Cross Connection Control

A cross connection is a connection between the City's drinking water supply and a potentially polluted or contaminated source. For example, if one end of a hose is attached to a pesticide bottle and the other end is left in a paddling pool, a drop in water pressure could cause the hose to act as a siphon and suck contaminants out of the bottle and into the pool.  Cross connections between a source of contamination and a water supply represent one of the most significant threats to health in the water supply industry. Learn more about Cross Connection Protection and Devices.

Inspections

Cross Connection Control Inspectors help reduce the risk of contamination by educating the public and working with commercial and industrial water users to ensure proper backflow prevention devices are installed, and that industrial and commercial companies comply with The Waterworks Bylaw No. 7567. Once installed, backflow prevention devices must be tested annually by licensed backflow tester, who will submit the Testing and Inspection Report to SwiftComply.

Upon notification of new installations, a Cross Connection Inspector from Saskatoon Water will conduct on-site inspections. Each inspection includes documents and photographs of serial numbers, devices used, whether these devices have been tested, and if appropriate devices have been installed. The contractors or building owners are notified if changes or corrections to the installed backflow prevention system are required.  If these changes are not made within the allotted timeframe, water service to the property may be terminated until the corrections are made.  All testing and inspection reports, photographs, and correspondence from that specific address are kept on file.

Certified Cross Connection Control Device Tester

Cross connection control testers are individuals certified by recognized institutions to test cross connection control devices and systems. Find a licensed backflow tester.
 

Be a Licensed Tester

In order to test devices in the City of Saskatoon, you must first have passed a cross connection control course in backflow prevention testing at an accredited college or institution and obtain a certification from recognized institution.

After you are certified with the American Water Works Association as a Cross Connection Control Specialist, you must register your certification by applying to test cross control devices within the City of Saskatoon.

When you apply to register your certification with the City, you will:

• E-mail cross.connection@saskatoon.ca to be registered with SwiftComply
• Provide a copy of your Cross Connection Control Special Certificate
• Need to have a current accuracy verification or calibration certificate for the test equipment you will be utilizing to test cross connection control devices

License Renewal

Testers are required to renew their license every 5 years by filling out the Renewal Cross Connection Control Testers Licence (PDF).  In order to continue to test in Saskatoon, you must submit the application form above, which demonstrates qualifications, and a current gauge calibration certificate.

For any change of information such as name, address, or Company Name, please make the changes within your SwiftComply account.

The Cross Connection Control Program was established in the City of Saskatoon on May 15, 2003, as a result of provincial legislation and by following general industry best practices. The program is supported by City Bylaw 7567, The Waterworks Bylaw. The program is ongoing and dynamic as drinking water piping systems are continually being installed and altered.