Does the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) require public water systems to establish backflow prevention and cross-connection control programs?

Does the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) require public water systems to establish backflow prevention and cross-connection control programs?

Does the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) require public water systems to establish backflow prevention and cross-connection control programs?

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The SDWA does not require public water systems to establish and maintain a backflow prevention or a cross-connection control program. However, since backflow contamination could be responsible for a water system’s failure to maintain SDWA standards, EPA has published the Cross-Connection Control Manual (EPA816-R-03-002; February 2003) to help systems identify scenarios that are susceptible to contamination. The manual also outlines several backflow prevention techniques. The manual and additional information is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/crossconnection.html.

Cross-Connection Control Resources

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Cross-connections, which are defined as actual or potential connections between a potable water supply and a non-potable source, where it is possible for a contaminant to enter the drinking water supply.  External contaminant introduction diminishes the water quality of drinking water distribution systems.  While there are cross-connection control programs in place in many locales, many others lack such programs.  There is evidence that inconsistent implementation of such control programs can result in public health risk (NRC, Drinking Water Distribution Systems: Assessing and Reducing Risks, 2006).  The problem is a dynamic one, because piping systems are continually being installed, altered, or extended.  Control of cross-connections can be achieved through thorough knowledge, vigilance and education.


Federal Advisory Committee Recommendations on Cross-Connection Control Information

In 2007 EPA established a committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to develop an agreement in principle regarding recommendations to EPA on revisions to the Total Coliform Rule and on what information about distribution systems is needed to better understand and address possible public health impacts from potential degradation of drinking water quality in distribution systems.  As part of the Agreement in Principle (September 2008), the Total Coliform Rule Distribution System Advisory Committee recommended that “EPA and primacy agencies reference and compile existing requirements, guidance, and other information on cross connection control practices from EPA, states, [American Water Works Association], and other relevant parties with the aim of having a single, complete resource library available to the public.”  EPA has compiled the information below to meet that recommendation.


EPA Cross-Connection Control Resources

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State Regulations

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ALABAMA
ALASKA
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UTAH
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VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN
WYOMING

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Industry Partners

AWWA – Statement of Policy on Public Water Supply Matters: Cross ConnectionsExit EPA Disclaimer

USC Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic ResearchExit EPA Disclaimer

American Backflow Prevention AssociationExit EPA Disclaimer

University of Florida Center for Training, Research and Education for Environmental OccupationsExit EPA Disclaimer

According to the Drinking Water Glossary: a Dictionary of Technical and Legal Terms Related to Drinking Water (EPA810-B-94-006, June 1994), cross-connection means “Any actual or potential connection between a drinking (potable) water system and an unapproved water supply or other source of contamination. For example, if you have a pump moving nonpotable water and hook into the drinking water system to supply water for the pump seal, a cross-connection or mixing between the two water systems can occur. This mixing may lead to contamination of the drinking water.”

Additonal information is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/crossconnectioncontrol

FREE ESTIMATES

Jacksonville       Duval County                 904-346-1266
St Augustine      St Johns County             904-824-7144
Orange Park       Clay County                   904-264-6444
Jacksonville Beaches    Duval County      904-246-3969
Fernandina          Nassau County               904-277-3040
Macclenny          Baker County                 904-259-5091
Palm Coast         Flagler County                386-439-5290
Daytona              Volusia County               386-253-4911

GAINESVILLE    ALACHUA COUNTY       352-335-8555
Serving all of Florida  and Georgia    at     904-346-1266

EMAIL LARRY@1STPROP.COM (feel free to email your bidding packages here)

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