Did you know that water can be contaminated by “cross connections?” Cross connections may occur when a foreign substance is introduced into the potable (drinkable) water supply by way of an illegal or incorrect connection. Some common cross connections in homes are:

• Sprayed Chemicals: Lawn and garden chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and cleaning chemicals have the potential of causing serious health problems—or possibly death—if ingested. Always use a vacuum breaker (ASSE 1011) connected to your hose bibb or threaded hose connection.

• Hoses Left Submerged: Any foreign substance left in a container with a submerged hose has the potential of becoming backsiphoned into your home’s water system. Never leave the end of a hose submerged in anything you would not want in your drinking water.

• Lawn Irrigation Systems: Have you ever looked at a sprinkler head on an in-ground irrigation system? It is not uncommon to find it surrounded by a puddle, dirt, or mulch. Since these heads are not designed to be drip-tight, it is possible for any contaminants to become introduced into your drinking water— including chemicals, fertilizer, animal excrement, and microbiological contaminants. Since most irrigation systems are directly connected to the water supply of your home, any contaminants that are introduced into your water system will travel through your home first, and then into the County’s water distribution system or your well.
 
Plumbing codes require the use of backflow prevention assemblies or devices to protect against cross connections. These codes have been in place for decades. A backflow permit is required when a testable backflow prevention assembly is installed. All backflow prevention assemblies are required to be tested upon installation, when repaired or relocated and annually (at a minimum) thereafter. A permit is not required for annual testing.

Installation and testing within Charles County may only be performed by a registered Maryland or WSSC Master Plumber with current backflow certification. Plumbers are required to pre-register with the County. All contractors are required to hold a current Maryland Home Improvements license to install irrigation systems. Charles County publishes a listing of certified plumbers on our website at www.CharlesCounty.org.

If you have an assembly that is not within current code, after consideration we may allow you to continue usage. There are additional requirements for such situations. Since backflow prevention is designed to ensure the safety of the public, there are no grandfathering provisions.

REMEMBER…
• Never leave a hose submerged in a bucket or similar container.
• Never use spray attachments without a backflow prevention assembly or device in place.
• Never use a hose to unclog blockages such as toilets, sewer lines, sinks, etc.
• Always keep the end of a hose clear of all potential contaminants.
• Always use vacuum breakers on hose bibbs or any threaded hose connection. These are inexpensive, and are available at your local home improvement stores, and could save you the cost of expensive repairs.
• Always install an RPZ backflow prevention assembly on in-ground irrigation systems.
• Always have your backflow prevention assembly tested annually (at a minimum).

To learn more about Charles County’s Cross Connection Control Program, call 301-609-5606. You may also send an e-mail message to McAndreL@CharlesCounty.org. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.