The District goes to great lengths to ensure that the water delivered to our customers is of the highest quality. A vital link in this effort is the District’s Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Programs.

Water distribution systems are designed to flow in one direction from the main to the customer. When the direction of flow is reversed due to pressure differences, (such as fire fighting efforts, a water main break, or consumer high side pressure (pumped)), backflow can allow contaminants to enter the potable drinking water system through cross-connections. When this happens, any substance that may be in contact with the water supply main or line could be siphoned into the public water system.

Backflows due to cross-connections are serious plumbing problems; however, they can be avoided by using the proper protection devices.

Keeping Your Water Safe from Contamination

Without proper protection devices, something as useful as your garden hose has the potential to contaminate your home's water supply. In fact, over half of the nation's cross-connections involve unprotected garden hoses. Without a backflow prevention assembly between your hose and hose-bibb (spigot or outside faucet), the contents of the hose and anything it is connected to can backflow into the piping system and contaminate your drinking water. This hazardous situation sometimes can affect more than a single home. Each spigot at your home should have a hose-bibb vacuum breaker installed. This is a simple, inexpensive device which can be purchased at any plumbing or hardware store. Installation is as easy as attaching your garden hose to a spigot.

Frequently Asked Questions