Clean, safe drinking water is one of the most important public services a city can provide. To help ensure that standard is upheld, the City of Winter Springs is implementing a new Cross-Connection Control Program to protect the city’s potable water system from contamination and maintain full compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations.
This program is a proactive step to prevent the risk of pollutants entering the drinking water supply through improper plumbing connections or system failures.
Understanding Cross-Connections and Backflow
A cross-connection is any physical link between a public or private drinking water system and a source of non-potable water, such as irrigation lines, industrial systems, or cooling systems.
When pressure changes occur in the system, water from these non-potable sources can sometimes reverse direction and flow back into the public supply. This phenomenon is known as backflow.
There are two main types of backflow:
- Backpressure backflow occurs when water pressure from a non-potable source exceeds the pressure of the potable system.
- Backsiphonage happens when negative pressure (a vacuum effect) pulls contaminants into the potable water line.
Both situations can introduce hazardous substances—such as chemicals, fertilizers, or bacteria—into the public water supply if not properly managed.
Goals of the Cross-Connection Control Program
The new cross-connection control program aims to proactively identify and manage potential hazards throughout the city’s water system. Its core objectives include:
- Identifying and Documenting HazardsLocating potential cross-connection and backflow risks at commercial, industrial, institutional, and select residential properties.
- Monitoring and Tracking Backflow TestingEnsuring all Backflow Preventer Assemblies are regularly tested, documented, and in compliance with city and state requirements.
- Establishing a Centralized DatabaseCreating a cloud-based system to store and manage inspection results, testing schedules, and compliance records. All data will remain the property of the City of Winter Springs.
- GIS Integration for Better AnalysisEnsuring the program’s data is compatible with ESRI ArcGIS/ArcMap for enhanced mapping and system-wide analysis of water infrastructure.
- Training and EducationProviding on-site training for city staff on cross-connection prevention fundamentals and proper program management.
- Program Review and OptimizationConducting a full evaluation of the City’s existing program and implementing improvements where necessary.
How the Program Works
The implementation process includes:
- Cross-Connection Surveys and Inspections: Field inspections will identify and document potential hazards throughout Winter Springs’ service area.
- Compliance Tracking: Each device will be logged into a Backflow Prevention Assembly Inventory with updated testing schedules.
- Property Owner Notifications: Building owners will receive reminders and compliance deadlines for upcoming inspections or corrective actions.
- Coordination with Certified Testers: Only qualified professionals will perform testing and repairs to ensure the highest safety standards.
These measures ensure that all backflow prevention devices are properly maintained, helping to protect the integrity of Winter Springs’ drinking water system.
Why It Matters
Cross-connection control may not be something residents think about every day, but it’s one of the most important safeguards in maintaining a clean, safe, and reliable water system.
By proactively managing backflow risks and maintaining strong oversight, Winter Springs is taking responsible action to protect public health and preserve water quality for generations to come.
“Our goal is to stay ahead of potential risks, protect our water infrastructure, and maintain full transparency with our residents.”
— Victoria K. Bruce, City Commissioner, District 2
