC Committee publication) — Easy-to-understand CCC brochures ideal for educating public water system customers.
• Who is Your Cross-Connection Control Specialist? 331-594 (PDF)
• Backflow Assembly Testing Requirements 331-680 (PDF) — Covers BAT certification and licensing requirements for each backflow assembly scenario found in the field.
• Unapproved Auxiliary Water Supplies 331-743 (PDF) — Explains state drinking water rules surrounding unapproved water supplies.

Forms

Purveyors must use the Backflow Incident Report Form 331-457-F (Word) to report backflow incidents to the agency.

Annual Summary Report (ASR) Forms

Purveyors must use the following forms to report CCC implementation activities, severe health hazard facilities protection, written CCC Program Plans (procedures and policies), and exceptions to mandatory premises isolation. Purveyors must submit completed forms to the agency upon request.

CCC Activities 331-155-F (Word) | CCC Activities 331-155-F (PDF)
Blue form for reporting on your system's CCC Activities.

CCC Severe Health Hazard 331-434-F (Word) | CCC Severe Health Hazard 331-434-F(PDF)
Grey form for reporting on your system's CCC Severe Health Hazards.

CCC Program Summary 331-154-F (Word) | CCC Program Summary 331-154-F (PDF)
Cream form for reporting information about your system's written CCC Program Plan.

Premises Isolation Exception 331-156-F (Word) | Premises Isolation Exception 331-156-F (PDF)
Green form for documenting the granting of an exception to a connection that would normally require premises isolation by an RPBA or approved AG. Complete one form for each exception granted.

Premises Isolation Exception Cancellation 31-571-F (Word) | Premises Isolation Exception Cancellation 31-571-F (PDF)
Form for documenting the cancellation of an existing exception.

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Answers to questions about how to properly complete Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Annual Summary Report forms.

Cross-Connection Control ASR Help Guide 331-574 (PDF)
Help for Completing and Submitting Cross-Connection Control Program Annual Summary Report (ASR) Forms.

Common ASR Errors (Word)
This document identifies several places on the Cross-Connection Control Annual Summary Report Forms where water systems may need some extra help to properly and accurately complete certain fields.

ASR Medical Category Information (Word)
Resource Information for Completing ASR Medical Category Table.

Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) and Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Resource Information

• 2017 ASR Training Webinar (PowerPoint) April 17, 2018, Training Webinar.
• Washington Certification Services Home page—Organization that administers the BAT certification program for Department of Health.
• BAT Certification Verification—Check the status of an individual's BAT certification.
• BAT Public List—Find an agency-certified BAT available to test assemblies in your county.
• CCS Public List—New Cross-Connection Control (CCSs) Public List.

More Resources

• New Cross-Connection Control (CCSs) Public List
• Western Washington Cross-Connection Prevention Professionals Group ("The Group")
• Spokane Regional Cross-Connection Control Chapter (SRC4)
• CCC Committee—Pacific Northwest Section AWWA
• USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research
• American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
• Washington Environmental Training and Resource Center (WETRC)
• Evergreen Rural Water of Washington (ERWOW)
• State Building Code Council (SBCC)
• Washington Assoc. of Building Officials (WABO)
• Plumber Certification/Contractor Licensing (Dept. of Labor and Industries)
• International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
• Cross-Connection Control Specialist Public List Application Form 331-476-F (Word)

Questions or comments? Contact Arnica Briody, 360-742-1456.