Backflow Incidents

Backflow incidents have been documented by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research as early as 1903. 
 

Safe Water

From the Federal Safe Water Drinking Act, the Washington State Department of Health Drinking Water Regulations require the purveyor of water to develop and implement a cross connection control program using the manual published by the PNW Section - AWWA. The scope and complexity of the program is directly related to the size of the system.

Prevention

The City of Kennewick monitors and controls over 1,800 backflow prevention methods that protect the potable water system. One of the tasks of the Cross Connect Program is to routinely inspect irrigation systems and commercial buildings to identify potential and actual cross connections. Another task of the program is to advise the owners on how to properly eliminate or control the cross connection using the most cost effective methods. The water customer is required to ensure that these devices are operated, maintained, and tested in accordance with the City's Cross Connection Control Regulations