Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention

Federal and State law requires public water utilities to protect their systems from contamination due to cross connection and backflow that can create public health concerns. South Salt Lake works to educate the public and enforce backflow prevention ordinances to safeguard our water supply and meet water safety and quality requirements.

Per city ordinance outlined in Chapter 13.68.040, all South Salt Lake water customers must have a backflow preventer installed between the water main and the service line before connected to irrigation or home lines.

Cross Connection

A cross connection occurs when there is a direct or potential link between a drinking (potable) water system and a source of non-potable water or other substances. When backflow occurs and non-potable water flows back into the water system, this can cause health hazards and contaminate the the water system.

  • Common Cross Connections – irrigation and sprinkling systems, garden hoses (especially when submerged in pools, ponds, and hot tubs), water softeners, boilers and heating systems, fire sprinkling systems, secondary water sources such as wells.

Backflow Information

Backflow occurs when water passes through your water meter into your home water system, and then flows back into the public water system. There are two causes of backflow, or water flowing back into the public water system:

  • Backpressure – a reversal flow of water that occurs when the customer’s water system or a piece of equipment's pressure is higher than the incoming water supply pressure (city's system).
  • Backsiphonage – a reversal flow of water that occurs when a cross connection is present and the pressure of  water delivery system is reduced or drops to a negative pressure. Backsiphonage is created when water mains experience a sudden drop in water pressure due to water main breaks and shutdowns, nearby firefighting efforts, etc.

Prevent Cross Connection & Backflow Contamination

You can prevent cross connections by installing a backflow preventer assembly (testable) or by using backflow prevention methods or devices (non-testable). Backflow prevention assemblies are required to be tested annually per State Plumbing Code and Drinking Water regulations and submitted to the water supplier.

Other easy, cheap ways you can help:

  • Be aware of any cross connections you have and elimiate them.
  • Install a hose bib vacuum breaker on all outdoor spigots, and then connect your garden hose/