American Water Works Association

Backflow Prevention and Cross-connection Control: Recommended Practices (M14): Awwa Manual of Water Supply Practice American Water Works Association 4th edition

Reduce the chances of cross-connections and backflow into your potable water system. Manual M14 provides a total cross-connection control program for your water system. The manual explains how cross-connections and backflow can occur and tells you how to choose, install, and maintain backflow prevention devices.



Manual M14 provides complete guidance for establishing a cross-connection/backflow prevention program for a water utility. You'll learn the water purveyor's legal responsibilities, as well as the customer's responsibilities in backflow prevention. The manual covers risk assessment, types of programs to consider, and program administration. Until the cross connection control program is fully developed, the water purveyor is at maximum risk of potential liability.



M14 also explains the hydraulics of backflow, the two types of backflow--backsiphonage and backpressure, and the conditions that can cause backflow and a potential cross-connection (such as a water main break).