Cross Connection Control Program
Working Together, We Are able to Ensure the Safest and Most Dependable Water for Our Community.
The goal of Metro Water Services’ water system is to provide safe water to each and every customer. The MWS Backflow and Cross-Connection Prevention Program is an important part of safe guarding the quality of our community’s water and is in compliance with federal, state, and local legislation and code.
Metro Water Services follows an approved cross-connection control plan.
As a MWS customer, YOU have the ultimate responsibility to protect our community’s drinking water from contamination. MWS requires regular testing of certain devices to prevent accidental contamination of our drinking water system by businesses and homes. Learn more about your responsibilities…
- Information for Business/Commercial Property Owners
- Information for Homeowners/Residents
- Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean I might be contaminating the water?
Have you ever submerged a garden hose in a bucket or swimming pool? Or have you left the hose in a puddle while the water was running? If so, you unknowingly created a potential cross-connection that could result in a dangerous backflow situation. While there have been no documented occurrences within the MWS water services area, there have been documented problems elsewhere. Read about backflow problems that have occurred in other communities.
A cross-connection occurs when possibly contaminated water is directly connected to, or has the potential to be connected to, our drinking water system. The most common cross-connection at homes occurs when a garden hose is submerged into a swimming pool or bucket. At a business, a cross-connection can occur when supply lines to boilers, coffee makers, and other equipment are not properly installed.
Remember, the water you protect could be your own!
Drinking water normally flows in one direction – from the meter to the home or business. Backflow is the reverse flow of contaminated water, or other liquid, into the drinking water supply. The potential exists, for example, for contaminated water from your swimming pool or irrigation system to be pulled back into the drinking water system if a drop in pressure were to occur on the main water line. A drop in pressure could result when a hydrant down the street is opened to fight a fire or if a water main break to occur. With a sudden drop in pressure, water could flow in reverse – bringing contaminated water from your pool or irrigation hoses, through your house or business, into the public drinking water supply. Learn more about backflow and its causes
It’s your responsibility to prevent backflow
A backflow device prevents contaminated water from flowing backwards into the drinking water system. In certain situations, MWS requires regular testing of backflow devices. Learn more about devices that need to be tested
Questions which are not addressed through this web site, please email Sonia Harvat.