What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system or consumer’s potable (i.e., drinking) water system and any source or system containing nonpotable water or other substances. An example is the piping between a public water system or consumer’s potable water system and an auxiliary water system, cooling system, or irrigation system.
Contaminants from cross-connected plumbing can backflow into drinking water supplies. A backflow is just what it sounds like: water is flowing in the opposite direction from its normal flow. Without proper protection, something as useful as a garden hose can contaminate the water supply inside your home. When you use a sprayer on the end of a hose, a change in water pressure could cause the water, and the chemicals, to flow in the opposite direction into your home. You can install simple, inexpensive devices on water taps to prevent backflow. To protect the water system from contamination, businesses and institutions that use hazardous materials are required to install backflow prevention devices. All irrigation systems must have backflow prevention devices in place.
A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system or consumer’s potable (i.e., drinking) water system and any source or system containing non-potable water or other substances. An example is the piping between a public water system or consumer’s potable water system and an auxiliary water system, cooling system, or irrigation system.
