Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection Control
Controlling potentially hazardous cross-connections is required by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-290-490. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) does this by protecting our drinking water quality from its source to every water fixture within our customers' properties.
Something called a "cross-connection" within private water piping systems can threaten the quality of the customer's drinking water first and then threaten the city's drinking water as well. A cross-connection is where substances other than potable drinking water may enter the water pipes and come in contact with your drinking water. SPU requires that any actual or potential cross-connection be either eliminated or have approved backflow prevention installed.
Some common places around your home or property that can result in a hazardous cross-connections include:
- Irrigation or lawn sprinkler systems
- Lawn chemical application equipment
- Boilers
- Pools and spas
- Water or other fluid pumps
- Auxiliary water supplies (drilled wells, water storage tanks, etc.)
- Gray water systems
- Fire sprinkler systems (not including approved flow-through systems)
Backflow of contaminants into the drinking water supply can occur due to back-pressure or back-siphonage. Back-pressure occurs when the pressure at the point of use becomes higher than the water supply pressure from the city's water system. Sources of back-pressure include booster pumps, boilers, elevated piping and interconnections with auxiliary systems. Back-siphonage can occur when the water system's pressure falls, such as during water main breaks, firefighting efforts, or as a result of water system construction and maintenance.
Contact Us
For answers to specific cross-connection control questions, lists of approved assemblies or certified testers, or to request an inspection, please contact SPU_Backflow@Seattle.gov or call (206) 684-3536.