Cross Connection Backflow
District 17 spends thousands of dollars each year to insure the safety of our drinking water.
A vital link in this effort is the Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program which includes requiring
backflow prevention on all irrigation systems.
Water distribution systems are designed so that water flows in one direction from the
treatment plant to the customers.
Cross-Connections are any unprotected actual or potential connections between a public or a
consumer's potable water system and any other source through which it is possible to introduce into the potable
system any used water or substance other than the intended potable water. Bypass arrangements, jumper
connections or any other temporary or permanent connections through which backflow can occur are considered to
be cross-connections, and are illegal.
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids
into the distribution pipes of the potable supply of water from any source.
Federal and state laws require water systems to protect their system from cross-connections
and backflow. To do this, we work closely with consumers, architects, contractors and engineers to insure that
all those who are required to comply with cross-connection control and/or backflow prevention requirements. If
you know you need a backflow prevention assembly installed or tested, contact the District
office for a list of approved backflow testers. Also see
cross-connection testing and certification requirements and
double check valve backflow prevention assembly for more information.