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Cross-Connection Control

What is a Cross-Connection?

• A connection (direct or indirect) between potable (i.e. drinking) water and non-potable water or other substances.

  • For example, a drinking water main interconnected with a reclaimed water line,

  • or a garden hose submerged in a container of dirty water.

• These connections allow for potentially harmful contamination of public water systems.  Contamination is possible when one of the following occur:

  • Backpressure Backflow - Backflow caused by a downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a public water system.  Reductions in potable water supply pressure occur whenever the amount of water being used exceeds the amount of water being supplied, such as during water line flushing, fire fighting, or breaks in water mains.

  • Backsiphonage Backflow - Backflow caused by a negative pressure (i.e., a vacuum or partial vacuum) in a public water system. The effect is similar to drinking water through a straw. Backsiphonage can occur when there is a stoppage of water supply due to nearby fire fighting, a break in a water main, etc.

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Why Should I be Concerned?

• There can be many hazards present in a water distribution system.  These hazards are categorized as either high or low.

  • High Hazards – any substance that, if introduced to the public water system could cause illness, death, or spread diseases.  Examples include industrial fluids or waste.

  • Low Hazards – any substance that, if introduced to the public water system  that would not be a health hazard but would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable.   Examples include pollutants which would affect the color or odor of the water.

How Can I Prevent Cross-Connections?

• Through the inspection of a water distribution system and regular testing of backflow prevention assemblies.

• Accomplished by establishing and implementing a Department-approved Cross-Connection Control Program (CCCP). 

  • These elements [word format 44 kb] must be included in every CCCP. 

• Based on the level of risk that a service connection poses to the water system, a backflow prevention device or assembly may be required. 

Cross-Connection Control Program (CCCP) Templates

• The following templates are approved by the Department to assist systems in establishing a CCCP.  It is not mandatory that these specific templates are used

  • Systems supplying water to privately owned premises (the homeowner is also the land owner). [word format  97 kb]

  • Systems supplying water to non privately owned premises (the homeowner is not the land owner). [word format 87 kb]

  • Free Word viewer is available from Microsoft.com

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  For Additional Assistance:

• Please contact Manuel Cardona by e-mail using Manuel.Cardona@dep.state.fl.us or by phone at 407-897-4134.

 

Drinking Water Contacts:   Field Compliance -- In House Compliance -- Permitting

Central District

Drinking Water Section

3319 Maguire Blvd., Suite 232

Orlando, Florida 32803-3767

 

Compliance Fax: 407-897-4189

 

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