A cross-connection survey is detective work for your water system — systematically identifying every point where potable water could potentially contact a contamination source. For testers, offering survey services is a natural expansion of your skillset that generates additional revenue and positions you as a complete water safety professional.
What is a Cross-Connection Survey?
A cross-connection survey identifies all connections between potable water and potential contamination sources. This assessment determines what backflow protection is needed, where it should be installed, and what level of protection is appropriate.
When Surveys Are Required
Water utilities require surveys for new commercial construction, changes in building use or occupancy, complaints or contamination incidents, and periodic reviews (every 3–5 years for high-hazard facilities). Some utilities contract directly with testers for survey services.
Survey Process Overview
A thorough survey follows a systematic, documented process.
Step-by-Step Process
- Pre-survey research: Review facility blueprints, previous survey reports, and device inventory
- Stakeholder meeting: Meet with facility manager to understand operations, processes, and recent changes
- Systematic walk-through: Inspect every room, floor, and exterior area of the property
- Cross-connection identification: Catalog and classify every potential contamination point
- Existing protection review: Document currently installed devices and their condition
- Recommendation report: Specify needed protection for each identified hazard
Common Cross-Connections to Identify
Knowing what to look for makes surveys more thorough and efficient.
Hazard Categories by Building Type
- Irrigation systems: Fertilizer injection, pesticide applicators, standing water in buried pipes
- Fire suppression: Stagnant water, antifreeze solutions, chemical additives
- Boilers and HVAC: Treatment chemicals for scale prevention, oxygen scavengers, biocides
- Medical facilities: Contaminated equipment, laboratory chemicals, autopsy stations
- Industrial processes: Solvents, cooling fluids, waste products, process chemicals
- Food service: Carbonation systems, dishwasher chemical feeds, mop sink connections
Hazard Classification
Categorize each identified cross-connection to determine the required level of protection.
Classification Levels
- Low hazard (nuisance): Non-toxic substances that may affect taste or appearance — DCVA is acceptable protection
- High hazard (health threat): Substances that could cause illness if consumed — RPZ required as minimum
- Severe hazard (immediate danger): Substances that could cause serious illness or death — RPZ or air gap mandatory
Documentation Requirements
Survey reports must be comprehensive, clearly organized, and actionable.
Report Elements
- Property identification, contact information, and survey date
- Complete list of all identified cross-connections with locations
- Hazard classification for each cross-connection identified
- Currently installed protection devices and their condition assessment
- Prioritized recommendations with urgency ranking
- Site diagrams showing device locations and cross-connection points
- Estimated costs for recommended protection installations
Understanding backflow prevention basics helps communicate survey findings. For device selection, see our backflow prevention guide.
Conclusion
Cross-connection surveys are a high-value service that complements annual testing. They generate additional revenue, demonstrate your expertise, and often lead to new device installations and annual testing contracts. Invest in developing your survey skills and offer this service to commercial clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I charge for a cross-connection survey?
Survey fees vary by property size and complexity. Small commercial properties: $200–$500. Mid-size facilities: $500–$1,500. Large industrial or institutional complexes: $1,500–$5,000+. Most testers charge by the hour ($75–$150) or by property size. Surveys often lead to device installation and annual testing contracts worth much more.
Do I need special certification to perform surveys?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some states include survey authority in the standard backflow tester certification. Others require a separate cross-connection control specialist credential. ASSE offers a Series 5100 Cross-Connection Control Specialist certification. Check your state's requirements.
How long does a typical survey take?
A small retail property takes 1–2 hours. A mid-size office building takes 2–4 hours. A hospital or manufacturing facility can take 1–3 full days depending on complexity. Factor in report writing time (2–4 hours) for the final documentation.