Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention devices stop the backflow of potentially contaminated water into the domestic water supply system. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) requires municipal water suppliers to develop, implement, and maintain a cross connection control program (CCC).  A cross connection is defined as any physical arrangement whereby a public water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any secondary water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device which contains or may contain water, contaminated liquid, or other waste of unknown or unsafe quality that could impart a contaminant or pollutant to the drinking water as a result of backflow caused by back pressure or back-siphonage.

Regulations governing cross connection control are contained in 170 IAC 6-1-20 and 327 IAC 8-10, which provide authority to, and require, public water purveyors to implement and monitor a CCC program. Town Ordinance No.  2021-01-19 adopting the Town of Hebron “Backflow Prevention Program” was approved on January 19, 2021. The Town of Hebron will administer a Backflow Prevention Program that follows the IDEM Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Manual, Indiana State Department of Health practices, and the Indiana Plumbing Code.

Lawn Irrigation/sprinkler systems

Irrigation  systems are required to have a properly working cross-connection control device/backflow device  installed. These devices restrict water flowing from the customer’s irrigation  system into the public water supply. Without this device, contamination from  the customer’s irrigation system could enter the customer’s service line and  the water main, contaminating the public water supply. Cross-connection  control devices must be tested every year. Devices installed on irrigation  systems must be tested when the system is activated for the sprinkling season.

Backflow Solutions Inc (BSI) 

The State of Indiana requires backflow prevention assemblies be installed on all hazardous cross-connections to help keep our water supply safe. These assemblies must be tested and certified every year to ensure that they are working properly.  The Town has partnered with Backflow Solutions, Inc (BSI) to assist in filing and maintaining an accurate record of these tests. All completed backflow prevention tests must be submitted to BSI through their website www.backflow.com