Who is the O.B.P.A.?
The O.B.P.A. is a non-profit organization comprised of professionals dedicated to protecting Ontario's drinking water quality through education and technical assistance, and is committed to advancing all aspects of backflow prevention for the continued protection of all water users. Chartered as a Chapter of the American Backflow Prevention Association (A.B.P.A.) in 1998.
What is Cross Connection Control?
A "cross-connection" in a plumbing system is defined as "any actual or potential connection between a potable water system and any source of pollution or contamination". These cross-Connections may constitute a serious public health hazard and exist in many buildings today. There are many documented cases where cross-connections are responsible for contamination of drinking water systems resulting in sickness and death not to mention significant financial loss.
The problem is dynamic because piping systems are continually being installed, altered or extended. Controlling cross-connections is possible but only with expert knowledge and on-going vigilance. Education standards, re-inspection and continuing awareness of the problem are all essential to ensure that our drinking water systems do not become contaminated. The importance of preventing the backflow of unwanted substances into our drinking water systems is paramount.
Cross Connection Control in Ontario
In the Ontario Building Code and the CSA B64, 10 standard provide a basis for cross-connection control in the Province of Ontario. Several regional committees have been created throughout the province with local officials coordinating water quality programs with professionals in the waterworks and plumbing trades.
With this growing sense of common purpose came the recognized need for a centralized source of technical knowledge and information exchange that focuses solely on the field of backflow prevention. The O.B.P.A. was formed in the spring of 1997 to address this challenge.
Browse our Web site for more information about Ontario Backflow Prevention Association. If you have any questions or would like to speak with a Ontario Backflow Prevention Association representative regarding backflow and cross-connection, please e-mail us at obpa@rogers.com or call us at 416-249-2837.
