The Holland BPW operates a Cross Connection Control Program in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is when non-potable water comes in contact with the public water supply, thus contaminating the drinking water system. This could be through backsiphonage, back pressure or both.
Cross connections can be as simple as a faucet connected to a hose lying in a bucket of dirty water. Or, as complicated as a water pipe connected to a boiler that’s treated with chemicals. The law requires installation of backflow prevention devices wherever a cross connection exists on customers’ internal plumbing systems.
Under the law, it’s the customer’s responsibility to install and maintain backflow prevention devices. And, it’s the water utility’s responsibility to make sure its customers comply with these requirements.
Part 14 of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act, 1976 PA 399, as amended and the Water Supply Cross Connection Rules of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, R 325.11401 to R 325.11407 of the Michigan Administrative Code, contain the rules that public water systems must follow regarding cross connection control. Section 37-28 of the City of Holland Code of Ordinances charges the Holland BPW with determining the presence of cross-connections in the municipal water system.
The Holland BPW Cross Connection Control Program is operated and maintained by the Utility Services Department. The Holland BPW inspects premises in the City of Holland and portions of Park, Holland and Laketown Townships based on the potential hazard of the cross connection. Also, select backflow prevention assemblies must be tested and reported to the Holland BPW.
Lawn irrigation systems require backflow prevention devices to be installed at the point of connection to the potable water system. Periodic testing of these and other devices may be required. Testing must be administered by an individual who has obtained a cross connection control “Certificate of Award” from the Michigan Plumbing board. For help locating a qualified tester, click on the following Link: Michigan State Qualified Tester.
The following links should address any and all questions and concerns surrounding cross connection control. Please call 616.355.1564 or email waterengineer@hollandbpw.com if you have questions or concerns.
Additional Resources
2008 Michigan Cross Connection Rules Manual
FEBCO Cross Connection Control Handbook
American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)