In an effort to identify possible cross connections, all City of Brookings water customers are being mailed a Cross Connection Survey which they are requested to complete and return in the self addressed, stamped envelope provided.
“The City takes pride in providing safe drinking water to customers,” said Public Works/Development Services Director Loree Pryce. “The water that reaches homes and businesses meets all State and Federal drinking water standards and is safe to drink. Contamination can occur within private piping systems. This potential hazard is known as a cross connection and can cause backflow of water to occur in the system.
A cross connection is a point in the plumbing system where the public potable water supply is connected or has the potential of being connected directly to a source of non-potable substances. Under certain hydraulic conditions, pollutants or contaminates can enter the public potable water system (backflow) through these unprotected connections.
“Cross connections are often installed because people are unaware of the problems they can create.” Pryce noted. “Water suppliers, homeowners, business owners and health officials must all share in the responsibility to ensure the safety of drinking water.”
The State of Oregon has established rules and requirements to enable the City to protect the water system. Pryce said the City's goal is to identify potential cross connection hazards and take appropriate actions to protect against the possibility of backflow occurring. “We are requesting residents support, because as water customers, they are the most familiar with how water is being used on their property.” Pryce said, noting that water customer participation is essential to the success of the program.
Contact information will be provided on the survey to answer any questions.