Cross Connections

To help prevent cross connections, federal and state laws require all water utilities to establish and implement “cross connection control“ programs. These cross connection control programs were developed to ensure clean and safe drinking water for communities.

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross connection may occur when a pipe designed to carry safe (potable) drinking water is connected at some point to a pipe containing unsafe (non-potable) water or other liquid material. In this scenario, the non-potable water or liquid then has the potential to siphon, or backflow into the potable system, causing a threat for contamination. A cross connection situation can happen in most any residential setting. It can be caused by the following typical instances:

• Having a hose that is submerged in a swimming pool.
• A carwash bucket, bathtub or laundry sink with a hose submerged or near the drain.
• A pesticide sprayer connected to a garden hose.

Minimizing the threat of a cross connection can help protect you, your family, and the community from a potential contamination.

How to Prevent Contamination of Your Drinking Water

You can prevent contamination of your drinking water by following these easy steps:

DON’T:

• Submerge hoses in buckets, pools, tubs, sinks, or ponds.
• Use spray attachments on garden hoses without a backflow prevention device on the hose.
• Connect waste pipes from water softeners or other treatment systems to the sewer or submerged (physical pipe connection) drain pipe.
• Use a hose to unplug blocked toilets or sewers.

DO:

• Keep the ends of hoses clear of all possible contaminants.
• If not already equipped with an integral (built-in) vacuum breaker/back flow preventer, buy and install a hose bibb type vacuum breaker on all threaded faucets around your home.
• Install an approved backflow prevention assembly on all underground irrigation systems. Remember, a plumbing permit is required for the connection of an underground lawn irrigation plumbing system.

For more information on residential cross connection hazards, download the informational brochure.