Cross Connection Control Program
The purpose of a Cross Connection Control Program is to identify and evaluate cross connections in a public water system and implement the appropriate level of cross connection control to protect the potable water supply from contamination. The Connecticut Department of Public Health requires all public water systems to implement a Cross Connection Control program.
A cross connection is either a direct or indirect connection between a potable water system and a non-potable system. It can lead to contamination of a public water system if a backflow event occurs. Cross Connections can be found in any building with plumbing connected to the public water supply including residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial facilities.
- Some common residential cross connections include a garden hose submerged in a bucket or attached to a chemical sprayer and lawn irrigation systems.
- Some common institutional, commercial, and industrial cross connections include fire suppression systems, lawn irrigation systems, boilers, machinery requiring water, and water treatment systems.
Cross Connection Control is a two-step process.
Step one is a Cross Connection Inspection which is conducted by a certified employee of the Manchester Water and Sewer Department who is trained to identify cross connections and recommend the appropriate control measures.
The primary objective of a Cross Connection Inspection are:
- Identify potential cross-connections: Cross-connection inspectors identify all potential cross-connections in a water supply system, including both direct and indirect cross-connections.
- Evaluate risk of contamination: Once the potential cross-connections are identified, the inspectors evaluate the risk of contamination associated with each connection. This helps to prioritize the control measures that need to be implemented.
- Recommend appropriate control measures: Based on the risk assessment, the inspectors recommend appropriate control measures to prevent contamination. This may include installation of backflow prevention devices, regular testing and maintenance of backflow prevention devices, or changes to plumbing or water supply system design.
- Ensure compliance with regulations: Cross-connection inspections are typically required by law, and the inspectors ensure that the water supply system is in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Step two is the annual testing of testable backflow prevention devices. The testing is performed by a certified employee of the Manchester Water and Sewer Department for a fee of $65.00 per device with one retest. The owner is responsible for costs associated with installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of backflow prevention devices.
Overall, cross connection control is an essential aspect of protecting public health and ensuring that our water supply is safe to drink. By taking proactive measures to prevent cross connections, we can help to minimize the risk of contamination and keep our community healthy and safe.
For more information on Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention please contact the Manchester Cross Connection technician at 860-647-3118.
Relevant Documents
Overview-Manchesters-Cross-Connection-Control-Program.pdf(PDF, 723KB)
Testable-Backflow-Devices.pdf(PDF, 703KB)
Non-Testable-Backflow-Devices.pdf(PDF, 568KB)
List-of-Common-Equipment-and-Required-Devices.pdf(PDF, 419KB)
FAQ-for-Backflow-Testing.pdf(PDF, 419KB)
Backflow-Prevention-for-Irrigation-Systems.pdf(PDF, 230KB)
Residential-Cross-Connection-Brochure.pdf(PDF, 859KB)
CT-DPH-Cross-Connection-Control-Manual.pdf(PDF, 2MB)
CT DPH Drinking Water Section
CT DPH Drinking Water Section:
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (860) 509-7333
DWS Direct After Hours: (860) 692-2333
Fax Number: (860) 509-7359
Emergency Number: (860) 509-8000 24 Hour /7 Day (including holidays)
Mailing Address:
CT Department of Public Health
Drinking Water Section
410 Capitol Avenue
MS#12DWS
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308