Membership is open to anyone with an interest in cross-connection control and maintaining water quality standards. ABPA is for the professional who seeks continuing knowledge and up-to-date information in this constantly changing field. The ABPA is composed of experts in cross-connection control and those just entering this dynamic field. All levels of professionals can belong to and benefit from the ABPA: From legislators who write the laws, to the federal, state and local authorities who enforce the laws; from educators who provide training, to the plumbing and water works personnel who carry this training into the field; from engineers and architects who design the systems, to the manufacturers who produce the equipment used in the systems.
A cross-connection is an unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome, and potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections
Water distribution systems are designed with the intention of the water flowing in a certain direction– from the distribution system to the consumer. However, hydraulic conditions
within the system may deviate from the “normal” conditions, causing water to flow in the opposite direction. Therefore, it is possible (and common) for the water to flow in the opposite direction in unprotected systems. This is called backflow.
Back-siphonage is caused by mainline piping failures or drafting due to high demands. For example, it is a condition that can occur when the drinking water system pressure drops below that of the fire protection system, drawing the fire protection system water back into the drinking water system.