What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection occurs when a pipe designed to carry safe drinking water is connected at some point to a pipe containing unsafe water or other liquid material. You may not think of your home as having such hazards, but if you have a hose that is submerged in any of the following, you've created a cross-connection:

  • Bathtub
  • Carwash Bucket
  • Contaminated Water in a Pool
  • Laundry Sink
  • Pesticide Sprayer Connected to a Garden Hose 

If a water main breaks, the potential exists for unsafe substances to be siphoned back into the water supply. This means that those mentioned could be drawn into the water system. Once there, the contamination could affect many.

Show All Answers

1. What is a cross-connection?
2. What is the Utility doing to prevent cross-connections?
3. Will my home be inspected?
4. What will the inspectors be looking for?
5. How will I know what is found during the inspection?
6. What can prevent cross-connections from occurring?
7. How will I know if the backflow preventer I'm installing is an approved device?
8. How quickly do I need to make the required change(s)?
9. What happens if a property owner doesn't make the necessary corrections or refuses to allow the inspector to check the plumbing?
10. What do I need to do after the corrections are made?
11. What is the cost to the property owner?