A cross connection is a connection between the drinking water system and an actual or potential contaminate or pollutant.  A cross-connection can be a hose with a sprayer containing fertilizer, an irrigation system, a rainwater harvesting system, a ground water well, or a variety of household appliances that connect directly to the water system. 

Water flows into your house due to pressure within the water lines.  If a main line was to break or during fire-fighting activities, pressure within the lines can drop.  If the pressure drops low enough the water can be pulled out of homes, businesses, and even sprinkler systems. When water flows backwards in this manner it is called backflow and the water may now carry the fertilizers, pesticides, detergents, or other hazards found within a home or business.  There is a potential hazard of pulling these pollutants into the drinking water system.

Protecting Your Drinking Water

Preventing backflow is an important way the Public Works Department protects  your drinking water. 

To protect against and prevent backflow, the Public Works Department:

• Requires backflow prevention devices installed and tested on all new construction and irrigation systems.
• Enforces annual testing on all water connections classified as high-hazard for backflow, including:
  • Commercial Areas
  • Residential irrigation systems and homes with pressurized rainwater harvesting systems.

Backflow Inspection reports must be submitted online through SC Tracking.  

To find a service provider click here.

For more information call 512-891-9103.