Managing your irrigation system goes beyond the occasional blowout. Regular maintenance and testing are required to confirm your water supply is safe from backflow contamination. Let’s explore what cross-connection testing is and how it keeps your system running safely and efficiently.
What is Cross-Connection Testing?
A cross-connection refers to any physical connection between a potable (drinking) water supply and a non-potable source where the two could mix, such as an irrigation system. Without proper safeguards, contaminants like pesticides, fertilizer, and bacteria can find their way into your drinking water.
To avoid cross-connection contamination, these areas require a specialized device designed to prevent water from flowing back to its source. To ensure your cross-connection device is working correctly, it’s essential to have it tested annually.
At Naiad Irrigation Systems, our highly certified technicians perform these tests to guarantee compliance with local regulations and to protect public health.
Risks of Cross-Connection in Irrigation Systems
Unchecked cross-connections pose a significant threat to homes, businesses, and communities:
Drinking Water Contamination
Backflow can introduce harmful chemicals and microorganisms into the water system, posing significant health risks to you and the public.
Regulatory Violations
To protect the public’s water, most jurisdictions mandate strict connection controls. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines — up to $1,500 in Alberta.
Environmental Impact
Cross-connection backflow can infiltrate the water supply, damaging surrounding ecosystems, wildlife, and plant life, causing damage to the environment.
Benefits of Regular Testing
Regular testing provides advantages to both residential and commercial properties:
- Gain peace of mind knowing your drinking water is safe from contaminants.
- Save money by reducing the risk of costly system repairs and fines.
- Certify that you’re being environmentally responsible and protecting the local water supply.
- Improve your irrigation system’s efficiency.
At Naiad, our technicians are the most highly-trained in Canada. We’ll ensure your testing is done correctly and your irrigation system is up to code.
Signs Your Irrigation System Needs Testing
It could be time to get your irrigation system tested, but how do you know? Here are a few key things to look for:
Unusual Water Pressure
If you find your water pressure fluctuates, it could indicate a backflow issue.
Discoloured or Foul-Smelling Water
A strange odour or colour coming from your faucets could mean your water supply is contaminated.
Outdated or Damaged Equipment
As per the National Plumbing Code, cross-connection devices require annual inspections to ensure they’re up to code. Any device that hasn’t been tested in the current year is considered outdated.
New Installations
Any changes to your irrigation system, including expansions or modifications, can create potential cross-connection issues and should be tested.
If it’s looking like a good time to get your irrigation system cross-connection tested, contact Naiad to have one of our American Water Works Association-certified professionals do the job.
How Testing Works
Our skilled professionals will conduct a thorough, step-by-step testing process to ensure your water supply is kept safe. We:
- Perform an initial assessment of your irrigation system to identify any potential cross-connections.
- Use a specialized device to test the functionality of your backflow prevention devices.
- Perform a system diagnosis to evaluate water pressure and flow to confirm proper separation between lines.
- Document the testing results and issue a certificate to verify your system meets local regulations.
- Send the documentation directly to the local water purveyors to verify compliance.
- Make recommendations if any issues are found.
If repairs are required when testing is complete, we’re happy to provide those services to certify your irrigation system is operating at its finest.
Have Your Irrigation System Tested
Protect your irrigation system and drinking water with annual cross-connection testing from the pros at Naiad. Our team of experts are all members of the Irrigation Association and will ensure the job gets done right.
Reach out to book your cross-connection testing, today!
Are you looking to integrate technology into your irrigation system while saving money? With the installation of smart wi-fi timers, flow, and rain sensors, your system only runs when needed. Naiad clients save up to 50% on their water bill with the use of wi-fi timers.
If you’re looking to save even more, contact us about our member service discounts.
Book a service or call us today @ 587-200-3994. We provide top-notch services from Irrigation Association-certified professionals.
