Cross Connections

Maintaining the integrity of our  public drinking water system.

 homes connected circled

A cross connection is an unprotected plumbing arrangement through which backflow can occur. To identify and prevent cross connections in community water supplies, Part 14 of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act Administrative Rules (SDWA) prohibits cross connections and requires each water supply to implement a cross connection prevention program including inspections, testing, recordkeeping, and education. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) oversees public water supply programs to identify and prevent cross connections throughout Michigan.

What is Cross Connections?
 The commercial program applies to  attached condos, apartments, and all non-residential buildings such as offices, stores, banks, or restaurants, that are connected to public water.

Washington Township Ordinance 186 states:
"The Charter Township of Washington’s Department of Public Works is the agency responsible for administration and enforcement of this program to protect the Township’s public water main system (supply) from cross connections."


For additional assistance, contact  Heather Berger in the Department of Public works:
                                          (586) 786-0010 press 1211 or by email.


(source: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Cross Connection brochure)