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Cross Connection Control Program

The City of Cambridge Water Department spends millions of dollars each year to insure the safety of our drinking water.  A vital link in this effort is the Water Department's Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Programs.

Water distribution systems are designed so that water flows in one direction from the treatment plant to the customer.  Cross connections are any unprotected actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or a consumer's potable water system and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce into any part of the potable system any used water or substance other than the intended potable water.  Bypass arrangements,  jumper connections or any other temporary or permanent connections through which backflow can occur are considered to be cross connections.

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids or substances into the distribution pipes of the potable supply of water from any source or sources.

Federal and State laws require Water Purveyors to protect their system from cross connections and backflow.  To do this, we work closely with consumers, architects, engineers and contractors to ensure that all those who are required to comply with cross connection control and/or backflow prevention requirements will do so. 

For more information about this program, please contact the main number at 617-349-4770 and ask to speak with someone with the program.