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Cross Connection & Backflow Control Program
The City of Wilmington's water system delivers safe, high-quality water to the community daily. Our goal is to protect public health and to keep the public water system safe from contaminants and pollutants. The City of Wilmington must maintain a Cross Connection Control (CCC) Program to protect the drinking water distribution system from contamination.
The City Wilmington has partnered with HydroCorp to facilitate the CCC program in accordance with the Delaware Administrative Code: Title 16: Departments of Health and Social Services: Division of Public Health: Health Systems Protection (HSP) Code Title 16 Section 21.0 Cross-Connection Control.
Find More Information and FAQs on the Wilmington Cross Connection Control Program website.
Cross Connections
A cross connection is a direct or potential connection between any part of the public water supply system that is or can be connected to a source of contamination or pollution.
The most common form of a cross connection is the garden hose. A hose can be easily connected to the public water supply system and used for various potentially dangerous applications, including chemicals and fertilizers. Other common areas where cross-connections may be found include dishwashers, toilets, pressure washers, boilers, pools, and lawn sprinkler systems.
How the Program Works
HydroCorp will send a letter informing each water customer when it is time to have a cross-connection survey completed. The water customer must contact a certified cross-connection inspector; a list of certified inspectors will be available online. The inspector will review the water system to identify the necessary backflow prevention to protect the public water supply. Any costs associated with addressing compliance issues are the water customer’s responsibility.
Some types of backflow prevention are required to be tested by a certified tester. Testing must be completed upon installation, relocation, repairs, and annually. When it is time to test backflow preventers, you will receive a letter informing you to contact a certified tester to test the backflow preventers to ensure it is functioning correctly. A list of certified testers will be available online.