Cross-Connection Control Program

Cross-Connection Control Program

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

For years, Trenton has complied with an important Regulatory Water Safety Compliance Program known as Cross-Connection Control.

This state mandated program focuses on non-residential (commercial) water service connections and on-site visual inspections to identify potentially harmful interconnections to the Trenton Public Water Supply

This web page serves to assist Trenton Customers with their participation in this important safety program. The town has selected HydroCorp to assist with Coordination, Site Visits, and Data/Compliance Management.

Commercial FAQs

An Important Community-Wide Safety Project

The New Jersey Administrative Code (7:10) requires cross-connection control efforts to secure public water systems. Cross-connection control focuses on eliminating or protecting hazardous interconnections in the public water supply system which, in the event of a backflow incident, could inject pollutants and contaminants in the drinking water.

HydroCorp sends postal notice of upcoming Cross-Connection Inspection. Toll-Free hotline number provided for FAQ.

HydroCorp hired by local water purveyor to assist with CCC Program.

Facility owners have the option to coordinate the date of onsite inspection by HydroCorp.

Cross-Connection Surveyor arrives 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 purveyor to assist with CCC Program.

HydroCorp sends postal notice of upcoming Cross-Connection Inspection. Toll-Free hotline number provided for FAQ.

Facility owners have the option to coordinate the date of onsite inspection by HydroCorp.

Cross-Connection Surveyor arrives 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.

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 eliminate

HydroCorp has been contracted by Trenton 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 conduct a visual inspection of your potable water system to ensure proper backflow protection exists and will require access to the water meter, fire protection service inlet, lawn irrigation and any other area where backflow could occur, which may include areas inside the building.

Hose Connection Vacuum Breaker Video

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

Trenton has had a CCC program for years, which began with inspections of all of the commercial and industrial accounts. Trenton has been conducting the inspections in the past however, Trenton will be utilizing HydroCorp to perform these site surveys beginning July 1, 2025.

All commercial water customers connected to the public water supply are required to be inspected for cross-connections. Trenton’s Cross Connection Control program is a 5-year program where all commercial properties will receive the first inspection in any 1 year from 2025 through 2029.

Depending on the size of your facility/property, the inspection time could range from 10 minutes to an hour.

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 Beverly.  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.

Backflow Prevention Assemblies connected to public water system plumbing are required by the State of New Jersey to be tested annually by a certified tester.

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. Annual testing is required in order to ensure that your device remains in proper working order. If after a failed test, the device cannot be repaired and pass testing, the device must be replaced with a new backflow prevention assembly meeting current standards.

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 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