Cross Connection Control
Cross Connection occurs when water from the public system comes
in physical contact with a potential source of contamination. One
example of cross connection is putting a water hose directly into swimming pool water that
is treated with chemicals. Another example is using a fertilizer spray attachment
on your irrigation system without a backflow prevention device.
Backflow can cause serious problems. Normally, water systems rely on pressure to keep water flowing through pipes in the proper direction. However, when something causes a drop in water pressure, it can cause water to flow in the reverse direction. While backflow may not be considered an everyday occurrence, the potential is always there. Pressure drops that cause backflow can happen for a variety of reasons such as unusually high water use or a break in a main water line. Even firefighters using a hydrant can cause backflow to occur.
