Cross Connection Survey
** Gee Inspections is City & State Compliant**
A cross connection survey is a systematic inspection of the plumbing system within a property to identify actual or potential connections between the potable (drinking) water supply and any non-potable source. The goal is to prevent backflow, which is the undesirable reversal of water flow that could allow contaminants or pollutants to enter the safe drinking water system.
Think of it like this: water should only flow in one direction – from the city's water mains into your property and out through your faucets and drains. A cross connection creates a pathway where, under certain pressure conditions, non-potable substances could flow backward into the drinking water supply, posing a health risk.
Importance of Cross Connection Surveys:
Protect Public Health: The primary reason for these surveys is to safeguard the quality and safety of the public drinking water supply. By identifying and eliminating or properly protecting cross connections, the risk of waterborne illnesses and contamination is significantly reduced for everyone connected to the water system in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
Prevent Property Damage: Backflow incidents can also cause damage to a property's plumbing system and fixtures if contaminated water backs up into them.
Comply with Regulations: In many places, including likely in Wisconsin due to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations (NR 811.09), cross connection control programs are mandated for industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities. Some municipalities, like Kenosha and Madison in Wisconsin, also extend these surveys to residential properties.
Ensure Water System Integrity: Maintaining the unidirectional flow of water is crucial for the overall integrity and efficiency of the water distribution system.
Identify Potential Hazards: Surveys can uncover unexpected or improperly installed connections that could pose a risk. Common examples include garden hoses connected to chemical sprayers, industrial processes using non-potable water, and even some plumbing fixtures if not installed with proper backflow prevention.