Cross Connection Control Program
Program Overview
The City of Plant City has operated a Cross-Connection Control Program since 1992. This program has been reviewed and approved by the Florida Department of Health-Hillsborough County and meets all requirements set forth in the State of Florida Administrative Code (FAC).
The primary mission of the program is to protect the public drinking water and reclaimed water distribution systems, the health, safety and welfare of customers who utilize the systems.
What Is A Cross-Connection?
A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system or consumer's potable (drinking) water system and any source or system containing non-potable water or other substances. Examples are:
- A garden hose when submerged in a bucket. Contaminated water could be drawn into the hose and back into the drinking water system.
- Pipes from an irrigation well connected to drinking water pipes on the property.
- Pipes in a factory containing chemicals mistakenly connected to drinking water pipes on-site.
Can A Cross-Connection Contaminate Drinking Water?
Cross-connections can present a potential health hazard. Cross-connections can result in the contamination of a drinking water system. Contaminated water can be forced back into a drinking water system in two ways:
- Back Pressure. Occurs when the non-potable water source pressure exceeds the potable water pressure.
- Back Siphonage. Occurs when the supply line pressure falls below atmospheric pressure (14.7 PSI-pounds per square inch).
In each case, a reversal of flow can occur and contaminants can be introduced into the drinking water system.
How Does The City Help Eliminate and Protect Against Cross-Connections?
- An on-going assessment program determines the level of protection which must be provided at any point of connection to the water distribution system.
- Installation of Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPA) at these points of connection where needed. A BPA is a mechanical device containing check valves which provide protection from back pressure and back siphonage.
- Over 1,800 BPAs have been installed in Plant City to-date and are tested and repaired annually.
- A routine monitoring and inspection program helps locate and eliminate potentially harm cross-connections and sources of possible contamination.
- Development and implementation of public awareness and education programs.
How Can I Help With Cross-Connections?
- Never submerge a hose in a bucket, pool, tub or sink.
- Install an approved backflow prevention device on all your hose bibs around your residence or business.
- Install an approved backflow prevention assembly on your irrigation system.
For additional information or questions, please contact the City of Plant City's Environmental Compliance Division, Cross-Connection Control Coordinator, 813-659-4298, Ext. 4901.
More Resources
The University of Florida, TREEO Center, also provides information on backflow prevention and cross-connection control. Please click on the below link:
http://www.treeo.ufl.edu/backflow/backflow-prevention-related-links/faq/
The Florida Department of Health-Hillsborough County also provides relevant information. The link to their web is below.
