Safe water starts at home. That’s why Verona is conducting a cross-connection control program to protect the community’s drinking water from potential contamination. Cross-connection control programs, mandated by the state, include two key activities: on-site inspections and testing of backflow preventers.
Your utility’s cross-connection control program seeks to identify and eliminate cross-connections to:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires public water systems to implement a cross-connection control program addressing both commercial and residential service connections.
This page serves to assist Verona water customers with their participation in this important program. HydroCorp, a nationally trusted water safety and compliance expert, has been contracted to perform these inspections on behalf of your utility.
NOTE: Only interior surveys require an appointment; confirm your property’s requirements in the notice you received in the mail.
HydroCorp has been contracted by your public water utility to assist with its cross-connection control program. This includes inspecting both interior and exterior plumbing systems at residential properties.
The purpose of the interior inspection is to identify potential cross-connections – points where non-potable (potentially contaminated) water could enter your home’s clean drinking water supply. These hazards may exist in:
These inspections help ensure the right backflow prevention devices are in place, which is crucial for protecting public health.
No. The inspection itself is provided at no cost to you as part of your water utility’s compliance program. However, any repairs, replacements, or new device installations required under state regulations or local ordinance are the homeowner’s responsibility.
Many water utilities expand their cross-connection control programs to include residential properties in alignment with state regulatory requirements and public health guidelines. While specific requirements vary by state and municipality, these inspections are a proactive step to ensure your home’s plumbing is not creating a risk to the public water system.
Even if your plumbing hasn’t changed, evolving safety standards and increased attention to community water protection make these inspections a valuable and necessary part of keeping everyone’s drinking water safe.
All customers connected to the public water supply will be inspected for cross-connections, but not all inspections can be conducted in a single year. Most programs strive to ensure all customers receive an initial inspection over the first several years of program implementation.
An average inspection normally takes from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your home or property.
The HydroCorp inspector will:
Typically, the inspector will need access to your water meter and utility room, often located in the basement of your home, as well as exterior water uses on your property. Depending on state regulations, the inspector may need to conduct a whole-home survey.
Yes. Because HydroCorp inspectors will be entering your home, a property owner or adult 18 years or older must be present for the duration of the visit. Appointments are scheduled in time blocks. The homeowner representative will need to be available throughout the designated time slot. If no one is available during your scheduled time, you’ll need to reschedule by calling 844-493-7641 or contacting us. Missed appointments may result in a rescheduling fee.
Yes. Schedule your inspection online using the link below or call 844-493-7641.
In advance of your inspection,
If the inspector identifies any issues, such as a missing or non-compliant backflow preventer, you will receive a notice with instructions. You are responsible for all corrective measures; a licensed plumber can assist with correcting the issue and apply for any permits if required. Your water utility and HydroCorp can help explain what is needed and provide resources. Any costs associated with the replacement, modification, installation, or testing of backflow preventers are the responsibility of the homeowner. Renters may have to refer to their lease agreements to determine whether they are responsible for repairs.
Yes. All HydroCorp inspectors wear clothing with the HydroCorp logo and carry photo ID badges during inspections; they are always prepared to provide appropriate documentation verifying their identities.
Yes. These inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with state regulations and local ordinances, and to maintain the safety of your drinking water.
Penalties for refusing to cooperate with inspections or refusing to make needed repairs are determined by your local water utility. These typically include termination of water service, a fine, or both as outlined in your local ordinance.
There are two separate but essential components of a cross-connection control program: Testing of backflow prevention assemblies and on-site inspections. Testing checks the functionality of existing backflow prevention devices. Inspections confirm that proper protection exists in all the right places and that nothing new has been installed without safeguards. Even if your backflow preventer passed testing, the inspection may uncover other unprotected risks that need attention.
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to have backflow prevention assemblies tested periodically by a certified tester. Your water utility is responsible for the inspection portion of the program.