All communities within the State of Illinois that provide public water supplies are required to maintain a cross connection control program (CCCP). A cross connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system and a consumer’s potable water system. Typical cross connections for residential properties are auxiliary water systems, heating & cooling systems and irrigation systems. A CCCP is intended to protect the safety of water supply systems by reducing the exposure to the unwanted reversal of flow (backflow) of non-potable water through a cross connection.
- Under the rules and regulations of the CCCP, the State of Illinois requires that the Village perform the following:
Conduct a biennial CCC device survey of all water customers
- Verify annual testing of all CCC devices
- Maintain detail records of all CCC devices
As stated above, a requirement of the Village’s Cross Connection Control Program is to maintain detailed records of all backflow preventers. The purpose of a backflow preventer is to allow Village water to be used at various customer locations, but not allow water to come back into the distribution system. Backflow preventers are in essence, check valves that only allow water to flow in one direction.
Backflow preventers are located on water connections throughout the Village. Most commercial and industrial properties have them. Many residential customers also have them but may not be aware of it. Backflow preventers may be located on Fire Protection Systems, Lawn Irrigation Systems, Boiler Systems, Hot Tubs and Swimming Pools.
Beginning in 2016, the Village began utilizing a third party contractor, BSI Online, to administer the Cross Connection Control Program. BSI Online is a local cross connection control management firm located in Worth, which serves multiple municipal clients throughout the Chicagoland area.
Per Illinois Plumbing Codes and IEPA Regulations, backflow preventers must be tested annually. These tests must be performed by a certified Cross Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI). Locally, most plumbing, fire protection, and lawn irrigation companies have certified testers on-staff. Under the new program, testers will enter the test results on the Village’s new eco-friendly online backflow tracking system annually. If you are a certified tester and have not yet registered, please do so for free at www.bsionlinetracking.com.
The Village of Glencoe Cross Connection Control Program is designed to safeguard public health. The Water Division of the Public Works Department requests your cooperation with this important program. If you have or require backflow protection, BSI Online may contact you for compliance regarding testing, repairs, or installations. BSI Online can also be reached locally at (888) 966-6050 or via email at support@backflow.com with any questions. You can also visit their website at www.bsionlinetracking.com. The Glencoe Public Works Department can be reached at (847) 835-4111.
Backflows due to cross connections are serious plumbing problems. They can cause sickness and even death. However, backflow can be controlled by the use of proper protection devices. The following are three examples:
Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker
At your home, each outside spigot with a threaded connection should have a Hose-Bibb vacuum breaker installed. These are simple, inexpensive devices that can be purchased at any plumbing or hardware store for about $10. Installation is as easy as attaching your garden hose.
Dual Check with Vent
This device consists of two independent check valves with a vent chamber located between the valves. This device is generally utilized in connections to hot water heating systems.
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ)
This device consists of two independent check valves with a pressure chamber located between the valves. This device is generally utilized in connections to swimming pools and irrigation systems.
Who should I contact for more information?
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is a link between a potable water system and a non-potable water system. Typical cross connections within residential properties involve auxiliary water systems, heating & cooling systems and irrigation systems. Backflow can occur through any of these cross-connections.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the reversal of the normal flow of water. It can happen as a result of a sudden change in water pressure and can allow contaminants to get siphoned back into a private plumbing system, and potentially into the public water supply. There are two types of backflow: “Back Pressure” and “Back Siphonage”.
“Back Pressure” – a pressure greater than the supply pressure that may cause backflow (e.g., High-pressure boiler or pressure washer).
“Back Siphonage” – the creation of a backflow as a result of negative pressure (e.g., Water main break or use of fire hydrants).
What causes Backflow?
Backflow can be caused by a sudden drop in the water pressure in a public water main, which can create a sub-atmospheric condition. For example, if a drop in pressure occurs while a hose is in a bucket of dirty water, that water could be drawn back 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, a fire requiring water suppression, or the loss of power at a water pumping station.
What are the Hazards?
A backflow incident can cause any substance that can come into contact with water to backflow into the public water system contaminating the drinking water. The potential list of possible contaminants is unlimited. Throughout the United States, there are hundreds of documented incidents and probably thousands of undocumented cases. Once in the distribution system, it is impossible to determine the fate of the contaminant due to many variables such as the chemical and physical properties of the contaminant, the point of entry, and pressure and flow within the system.
Does the typical residence need backflow protection?
Most definitely! In fact over half of the documented backflow incidents across the nation have originated from garden hose connections and underground irrigation systems.
Can Backflow be prevented?
Yes it can. Backflow can be controlled by installing a backflow prevention assembly where cross-connections exist and cannot otherwise be eliminated. There are two different types of backflow devices used in Glencoe residential applications: Reduced Pressure Zone and Dual Check with Vent. The devices are installed at the primary point of entry of the water service or on the particular plumbing device that needs backflow protection and, when properly maintained, should prevent a backflow from occurring.
What should I do?
If you have an underground sprinkler system, swimming pool, hot tub, fire suppression system, or hot water heating system that does not have a backflow prevention device, you must have one installed to comply with the law and to protect you and your family's health. Begin the process by selecting a licensed plumber to install the new backflow device. Please keep in mind that some plumbing contractors are qualified to perform both the device installation and device testing. That is a point to consider during your selection process. If you need assistance in finding a plumber, please call the Public Works office in the Village Hall at (847) 835-4111 for a list of licensed plumbers that are registered to work in Glencoe. After choosing a plumber, instruct them to get a plumbing permit before performing any work. Permits are available at the Resident Services Counter located in the Village Hall. Have the device installed, tested, and the results registered with BSIOnline by a certified testing company.
Download a list of Backflow Testing companies here.
Need Help? info@villageofglencoe.org | (847) 835-4111