Cross Connections

A cross connection is a link between a building’s plumbing and the public water supply, potentially allowing contaminants to flow into the drinking water.

Backflow occurs when water flows backward from a building’s plumbing into the public water supply, often due to pressure changes like a water main break.

Types of Backflow:

• Backsiphonage: Caused by a drop in water pressure, creating a siphon that draws contaminants into the water system.
• Backpressure: Occurs when higher pressure from a source (like a boiler) pushes contaminated water into the public supply.

Common Causes:

• Pressure drops in the water supply system such as a water main break
• High-pressure fixtures like boilers or pumps
• Household sprinkling systems that contain pesticides, herbicides, bacteria, and other contaminants
• Garden hoses submerged in swimming pools, mud puddles, utility sinks, buckets, etc.

Backflow can introduce dangerous contaminants into the drinking water, posing serious health risks and potential damage.

Compliance with our backflow prevention program is mandatory. State and local codes require approved backflow prevention devices at all potable water connections. Non-compliance may result in fines or loss of water service.

To prevent backflow, consider installing prevention devices at your home or business.

Per our City Ordinance, which regulates our Backflow Prevention Program, our inspectors conduct survey inspections of the water system in a home or building with your supervision. This survey is needed to identify potential cross connection systems that require the installation of a Backflow Prevention Device.