For years, Detroit has complied with a regulatory water safety compliance program known as cross-connection control.
Until recently, this state-mandated program focused on non-residential (commercial) water service connections and on-site visual inspections (coordinated and performed by HydroCorp of Troy, MI) to identify potentially harmful interconnections to the Detroit Public Water Supply.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) now requires public water systems to implement a cross-connection control program addressing residential service connections.
This page serves to assist Detroit water customers with their participation in this important program. The city has selected HydroCorp to assist with coordination, site visits, and data and compliance management.
Water Customers can schedule their inspection online OR call toll free HydroCorp Hot-line (844) 493-7641
As scheduled, a surveyor will arrive with I.D., wearing a HydroCorp shirt. The surveyor will conduct an exterior and interior inspection, documenting any issues and potential corrective actions. Before leaving, the surveyor will explain next steps to the property owner. Instructions are also mailed to the owner with a compliance due date.
HydroCorp sends postal letter with instructions to set appointment.
Water customer/property owner contacts HydroCorp when corrections are made and schedules an on-site compliance inspection.
Hydrocorp sends postal letter with instructions to set appointment.
Water Customers can visit the website
OR call toll free HydroCorp Hot-line
at
844-493-7641
Cross-Connection Surveyor arrives with I.D. and conducts exterior inspection. Surveyor documents existing and any potential corrective actions, explains next step responsibilities to owner. Corrective actions instructions are also mailed via postal to building owner with compliance due date.
Water Customer/Owner contacts Hydrocorp when corrections are made and onsite compliance inspection is scheduled.
A cross-connection is an actual or potential connection between the safe drinking water (potable) supply and a source of contamination or pollution. State plumbing codes require approved backflow prevention methods to be installed at every point of potable water connection and use. Cross-Connections must be properly protected or eliminated.
HydroCorp has been contracted by Detroit to assist with the Cross-connection Control (CCC) Program. The CCC program includes two parts: On-site inspections and testing of existing backflow prevention assemblies. The HydroCorp inspector will be conducting a visual inspection of the water uses outside of your home (outside spigots, lawn irrigation system, secondary sources of water, pools, etc.) to identify cross-connections that could possibly contaminate your drinking water or the public water supply.
Hose Connection Vacuum Breaker
Residential Cross-Connection Control Survey | Exterior from HydroCorp on Vimeo.
Detroit has had a CCC program for a number of years, which began with inspections of all of the commercial and industrial accounts. As a natural progression of our program we are now inspecting residential customers as required by the State.
All water customers (residential and nonresidential) connected to the public water supply are required to be inspected for cross-connections. Due to the total number of homes that shall be inspected, not all inspections can be completed in 1 year.
An average inspection normally takes from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your home/property.
Yes. HydroCorp will be entering your home to conduct an interior inspection. The property owner or a designated representative 18 years or older must be present.
Yes. Follow the instructions on your postal notice to schedule your inspection.
If you are the owner of the home being inspected, you are responsible for any needed repairs. Renters may have to refer to their lease agreements in order to determine whether they are responsible for repairs.
All HydroCorp inspectors wear photo ID badges during inspections and are prepared to provide appropriate documentation verifying their identities.
Yes. These inspections are conducted in order to ensure compliance with state regulations to maintain the safety of your drinking water.
Penalties for refusing to cooperate with inspections and/or refusing to make needed repairs are determined by your local water utility. These typically can include termination of water service, a fine, or both.
The anti-siphon fill valve device is located in the tank of your toilet. This device has a dual purpose: To fill the toilet and prevent backflow. This device must be placed at the proper height in order to insure that water from your toilet does not backflow into your drinking water. Proper placement is typically done during the installation process but can be easily overlooked. This device must be raised or the overflow pipe must be cut down in order to achieve a 1” air gap separation between the “critical level” of the assembly.
Click here to see an installation diagram.
Click here for 3 minute video overview.
Residential Cross-Connection Control Survey | Exterior from HydroCorp on Vimeo.
Example: Hose connection vacuum breakers |
Example: Integrated vacuum breaker on outside hose spigot. |
 Example: Hose end in bucket |  Example: Hose end in pool |
 |
Vacuum breaker should not be subject to continuous pressure like the example here illustrates. (This type of irrigation set up/system would need to be corrected.) |
These require periodic performance testing by a Certified Tester.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly |
Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly |
The anti-siphon fill valve device is located in the tank of your toilet. This device has a dual purpose: To fill the toilet and prevent backflow. This device must be placed at the proper height in order to insure that water from your toilet does not backflow into your drinking water. Proper placement is typically done during the installation process but can be easily overlooked. This device must be raised or the overflow pipe must be cut down in order to achieve a 1” air gap separation between the “critical level” of the assembly.
Click here to see an installation diagram.
Click here for 3 minute video overview.
 Example: Hose connection vacuum breakers |  Example: Integrated vacuum breaker on outside hose spigot. |
Example: Hose end in bucket | Example: Hose end in pool |
|
Vacuum breaker should not be subject to continuous pressure like the example here illustrates. (This type of irrigation set up/system would need to be corrected.) |
These require periodic performance testing by a Certified Tester.
 Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly |  Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly |
