Cross-Connection Control Program

Residential Cross-Connection Control and Water Meter Replacement

Ensuring Clean, Safe Drinking Water and Regulatory Compliance is McFarland's top priority.

The Village of McFarland Water Utility provides safe, clean drinking water to a population of approximately 8,700 people. Wisconsin DNR 810.15 Code requires all public water systems maintain a comprehensive Cross-Connection Control Program. One component of this mandated program is visual onsite surveys/inspections for potential hazards connected to the public drinking water system known as “Cross-Connections”.

HydroCorp of Troy, MI will be conducting residential Cross-Connection Control Surveys and will also be completing a Water Meter Replacement Program simultaneously. A dual-purpose project eliminates the need to repeat requests for residential access and onsite visits and can usually be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Residential CCC
Information Brochure
Keeping Wisconsin's
Drinking Water Safe Brochure

An Important Community-Wide Safety Project

The implementation of Cross-Connection Control Programs by Public Water Systems for water connections at both commercial and residential facilities is required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 

This web page serves to assist McFarland Water Customers with their participation in this important safety program. McFarland has selected HydroCorp to assist with Coordination, Site Visits, Data/Compliance Management, and Water Meter Replacement. Replacement of the water meter is free and will lead to more accurate billing.

water customers can call or make own appointments online.

HydroCorp sends postal letter with instructions to set appointment

HydroCorp hired by local water utility to replace water meters.

step4-watercustomer-InfoGraphic_Residential CCC Process-hero

Appointmnet confirmed typical site visit is 30 minutes or less.

Cross Connection Surveyor with I.D. and conducts survey/inspection with permission by owner/occupant.

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.

HydroCorp hired by local water utility to replace water meters.

HydroCorp sends postal letter with instructions to set appointment

water customers can call or make own appointments online.

Appointmnet confirmed typical site visit is 30 minutes or less.

Cross Connection Surveyor with I.D. and conducts survey/inspection with permission by owner/occupant.

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.

RESIDENTIAL WATER CUSTOMERS

Meter Replacement, Cross-Connection, and Backflow FAQ

PART I: WATER METER REPLACEMENT

No. These upgrades are free.

Yes.

The water meter replacement typically takes less than 45 minutes.

Yes. Someone over the age of 18 must be home when a HydroCorp meter technician arrives.

Yes. They will always carry photo identification and a tablet device to record information about the meter replacement process.

It is highly recommended that property owners check their existing shutoff valve for proper operation. If the valve is not functioning properly, repairs should be made prior to the installation. If an old or damaged shutoff valve is broken during meter replacement, repairs are the homeowner’s responsibility, not the contractor.

All residential buildings must schedule an appointment after they receive postal notification from HydroCorp to do so by following the instructions within the postal notice sent to each service connection address.

You must make sure that the HydroCorp meter technician will have access to your water meter. This is typically located in your basement, crawlspace, or mechanical room. A minimum of 3 ft surrounding the water meter must be accessible. 

Potentially. As part of the Cross-Connection Control Program Safety Inspection conducting during the meter replacement, any corrective action to resolve unsafe cross-connections is the responsibility of the building owner. After the site visit, HydroCorp will notify the building owner of any required corrective action and instructions. The HydroCorp meter technician will send the recorded information about your meter replacement to your municipality upon the completion of the replacement.

PART II: CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL INSPECTIONS/SURVEYS

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 McFarland 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.) and in the basement of your home (wash tubs, restroom fixtures, interior hose connections, 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.

McFarland 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. Therefore, the McFarland program is a 6-year program where all homes will receive the first inspection in any 1 year from 2021 thru 2026.

An average inspection normally takes from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your home/property.

Interior Inspections: YES – if you received a letter informing you to call and arrange for an appointment, someone over 18 must be home to allow our inspector to enter the home and complete the inspection. Water Customers can visit the www.watercustomer.com OR call toll free HydroCorp Hot-line (844) 493-7641.

Yes. We just need a name and number so that the inspector can contact you to set up a time that is convenient for you.

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.

PART III: BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTING

The property owner is responsible for all associated fees and coordination necessary for a Certified Tester to test the backflow prevention assembly. If you are a renter, check with your landlord to determine who will be responsible for the testing of the backflow prevention assembly.

Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and do break down from time to time. Regular testing is required in order to ensure that your device remains in proper working order.

McFarland’s Cross-Connection Control Program requires a minimum testing frequency of every 3 years for irrigation system backflow prevention assemblies. If you are injecting chemicals into your lawn irrigation system, state regulations and plumbing codes require the backflow preventer to be tested on an annual basis.

“Grandfathering” is not typically permitted due to the high importance of maintaining drinking water safety. Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and do break down from time to time. Regular testing is required in order to ensure that your device remains in proper working order.

PART IV: GENERAL RESOURCES

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

Commercial Facility Water Customers

Cross-Connection and Backflow FAQ

PART I: INSPECTIONS / SURVEYS

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 McFarland to assist with their Cross-connection Control (CCC) Program. The CCC program includes two parts: On site inspections and testing of backflow prevention assemblies. The HydroCorp inspector will be conducting a visual inspection of the water uses outside of your facility (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. If your water provider requires an inspector to enter your facility to evaluate other cross-connection and plumbing hazards inside your residence, you will be notified and instructed to schedule an appointment for your inspection.

Hose Connection Vacuum Breaker Video

Residential Cross-Connection Control Survey | Exterior from HydroCorp on Vimeo.

McFarland has had a CCC program for 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 now required to be inspected for cross-connections. Initial residential inspections will occur from June 2021 through 2026. 

An average inspection normally takes from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your facility/property.

If you received a letter informing you/the facility of an upcoming cross-connection inspection, please arrange for the appropriate manager/person is aware of the planned inspection. Access will be necessary for the inspector to visually observe all exposed hot/cold potable water plumbing connections.

Yes. We just need a name and number so that the inspector can contact you to set up a time that is convenient for you.

If you are the owner of the facility 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.

PART II: BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTING

Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and do break down from time to time. Regular testing is required in order to ensure that your device remains in proper working order.

As required by Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code, backflow Prevention assemblies connected to Non-Residential plumbing shall be tested annually by an ASSE Certified Tester. If you are injecting chemicals into your lawn irrigation system, state regulations and plumbing codes require the backflow preventer to be tested on an annual basis.

There are two parts to the Cross-connection Control Program. The first is an on site inspection by a cross-connection control inspector to ensure that the proper backflow prevention devices and assemblies are in place to protect your drinking water. Some of the assemblies the inspector finds or asks you to install are testable assemblies, which are mechanical and can malfunction. The testing notice refers to testing the operation of these backflow prevention assemblies. These tests must be performed by a certified tester.

“Grandfathering” is not typically permitted due to the high importance of maintaining drinking water safety. Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and do break down from time to time. Regular testing is required in order to ensure that your device remains in proper working order.

PART III: GENERAL RESOURCES

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

Additional Resources

Wisconsin Regulations and Related Code

Cross-Connection Program Resources

Cross-Connection Incidents

Search for Backflow Tester

5700 Crooks Road, Suite 100
Troy, MI 48098
(844) 493-7641

www.hydrocorpinc.com