Each year I look forward to the annual backflow issue of Working Pressure magazine. Backflow prevention is what ASSE is best known for and it is what we do best. Whether it is ANSI-accredited standards for backflow prevention assemblies and backflow testers, or professional certifications for cross-connection control surveyors, ASSE has it covered. The ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 5000, Cross-Connection Control Professional Qualification Standard, has been in revision this year and is nearing completion. So, we will focus on one significant change that has been proposed for the standard.
ASSE develops standards under the ANSI process. We revise our standards at least every five years, and we are now completing the seventh revision of the Series 5000. The standard has improved with each revision. Some revisions have included adding additional standards to the series, including standards for fire protection system cross-connection control testers and backflow prevention program administrators. Other revisions have included additional appendixes with supplemental information, including test procedures and a troubleshooting guide.
This revision, which should be available by the end of 2020, has a strong emphasis on test reporting, which means properly completing and submitting test report forms. Previous versions of standards within the Series 5000 have had sample report forms and required information that needs to be reported to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The working group for the 2020 revision determined that more emphasis needs to be put on the responsibilities of backflow testers in reporting test results and why this information is so important. The following are excerpts from the draft ASSE Series 5000-2020.
Field Testing Requirements
At a minimum, backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested at the time of installation, repair or relocation and not less than on an annual schedule thereafter. Backflow prevention assemblies shall also be tested when returned to service after winterization or a similar extended period of time. The test shall be performed by a trained and certified backflow tester meeting the requirements of the 5110 standard.
Reporting
The effective administration of any active cross-connection control and backflow prevention program requires the cooperation of all involved parties. At the forefront of these cooperative efforts is the backflow assembly testing company and individual backflow assembly testers. Because every installed backflow prevention assembly presents an actual or potential entry point of pollutants or contaminants to the potable water distribution system, it is essential that the testing company communicate, through the test report to the water authority, all of the applicable information required to effectively administer the backflow prevention program. Care should be taken to legibly and accurately provide the backflow prevention program manager the information required to protect the community water supply from the negative effects of each known cross-connection protected by a backflow prevention assembly.
All installed backflow prevention assemblies are essential life safety elements of a successful cross-connection control and backflow prevention program. Each installed backflow prevention assembly protects an actual or potential cross-connection within the potable water distribution or plumbing system. Accurate conveyance of backflow assembly data is the basis of an effective cross-connection and backflow prevention program and shall be conveyed to the appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
The Series 5000 was initially developed in 1990 – 30 years ago. Subsequent revisions have brought many improvements. The additional emphasis on reporting will make the 2020 revision significant to the AHJ, the tester, and the public. You can contact me at Marianne.Waickman@asse-plumbing.org.
