Backflow and Cross-Connection

EMWD works diligently to deliver safe and reliable drinking water to its customers. This effort begins with protecting our water supply sources, such as groundwater wells, and continues through the entire treatment and distribution process until the water reaches the meter. However, some hazardous conditions may exist on customer properties, which risk that safe drinking water supply.

Water systems are designed to have higher pressure than a customer’s system to keep water flowing in the right direction. However, when there is a drop in water main pressure, a reverse flow, or backflow, can occur. This can be caused by incidents such as water main breaks or if there is significant changes in water pressure. A backflow condition can result in water contamination if hazardous cross-connections exist, regardless of all treatment processes.

EMWD is required by state and federal laws to protect its water supplies through Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention. This involves customer site surveys to identify potential hazards and the inspection/testing of new backflow devices.

Backflow related inquiries, concerns and/or Test Maintenance Reports can be emailed to Backflow@emwd.org.