Cross Connection Control Program

What Is Cross Connection?

A cross connection occurs when an unapproved source of water is connected to the Public Water Supply, whether intentionally or not. If this happens your drinking water or the public water supply can become contaminated.

This contamination can occur when the public water supply has a momentary loss of pressure which can create a back-siphon effect or the customer's private water system creates a higher pressure than the public water supply, known as back pressure.

The Cross Connection Control Ordinance, adopted in 2001 and amended in 2011, was developed to prevent these types of events from occurring. The ordinance is in compliance with all state (15A NCAC 18C and 18D.0206), Federal (Safe Drinking Water Act P.L. 93-523 of 1974), and North Carolina Plumbing Code (Volume II) mandates concerning backflow prevention.

• Lincoln County Cross Connection Control Ordinance
• NC Statute Requiring Separate Water Meters on Irrigation Systems
• Applicable Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Guidelines

Why is This Important?

Having safe drinking water is paramount in the prevention of disease and illness. Lincoln County Public Works is diligent in its efforts to ensure the potable water supply is safe for all it's customers by testing both the water source (Lake Norman) and the potable water system.

The consumer has the primary responsibility of preventing pollutants and contaminants from entering the potable water supply through their privately owned plumbing system. The responsibility of each homeowner, commercial, and industrial user begins at the point of connection and continues throughout the entire facility or home.

The key to protecting your safety is having the proper backflow measures in place and making sure backflow devices are regularly maintained as required.

Who needs a Backflow Prevention Device?

Most industrial, commercial, and irrigation customers are required to install, maintain, and test backflow prevention devices as directed by the Water Authority (Lincoln County).

Moderate Hazard

Most commercial establishments, bakeries, automotive service stations, tanks that handle non-toxic substances, beauty shops, etc. are required to install a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA).

Severe Hazard

Lawn sprinkler systems, wastewater treatment plants, hospitals, swimming pools, car wash facilities, laundries, chemical processing plants, etc. are required to install a Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ).

What do you need to do?

If your service falls under the Cross Connection Program,, you will be contacted in writing by Lincoln County Public Utilities as to steps you must take. You may be required to install one of more devices, correct an existing cross connection, or test an existing device.

Once you are notified that your service connection falls under the Cross Connection Program, it will be your responsibility to maintain your device and test it in accordance with the schedule provided by Public Utilities

• Tester Corner

Completed test results can be emailed to bsionline@backflow.com

It is the responsibility of the customer to make sure that BSI receives a copy of all backflow test results.