Is your water safe to drink?
The Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources requires all water suppliers to deliver safe drinking water to the consumer. However, many consumers are not aware that the water that flows through the distribution system could possibly become contaminated. This occurs when a water supply line is connected to equipment containing substance that is unfit to drink. Simply put, a garden hose submerged in cleaning solution could cause contamination. This it what's known as Cross-Connection.

Water distribution systems are designed with the intention of the water flowing in a certain direction - from the distribution system to the consumer. However, hydraulic conditions within the system can fluctuate, causing the water to flow in the opposite direction. This is called Backflow, which can occur in two ways:

The Public Works Commission is required to have a Cross Connection Control Program because of the potential dangers of backflow. To control cross connections, a mechanical device known as a Backflow Prevention Assembly has been designed to prevent contaminated water from re-entering the distribution system. All commercial service water lines, lawn irrigation taps, and fire line taps are required to have these valves installed.

Many times we are not aware that cross connections exist, so it is important that customers work closely with the water supplier to eliminate the threat of cross connections.
Homeowners can do this by assuring that garden hoses are not submerged in any liquids, like swimming pools or other outside containers, that are unsafe to drink. Do not use aspirators! Make sure if you have an irrigation system, that a backflow prevention assembly is installed on the water line prior to any use.

Businesses can be more complex. In addition to the precautions previously listed for homeowners, it is also important to be aware of machinery or anything within the facility that could cause backflow. Check all outside and inside garden hoses to see that they are not submerged in any unsafe solutions. Make sure you have a backflow prevention assembly on the domestic water line prior to any water usage.

At PWC, our customers are important. By providing an effective Cross Connection Control Program, we can ensure that safe drinking water is delivered to our customers, and that it stays that way!