Drinking Water Cross Connection Control Program

What is a drinking water cross connection?

A cross connection is an improper and illegal plumbing arrangement between a potable and non-potable water supply. This connection, under certain hydraulic conditions, can lead to a dangerous "backflow" from a contaminated water system to drinking water.

Why is the City of Philadelphia concerned with improper cross connections?

The quality of Philadelphia's drinking water supply could be compromised if backflow from a non-potable supply containing hazardous substances occurs. The City of Philadelphia has Cross Connection Control Regulations to protect the public health and the integrity of its drinking water supply.

The 2006 Cross Connection Control Manual -- Standard Specifications for Prevention of Contamination

Backflow Prevention Forms:

• Form CU100 - Facility Update on Backflow Prevention
• Form CP100 - Backflow Prevention Assembly Installation Permit Application
• Form CR100 - Certified Backflow Assembly Technician Registration Form 
• Form 79-770 - Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Record

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a drinking water cross connection?
• What is backflow and how does it occur?
• Why is the City of Philadelphia concerned with improper cross connections?
• What is the Water Department's Containment Policy? 
• In brief, what are the City's Cross Connection Control Regulations?
• What is the Backflow Testing Requirement?
• Who offers a testing and certification program?
• How will the Cross Connection Control Regulations be enforced?

If you have any questions concerning the information on this site or the Cross-Connection Control Regulations, please contact us at (215) 685-1419, or 1420. You can fax us at (215) 743-5594.