Cross Connection Policy

Commercial Cross Connection Control

53.07 Protection of municipal water system from contamination Chapters NR 810 and SPS 382.41, Wisconsin Administrative Code, require the public water system be protected from contaminants due to backflow of contaminants through the water service connection. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (SPS) require the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection control that will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination of all potable water systems.

53.08 Cross-connection regulated No person, firm or corporation shall establish, permit to be established or permit to be maintained any cross-connection unless such water supply and the method of connection and use of such supply shall have been approved by the Village of Lake Delton and by the WDNR in accordance with Section NR 810, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and methods and devices to protect the Village of Lake Delton water supply are used in compliance with Chapter SPS 382 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.

53.09 Inspecting cross-connections

It shall be the duty of Lake Delton Water Works Department head, or his designee, to cause inspections to be made of all properties served by the public water system where cross-connections with the public water system are believed to exist. The frequency of inspections and re-inspections based on potential health hazards involved shall be as established by the Supervisor in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code. Any unprotected cross- connections identified by the inspection shall be promptly corrected. Failure to promptly correct an unprotected cross-connection shall be sufficient cause for the water utility to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under s.53.10 of this Chapter. The Water Works Department shall maintain a list of personnel authorized to conduct inspections in accordance with PSC 185.41 Wisconsin Administrative Code.

Upon presenting credentials, the Supervisor, or his agent, shall have the right to request entry at any reasonable time to examine any property served by a connection to the Village of Lake Delton's public water system for cross-connections. Refusing entry for inspection shall be sufficient cause for the discontinuance of water service to the property, as provided under s. 53.10.

In addition, if entry is refused, a special inspection warrant under Section 66.0119 of the Wisconsin Statutes may be obtained.

On request, the owner, lessee or occupant of any property shall furnish to the Water Works Department any pertinent information regarding the piping or systems on such property.

53.10 Discontinuing water service; cross-connections

1. The Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to discontinue water service to any property wherein any connection in violation of this Chapter exists and to take such other precautionary measures deemed necessary to eliminate any danger of contaminating the public water system. Water shall be discontinued only after ten days written notice, which notice shall also advise of an opportunity for hearing under Chapter 3 of the Village Municipal code. Water service to such property shall not be restored until all violations have been eliminated in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
2. Notwithstanding any provisions for notice above, if the Supervisor determines a cross-connection or an emergency endangers public health, safety or welfare, and requires immediate action and a written finding to that effect is delivered to the customer's premises and a copy of such finding filed with the Village of Lake Delton clerk-treasurer-coordinator, service may be immediately discontinued. 53.11 Large User Reporting requirements. On or before April 1, 2013 and each April 1st thereafter, any customer with more than two-hundred (200) motel units, or more than one-thousand (1000) fixtures, including common areas, is required to file a certification by a certified cross connection inspector, or plumber licensed by the State of Wisconsin, that an inspection of the customer's water system has been inspected and found to be in compliance with all state and village regulations. For purposes of this section when single or related entities have more than one account, the total units and fixtures of the combined accounts will be used to determine the application of this section. On or before February 1, 2013 and each February 1 thereafter, the Supervisor will notify each customer in writing of this requirement. Failure to comply with this section may result in imposition of a penalty in the amount of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) per day with each day of non-compliance constituting a separate violation.

EPA Cross Connection Manual (PDF)

Cross Connection Control Assembly (PDF)

Residential Cross Connection Control

The Lake Delton Water Utility is committed to providing quality, cost-efficient service in the production, treatment, testing and delivery of safe drinking water to all users.

Safe and reliable drinking water is a carefully manufactured product. In order to help ensure safe drinking water, the Lake Delton Water Utility has adopted a Cross Connection Control (CCC) Program. This Program is a part of our continuing effort to provide a safe and reliable drinking water and it is required under Wisconsin Administrative Codes NR 811.09 and Comm. 82.41.

What is a Cross Connection?

A Cross Connection is an unwanted connection that could allow non-potable water to infiltrate a potable water supply. Cross connections can occur when a loss in water system pressure allows water to flow back (backflow) into the distribution system.

Examples of potential backflow situations are hoses in laundry tubs, underground sprinkler systems, power washers with detergent, hand-held fertilizer bottles that are installed on garden hoses, and garden hoses left in swimming pools. If a loss of pressure were to occur in the water supply, a potential exists for backflow.

What can go wrong?

Pollutants or contaminants can enter the drinking water system through uncontrolled cross connections when backflow occurs.

Water pressure in a building's or home's plumbing can suddenly drop for a number of reasons. If the shower, clothes washer, dishwasher, or other water-using appliances are all using water at once, the pressure can drop. If there is high water use in the neighborhood, such as from fire fighting or a water main break, the pressure in your home may drop. When water pressure suddenly changes, contaminated water can be siphoned back from your plumbing system into the distribution system through unprotected cross connections.

How Does Residential Cross Connection Control Affect Me?

The Lake Delton Water Utility will be required to implement a CCC program to address potential problems associated with residential properties that could adversely impact the public water supply. A CCC program for non-residential properties has been in place. The purpose of these programs is to ensure the safety and quality of the water supply for everyone served by the Lake Delton Water Utility.

The Lake Delton Water Utility will perform the necessary cross connection inspections for all homes. Inspectors will possess proper identification and have been properly trained to perform these inspections.

Program Features

Inspections of properties to identify potential cross connections will be coordinated to match the normal schedule for meter replacement. Based on current meter technology, that replacement schedule could be as long as 20 years. Currently, there is no fee for the inspection but most required corrective actions are the responsibility of the property owner. Properties that fail to correct non-compliant water connections will be subject to enforcement under Village of Lake Delton Municipal Code, up to and including disconnection of water service.

The new regulation allows utilities to provide public educational materials instead of the need to inspect low-hazard residential features like kitchen and bathroom fixtures. These educational materials will be provided during the inspection. 

Some very common cross connection control issues for residential properties are described below. Please refer to the website for additional details on these conditions.

• Discharges from recharge lines serving water softening systems require a one-inch minimum air break above the discharge point.
• Residential heating systems with boilers (Domestic Hot Water Heaters are excluded).
• Lawn Irrigation Systems
• All hose connections, both inside and outside the house, without an approved vacuum breaker.