Cross Connection Control

The City Water Utility routinely checks municipal water to ensure it is safe for potable use. In accordance with the City’s “cross connection control program” (Municipal Code Chapter 13.12.030 C) as mandated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR 810.15 Chapter-Comm. 81, 82, 84), the Utility will be providing periodic inspections for "cross connections" of the water supply. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any connections or potential connections of contaminant sources with the water system in your home. While occurrences of this are infrequent, the inspection provides that extra step beyond monitoring the water in the public system for safety.

Inspections of residential properties are scheduled to occur in conjunction with any water meter maintenance or replacement appointments. The inspection is performed by Water Utility personnel and usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes of time. The most typical example of a potential "cross connection" is the outside hose spigot that does not contain a backflow prevention device on it. Newer homes will normally include backflow devices on the outside water spigots. Homes constructed before 1980 may need to install these backflow devices in order to comply with the City’s "cross connection control ordinance".

Cross connection control inspections are also a DNR requirement for commercial and industrial properties in the City and are scheduled to occur every two years.