Local Government’s Role in Backflow Regulations
State and Local Government agencies have a responsibility to protect the municipal water supply. Cross connection control and backflow prevention are important for protecting public health and safety. Cross connections occur when a potable water supply is connected to a non-potable water source, such as a pool, sewer or a sprinkler system. Backflow occurs when water flows back into the potable water supply from a non-potable source. This can contaminate the potable water supply and make it unsafe to drink.
State and local governments have a responsibility to regulate cross connection programs to protect public health and safety. Some of the policies that they have put in place include:
Requiring that all property owners install and maintain backflow prevention devices. This is done by requiring property owners to have their backflow prevention devices tested annually by a certified tester.
Providing training and education to property owners about cross connection control and backflow prevention. This is done through community outreach programs, like workshops, brochures, and online resources.
Enforcing cross connection control regulations. This handled by final notices and fines to property owners who do not comply with the regulations.
These are just a few of the policies we see in Manatee County to regulate their cross connection program. By working together, state and local governments can help to protect public health and safety by preventing cross connections and backflow.
State of Florida and Manatee County links about cross connections:
