Cross Connection Information 

• A cross-connection is defined as an actual or potential connection between a public water supply and a source of possible contamination or pollution. All buildings with water supply fed from the community water system have potential cross-connections, regardless of the age of the building, or plumbing.
• The water pipes and plumbing fixtures that make up cross-connections can be the link for contamination to get back into the drinking water supply, creating serious health hazards.
• Backflow occurs when the direction of the water flowing through the pipes reverses.
• Backflow can occur due to a sudden drop in water pressure.
• A drop in water pressure can be caused by:
  • Heavy water usage in the area. 
  • A fire in the area which may call for heavy water usage. 
  • A water main break, with large water loss. 
• When backflow takes place, contaminated water could be siphoned back into your plumbing system from unprotected cross-connections within your home or business, creating a backflow.
• Although the Village of Norridge has a very reliable water distribution system, the pressure drops that may cause these problems can occur somewhere in the village at any time, given the appropriate circumstances.
• The result of cross-connection contamination is that chemicals, poisons, and bacteria might find their way into the water you drink.
• The Cross Connection surveys are done every two years.

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Click Here for questions and answers about backflow