Common Terms
CROSS CONNECTION: A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system or consumer's potable (i.e., drinking) water system and any source or system containing non-potable water or other substances.
BACKFLOW: Backflow is the hydraulic condition caused by a reversal of flow. This
action can happen through backpressure or back-siphonage.
BACKPRESSURE: Backpressure backflow is the reversal of normal flow in a system due to an increase in the downstream pressure above that of the supply pressure.
BACK-SIPHONAGE: Backsiphonage is a form of backflow due to a drop in pressure below atmospheric pressure. This condition can be created when there is a stoppage of the water supply due to nearby fire fighting, or repairs and breaks on the city main.