Residential Cross Connection Control Program
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection or arrangement of piping through which water of questionable quality, wastes, or other contaminants could enter the potable water supply due to a reversal of flow.
What is the law?
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requires water utilities to have comprehensive cross connection control programs for the elimination and prevention of all cross connections. This is defined in Part 14 of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. Additionally, the MDEQ has published a Cross Connection Rules Manual which more fully explains Cross Connection Programs. Customers are required to maintain their water systems in a manner free of cross connections. If a backflow incident should occur resulting in contamination of the public water supply, the responsible owner or occupant could be held liable for damages.
What is being done to prevent Cross Connection?
Routine inspections of buildings are conducted by inspectors to identify cross connections. The following are some examples of when cross connections can exist:
- Hose Connections
- Lawn Irrigation Systems
- Toilet Fill Valves
- Chemical Aspirators
- Boilers
- Cooling Towers
- Swimming Pools
- Water Operated Sump Pumps
- Water Softeners
- Fire Sprinkler Systems
Lawn irrigation systems require backflow prevention devices to be installed at the point of connection to the potable water system. Periodic testing of these and other devices maybe required. The test must be done at least once every three (3) years by an individual who is recognized by ASSE to test backflow preventers. For additional information regarding backflow prevention devices click on "Lawn (Turf) Irrigation systems" below.
Residential Cross Connect Testing Program
Commercial customers have had a testing program in place for several years and Plainfield Township Water System implemented a residential lawn irrigation testing program in 2014 requiring testing every three (3) years. The water system has been split in three sections (click here for a map) for testing cycles.
Commercial Cross Connection InspectionsPlainfield Charter Township Water Department is conducting commercial cross connection inspections with our contractor, HydroCorp, Inc. Mr. Jerry Hoffman (pictured below) is the field service representative performing the individual inspections.
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