Village of Tequesta, FL

Cross-Connection Control Program

Protecting Your Drinking Water

Safe water starts at home. That’s why Tequesta 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:

Protect your health and the safety of our shared water supply
Ensure compliance with state and local safety regulations
Prevent costly issues related to backflow incidents

A Community-Wide Project for Safety & Compliance

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires public water systems to implement a cross-connection control program addressing both commercial and residential service connections.

This page serves to assist Tequesta 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Backflow Preventer Testing: FAQ

What is cross-connection and what is a backflow prevention assembly?

A cross-connection is any actual or potential link between your clean drinking water and a source of contamination like a garden hose sitting in a bucket, a lawn irrigation system, or a boiler room. A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical device that stops water from flowing backward into your drinking water supply. It protects your home and the entire public water system from contamination.

Why do I need to test my backflow prevention assembly?

Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and can break down or fail over time. Just like a furnace or water heater, they require regular maintenance. Testing ensures the assembly is in proper working order.

How often should I test my backflow prevention assembly?

Testing frequency varies by system and local ordinance:

Most lawn irrigation assemblies must be tested every 5 years.
If you are injecting chemicals (e.g., fertilizers into your irrigation system), annual testing is required in most states.
Some commercial systems may require annual testing regardless of chemical use.

Always refer to your testing notice or call HydroCorp at 844-493-7641 for specific requirements.

Why doesn’t the village pay for the testing of my backflow preventer?

A lawn irrigation system and other auxiliary water uses are considered optional conveniences rather than required plumbing systems. Homeowners who choose to install these systems are responsible for confirming the proper backflow preventer is installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with state laws and regulations.

I just had an inspection. Why am I now being asked to test the device?

There are two separate but essential aspects of a cross-connection control program: on-site surveys and regular testing of backflow preventers. Inspections are visual surveys to identify whether backflow preventers are present and installed correctly. Testing is performed by a certified tester to verify mechanical performance of backflow prevention assemblies. An inspection ensures the device exists. A test ensures it works.

Are any older, legacy equipment “grandfathered” in?

No. “Grandfathering” is not permitted due to the high importance of maintaining drinking water safety. No exemptions are allowed based on the age or installation date of your backflow preventer. Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and can break down. Regular testing is required to ensure your device remains in proper working order and meets current code requirements.