The Tenth Edition introduces several new chapters to aid you better in understanding backflow and running a successful cross-connection control program.

Chapter 3, titled Hydraulics, is completely new to the Manual. This chapter covers an introduction to hydraulics, detailing pressures, flow and general characteristics of water in various pressure conditions.

Chapter 4, titled Elements of a Program, lays out the desired elements of a cross- connection control program: Authority, Backflow Preventers, Certified Tester and Specialists, Defensible and Detailed Records and Education and Training.

The chapter then discusses policies and procedures to help the cross-connection control administrator in the day-to-day operations of a cross-connection control program.
Chapters 6 and 7 include information on facilities and equipment to help the Specialist prepare for site surveys.

Chapter 8 contains samples and forms. This gives the Specialist examples of letters and forms that may be used in the cross-connection control program. Most of these samples and forms are available to download digitally with purchase of the Manual.

Chapter 9 covers the field test procedures. There are some changes to these procedures. As with the Ninth Edition, each step of the field test procedure is illustrated. Additionally, complete illustrated RP procedures are included for a five needle valve gauge, a three needle valve gauge and a two needle valve gauge. The double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker and spill resistant vacuum breaker include the five needle valve gauge format only. However, for those steps, where there is a difference in the procedure when a different style gauge is used, an inset is included showing how both the two needle valve gauge and the three needle valve gauge are to be attached.

Chapter 10 includes the standards for backflow prevention assemblies, but the point of most interest is the new standard for field test kits.

The instructional video demonstrates the field test procedures according to the Manual of Cross-Connection Control, Tenth Edition. Plus, with over two and a half hours of live action and computer animation sequences it is the most comprehensive instructional video the USC Foundation has ever released.

The new instructional video has been produced from the ground-up. The video has been entirely shot in high definition and new computer animation sequences have been created to help testers better understand the inner workings of the assemblies. New narration with alternating male and female voices helps keep the pace lively and fresh.

The new instructional video depicts the field test procedures and troubleshooting scenarios for the reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP), double check valve backflow prevention assembly (DC), pressure vacuum breaker assembly (PVB) and for the first time ever the spill-resistant pressure vacuum breaker assembly (SVB).

In addition, the new instructional video includes the complete field test procedures and troubleshooting scenarios for the RP using a 5, 2 and 3-needle valve field test kit. In the procedures for the DC, PVB and SVB the 5-needle valve test kit is used, but where an action on a 5-needle field test kit differs on a 2 and 3-needle valve field test kit, an inset depicts the step using a 2 and 3-needle valve field test kit.

Furthermore, the new instructional video includes subtitles in English and Spanish in order to make the instructional video accessible to a wider audience.
With a new menu structure in place, testers will be able to jump around between different field tests and troubleshooting scenarios at their own pace. For those testers who own a copy of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control, Tenth Edition, the new instructional video is an ideal companion.

The printed copy of the USC List contains all the information found on the electronic copy as of January 1, 2024.

The Foundation encourages all users to access the USC List online first, since the electronic copy of the List includes the latest additions. Users may access the List online via the Foundation website in Excel format, PDF format and using the mobile app.

The video explains how backflow can occur and how cross-connections can be controlled with various types of backflow prevention assemblies. It also discusses some of the aspects of an effective cross-connection control program. The 15-minute video is ideal as an introduction to cross-connection control for agency employees, city councils, students or the water consumer who may not understand the necessity for backflow protection on their premises.

The PowerPoint slides cover some basic hydraulics and definitions of the various terms such as backflow, backpressure, backsiphonage, cross-connection, etc. 

Graphics of each of the acceptable means of backflow prevention (the air-gap, the reduced pressure principle backflow assembly, the double check valve assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and the atmospheric vacuum breaker assembly) are shown rendered in 3-D for greater detail.  The proper applications of each of the backflow preventers are shown as related to the hydraulic condition of the installation and the degree of hazard.

The USC Glass Tap Water Bottle encourages every one to try tap water with its list of tap water facts in printed on the bottle. Constructed from single wall glass this elegant bottle includes an acrylic stopper that provides a leak free seal while maintaining an eye catching appearance.

Text on bottle reads:
Tap Water is more stringently regulated than bottled water.
Tap Water is tested more frequently than bottled water.
Tap Water is tested by certified analysts (not required for bottled water).
Tap Water is not delivered in plastic bottles that may release chemicals over time that may contaminate the water.
Tap Water sources are published and water quality reports issued annually (not required for bottled water).
For more information about the differences between tap water and bottled water, just google it.