The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires that the water purveyor hold the primary responsibility for preventing water from unapproved sources, or any other substances, from entering the potable, public water system. This intent is further clarified in the Massachusetts DEP Cross-Connection Control Program Regulations, 310 CMR 22.22. In addition, authority arises from the rules and regulations published by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gasfitters, 248 CMR 176, sub-section 10.14.
What is Cross Connection and Backflow?
- Cross-connection – Any actual or potential connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution. A cross-connection is when a non-potable substance comes into contact with the potable drinking water supply.
- Backflow – The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable water supply from any source or sources other than its intended source. Backsiphonage is one type of backflow.