Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program
The successful promotion of a cross-connection control and backflow prevention program in a municipality will be dependent upon legal authority to conduct such a program. Where a community has adopted a modern plumbing code, such as the National Plumbing Code, ASA A40.8-1955, or subsequent revisions thereof, provisions of the code will govern backflow and cross-connections. It then remains to provide an ordinance that will establish a program of inspection for an elimination of cross- and backflow connections within the community. Frequently authority for such a program may already be possessed by the water department or water authority. In such cases no further document may be needed. A cross-connection control ordinance should have at least three basic parts.
- Authority for establishment of a program.
- Technical provisions relating to eliminating backflow and crossconnections.
- Penalty provisions for violations.
The following model program is suggested for municipalities who desire to adopt a cross-connection control ordinance. Communities adopting ordinances should check with State health officials to assure conformance with State codes. The form of the ordinance should comply with local legal requirements and receive legal adoption from the community.