Cross Connection Control

City of River Falls Cross Connection Control Program

The City of River Falls will be performing a Cross Connection Survey for all River Falls Municipal Utilities Water Customers starting January 2015. This survey required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will span over the next five years. River Falls Municipal Utilities will send further information on your upcoming survey as your inspection date gets closer.

Ordinance No. 2014-05 - Amending Chapter 13.16 of the City Code - Cross Connection Control. This ordinance amends the City’s Municipal Code allowing an implementation of a proactive cross connection program for the City of River Falls. The revised ordinance adopts the Wis. Adm. Code SPS 382 and NR 810. The full text of the ordinance, adoption of which is noticed above, may be viewed or obtained from the City Clerk, City of River Falls, 222 Lewis Street, River Falls, WI;
715-425-0900 or on the City’s website at Chapter 13.16 Cross Connection Control.

What is a Cross Connection

A cross connection may occur when a pipe designed to carry safe (potable) drinking water is connected at some point to a pipe containing unsafe (non-potable) water or other liquid material. In this scenario, the non-potable water or liquid then has the potential to siphon, or backflow into the potable system, causing a threat for contamination. A cross connection situation can happen in most any residential setting. It can be caused by the following typical instances:

• Having a hose that is submerged in a swimming pool.
• A carwash bucket, bathtub or laundry sink with a hose submerged or near the drain.
• A pesticide sprayer connected to a garden hose.

Minimizing the threat of a cross connection can help protect you, your family, and the community from a potential contamination.

How to Prevent Contamination of Your Drinking Water

You can prevent contamination of your drinking water by following these easy steps:

DON’T:

• Submerge hoses in buckets, pools, tubs, sinks, or ponds.
• Use spray attachments on garden hoses without a backflow prevention device on the hose.
• Connect waste pipes from water softeners or other treatment systems to the sewer or submerged (physical pipe connection) drain pipe.
• Use a hose to unplug blocked toilets or sewers.

DO:

• Keep the ends of hoses clear of all possible contaminants.
• If not already equipped with an integral (built-in) vacuum breaker/back flow preventer, buy and install a hose bibb type vacuum breaker on all threaded faucets around your home.
• Install an approved backflow prevention assembly on all underground irrigation systems. Remember, a plumbing permit is required for the connection of an underground lawn irrigation plumbing system.

Informational Brochure on Do it yourself Home Owners Guide for Inspecting Bathrooms and Kitchens