Backflow and Cross Connection Control Program
The City of Hendersonville's Backflow and Cross Contamination Control Program is designed to ensure the high quality drinking water Mountains on Tap is known for. Cross connections are any actual or potential connection between a potable (drinking) water line and a source of contamination. At these cross connections, without protection and under certain conditions, a backflow event can occur. Backflow is the unwanted reversal of flow of a liquid, allowing non-potable sources access to the public drinking water supply.
Backflow Preventer Assemblies are plumbing devices used to stop the flow of water in the reverse direction. These assemblies require annual testing by a certified tester to ensure they are functioning properly to protect our public water supply.
History
- 1933- A backflow event at 2 hotels in Chicago during The World Fair caused Amoebic Dysentery to enter the public water supply. Many visitors to the fair became ill, and a number died.
- 1964- A hospital in Michigan experienced a backflow event in which autopsy fluids experienced backflow into the hospitals drinking water system, from a hose left on the autopsy table.
- 1972- The Clean Water Act was enacted by the 92nd U.S. Congress. For more information on The Clean Water Act, .
- 1993- A backflow event occurred in Wilson, North Carolina at a medical clinic during a scheduled supply line repair. A garden hose had been submerged into a chemical mixer tank to supply water, thus creating a cross connection allowing a backflow event to occur.
- 2018- The City of Hendersonville passed Ord. No. 18-0752, § 1, 7-5-18, implementing Hendersonville's Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention program. Ord. No. 18-0752, § 1, 7-5-18 can be read by
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply for a backflow?
The City of Hendersonville's Backflow Application Form can be found by . A certified plumber must preform the install, and the assembly must be located outside, in a hot box, not more than 150 feet away from the water meter. - Which backflow assemblies are approved assemblies?
A list of approved backflow assemblies can be found by . - Who tests the backflow preventer assemblies?
All Backflow Preventer Assemblies must be tested by a certified backflow tester. The City's list of approved testers can be found by .
- Who needs one?
A Backflow Preventer Assembly is required on all cross connections posing a health hazard. The State mandates many health hazards, but the City can also determine a connection to be a high health hazard in addition to what the State mandates.
- I am a tester, how do I get added to the list of approved testers?
Contact Gracie Erwin, or Kasey Lyons to be added to the list of approved testers. Contact information can be found on the right sidebar of this webpage.
AquaResource
AquaResource is the software The City of Hendersonville uses to manage annual backflow testing compliance.