To protect public health, the Department of Health requires that all districts develop and implement Cross-Connection Control programs, to eliminate backflow and reduce contaminants entering the water system.
- Cross-connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a drinking water system and any other non-potable substance (liquid, solid, or gas).
- Backflow occurs when water or other substances flow in the opposite direction than intended allowing contaminants to enter the public water system or consumer’s plumbing.
- A backflow incident occurs when biological, chemical, or physical contaminants enter the drinking water supply via unprotected cross-connections. Backflow incidents may cause injury, illness, or death.
- Backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical devices installed on water service lines (or at plumbing fixtures) to prevent backflow of contaminants into drinking water through cross-connections.
As part of this requirement, property owners within Kittitas County Water District #7 may need to install backflow prevention assemblies. Backflow assemblies must be tested by a certified backflow assembly tester to make sure they work properly. See below for useful CCC information.
See the state Department of Health web site for information about what kind of backflow assemblies are approved, and how to hire a specialist to perform this work.
