Blackflow Incidents

There are many backflow incidents which occur that are NOT reported. This is usually because they are of short duration and are not detected, the customer is not aware they should be reported, or it may not be known to whom they should be reported. The BCWWA Cross Connection Control Committee is making an effort to bring these incidents to the attention of those concerned.

• Documented Incidents in BC and throughout Canada
• Incident Report Form

Sample Incidents

From the PNWS-AWWA Manual Summary of Backflow Incidents, 5th Edition, 2002. This manual and other publications can be ordered directly from PNWS-AWWA.

1997-001 California
The blue tinted water in a pond at an amusement park back-flowed into the city water system and causes colored water to flow from homeowner’s faucets.

1997-002 North Carolina
Fire-fighting foam pumped from an airport crash truck into the public water system affects 40,000 customers.

1997-003 North Carolina
An opened ball valve at a car wash allowed air to be pumped into the public water supply.

1997-004 California
Backflow from reclaimed water system affects drinking water to two schools and approximately 1,600 residents.

1997-005 Ontario
Backflow of an industrial lubricant into the distribution system affects half of the community's water system.