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Safe Drinking Water and Cross Connection Program

Safe, Clean, Drinking Water maintained with a Cross Connection Program

cross connection threat

What is a Cross-Connection Threat?

A cross connection is a permanent or temporary connection between potable drinking water and anything which can pollute or contaminate the water supply. For example, without backflow protection, attaching a fertilizer sprayer to a garden hose or even placing your hose in a soap bucket for car washing can create a cross connection and possible health hazards.

What can cause a backflow?

Backflow can be caused when an unforeseen change in water pressure allowing the water to flow backwards within the water supply piping system from a contaminated source to a drinking water supply. A drop in pressure could be caused by a variety of things, including a water main break, a power outage, or a main being shut down for maintnance or repair.

What is potable water?

Water which is safe for human consumption, free from harmful or objectionable materials, as described by the Health Authority.

What is non-potable fluid?

Any water, other liquid, gas, or other substance that is not safe for human consumption or is not a part of the public potable water supply as described by the Health Authority.

What is back-siphonage?

Back-siphonage is caused by negative pressure in the supply piping. Some common causes of back siphonage are:

  • High velocities in pipelines
  • Line repair or break that is lower than a service point
  • Lowered main pressure due to high water withdrawal rate, such as firefighting or water main flushing
  • Reduced supply pressure on the suction side of the booster pump

All potable water systems must be protected against back-siphonage and backflow with approved assemblies. There are numerous types of assemblies available to provide this type of protection. The state law governs the selection and minimum installation standards of assemblies. It is necessary to choose the proper backflow assembly for the use intended.

What is Backpressure Backflow?

Backpressure backflow also referred to as backpressure, is the reverse from normal flow direction within a piping system that is the result of the "downstream pressure" being higher than the supply pressure.