Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
The Washington State Department of Health mandates that all community water systems must initiate and maintain a viable Cross Connection Control Program. Cross Connection Control is a vital part of ensuring clean, safe water delivery to Lakewood Water District customers. The District began a Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Program in the late 1980s to ensure that our customers have safe, clean drinking water that meets or exceeds all water quality standards, maintaining policies and practices that benefit the health and welfare of the community.
What is "Cross Connection" and "Backflow"?
A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between a potable water supply and any pipe, vessel, tank, plumbing fixture, equipment, or device through which it is possible for used, polluted, or contaminated water or any other substance to enter into the public water system.
A backflow is any undesirable reversal of flow from the intended direction as the result of either: backsiphonage (the reversal of flow due to a negative or reduced pressure within the public potable water supply) or backpressure (the reversal of flow caused by pressure which exceeds the operating pressure of the public potable water supply).
The Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Program is administered by our Washington State Certified Cross Connection Specialist. This Specialist is responsible for record keeping to ensure annual testing, permitting, and inspection of new installations as well as overall customer assistance and education regarding the program.
