WHAT THE LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS REQUIRE
What is a cross-connection control program and why do I need to implement one? This is a common question. Outlined below are the laws that establish and require the implementation of a cross-connection program for communities that have a potable water system.
Wisconsin has more public drinking water systems than anywhere else in the nation. Many small businesses, including hotels, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, are public water systems. These public water systems are essential for providing safe water to the citizens of the state. State and federal regulations are in place to help public water system owners and operators do just that, so they can provide this vital resource to their valued customers or employees and enjoy business success. (WI DNR)
WHAT THE STATE OF WISCONSIN LAW REQUIRES
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Cross connection control program. In order to protect the public water supply system, the water supplier for every municipal water system shall develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control program for the elimination of all existing unprotected cross-connections and prevention of all future un-protected cross connections to the last flowing tap or end-use device. The program may include providing public education materials in lieu of inspections of low hazard portions of residential or commercial facilities. Low hazard areas consist of normal kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The water supplier shall keep a current record of the cross connection control program available for annual review by the department. (NR 810.15(1))
The provisions of this section set forth the requirements for the protection of water within water supply systems when and where there is the possibility of contamination due to cross connections or backflow conditions.
The Department of Natural Resources governs the operation and design of community water systems and under s. NR 811.09 requires the supplier of water to develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control program. (SPS 382.41(1))
Cross-connections and interconnections. Unprotected cross-connections are prohibited. Cross-connections shall be protected as required in s. SPS 382.41. Water system interconnections are prohibited except as provided in s. NR 811.07.
WHAT THE FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES
Under the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, the Federal Government has established, through the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), national standards of safe drinking water. The states are responsible for the enforcement of these standards as well as the supervision of public water supply systems and the sources of drinking water. The water purveyor (supplier of water) is held responsible for compliance to the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act, to include a warranty that water quality provided by the water purveyor’s operation is in conformance with the EPA standards at the source, and is delivered to the customer without the quality being compromised as a result of its delivery through the distribution system. (EPA Manual)
The water purveyor shall assure that effective backflow prevention measures commensurate with the degree of hazard, are implemented to ensure continual protection of the water in the public water distribution system. Customers, together with other authorities are responsible for preventing contamination of the private plumbing system under their control and the associated protection of the public water system. (AWWA Policy)