Highland Park, IL - Official Website

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Cross Connection Program

1. How does contamination of water occur?: Water normally flows in one direction from a public water system through a private one, and finally to a plumbing fixture (faucet, garden hose, etc). A pollutant may enter the potable water system if the pressure at the pollution source exceeds the pressure of the potable water source. The reversal of the flow of water is called backflow, and leads to the possible contamination of the public water supply. Backflow may also occur as a result of a sudden loss of pressure in the water system.

2. What can cause backflow?: Backflow is usually caused by a sudden drop of the water pressure in a public water main. This can create a subatmospheric condition. For example, if the pressure drops in a system while a hose is in a bucket of dirty water, that water could backflow into the public water system, potentially contaminating the water for other users. A drop in pressure could be caused by a variety of things, including a water main break or the loss of power at a pump station.

Keep the ends of your hoses free of any possible contaminants
If your threaded faucets are not equipped with an in-line protection device, install an approved hose bibb vacuum breaker or other backflow prevention devices
Never submerge hoses in buckets, vats, sinks, tubs or ponds
Use spray attachments or valve spray hoses that have a devise to prevent backflow
Do not connect waste drain pipes from water softeners or other treatment systems directly to the sewer system
All drains should be air gapped

4. Why do backflow preventers have to be tested?: Mechanical backflow preventers have internal seals, springs and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear or fatigue. Additionally, mechanical backflow preventers (and air gaps) can be bypassed. All backflow preventers must be tested periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly. A visual check of air gaps is sufficient, but mechanical backflow preventers have to be tested with properly calibrated gauge equipment. This is usually done once each year.

5. Who can test backflow preventors?: Any licensed plumber who is certified by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency as an inspector is acceptable.

6. Who can I contact for additional information?: For additional information, please contact Don Jensen at the City of Highland Park Water Filtration Plant at (847) 433-4355.