The cross connection control program helps to ensure safe water for all customers on our system by protecting the water distribution system from contamination through cross connections. By eliminating cross connections, we can assure all users on our distribution system, the same protection and assurances of safe drinking water.

What is a cross connection?

A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between the public water supply and a source of possible contaminants.

Why are cross connections problems?

Under normal conditions, water flows directly from the City’s water main to your property. Water pressure can suddenly drop due to repairing water main breaks on the distribution system, or high water using when fighting a fire. This can create a vacuum in the water system, drawing liquid from cross connections that are not protected into the water system. This reversal in the direction of normal flow of water in a piping system is called “backflow”.

 How do we protect cross connections?

Cross connections can be protected by the use of a backflow preventer, which is an assembly that prevents contaminants from being drawn back into the water distribution system. The City has adopted the International Plumbing Code, which requires that an approved backflow preventer be installed on all cross connections.

The Facts about Backflow Prevention:

• All lawn sprinkler systems are required to have a backflow prevention device to prevent the accidental siphoning of non-potable water back into the potable water system. Homeowners can use either a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) or a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer for this purpose.
• All hose bibbs are required to have an atmospheric vacuum breaker.
• All backflow preventer assemblies are required to be tested when installed and at least once per year thereafter. Testing is also required after repairs have been made and when an assembly has been relocated. The test must be done by a certified tester.
• If your system does not have the proper backflow preventer, or you are installing a new system that requires a backflow preventer, a cross-connection permit is required to install one. A cross connection permit can be obtained by a licensed plumber or certified backflow tester from the City of Olathe Building Codes Division, inside the Fire Administration building at 1225 S Hamilton Circle.
• New backflow inspection form
• Inspection form example with instructions for filling the form out.
• Most plumbing and irrigation contractors have certified inspectors/testers available for hire.
• Printable Backflow Prevention Fact Sheet
• Printable Frequently Asked Questions about Cross Connection Control
• Backflow Testing Requirements
• Lawn Irrigation Commercial and Residential
• List of possible Commercial Facilities needing backflow prevention
• Backflow Prevention requirements are in Title 15 of the Olathe Municipal Code, starting on page 36.

For additional information regarding the City's Backflow Prevention Program, please contact Customer Service at 913-971-9055 or Cross Connection.

Submit all test reports to: City of Olathe Cross Connection Control Program, 1385 S Robinson, Olathe, KS 66061

Email:  Cross Connection

Fax: (913) 971-9199

Other Information:

http://www.epa.gov/watersense/docs/ws_grassgreener508.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/watersense/docs/ws_watering508.pdf