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Public Service Building
16225 Beck Road
Northville, MI 48168

Department
Main: 248-348-5819

Office Hours
Monday through Friday
7 AM to 3 PM

Staff

Lear, Brad
Deputy Public Services Director
- (248) 662-0508
- Email
Swailes, Tim
Public Works Superintendent
- (248) 662-0482
- Email
Raikes, Melissa
Public Works Associate
- (248) 348-5800 ext. 10124
- Email

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Cross Control Program

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The Northville Township Water Department is committed to providing its customers with safe and reliable drinking water. Safeguarding drinking water is the responsibility of ALL. To assist in providing safe and reliable drinking water, the Township has created a cross connection control program to help protect the drinking (potable) water from contamination due to cross connection. A state mandate requires Northville Township homeowners to have their backflow prevention devices tested. Northville Township began our partnership with HydroCorp to inspect all residential homes in the Township beginning in third quarter 2021.

What is a cross connection?

A cross connection is an arrangement of piping through which water of questionable quality, wastes or other contaminants could enter the potable water supply due to a reversal of flow.

Examples of when cross connection can exist:

hose connections
lawn irrigation systems
toilet fill valves
chemical aspirators
boilers
cooling towers
swimming pools
water-operated sump pumps
water softeners
fire sprinkler systems

What is the law?

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) requires water utilities to have comprehensive cross control programs for the elimination and prevention of all cross connections.

This is defined in Part 14 of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. See page 203.

EGLE has also published a Cross Connection Rules Manual.

Why does it matter?

Customers are going to be required to maintain their water systems in a manner free of cross connections. If a backflow incident should occur resulting in contamination of the public water supply, the responsible owner or occupant could be held liable for damages.

Cross Connection Control Frequently Asked Questions:

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

How do I find a certified Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) tester for my lawn irrigation system?
You can use this website to search for contractors – watercustomer.com

You may hire any plumbing contractor of your choice as long as they are a state of Michigan-licensed plumbing contractor AND ASSE-certified backflow tester.

All new installation of new devices requires a plumbing permit. On existing backflow preventers, a plumbing permit is not needed to replace it. All installation and repairs MUST be performed by a Michigan-licensed plumber. Installation and repairs of a backflow device requires a certified test upon completion.

Northville Township does not endorse or recommend any plumbing contractors. Any company, contractor or person you hire is an agreement between you and them. Should you be dissatisfied with their performance or which to file a complaint, contact the state of Michigan Plumbing Board and/or the Better Business Bureau.
How often should I test my backflow prevention assembly?
Northville Township is requiring homeowners to test their system once every five years beginning in 2021.
I’ve never had an inspection before. Why do I need one now?
Northville Township has had a Cross Connection Control program for a number of years, which began with inspections of all of the commercial and industrial accounts. As a natural progression of our program, we are now inspecting residential customers as required by the state.
Is this inspection mandatory?
Yes. These inspections are conducted in order to ensure compliance with state regulations to maintain the safety of your drinking water.
What happens if I refuse to have the inspection done or to correct any problems it identifies?
Penalties for refusing to cooperate with inspections and/or refusing to make needed repairs can include termination of water service, a fine, or both.
Who is responsible for completing the repairs if necessary?
If you are the owner of the home being inspected, you are responsible for any needed repairs. Renters may have to refer to their lease agreements in order to determine whether they are responsible for repairs.
Why do I need to test my backflow prevention assembly?
Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and do break down from time to time. Regular testing is required in order to ensure that your device remains in proper working order.
Why doesn’t Northville Township pay for the testing of my backflow preventer?
A lawn irrigation system is not a required component of the water system. Homeowners who choose to install a lawn irrigation system as a convenience are responsible to assure the backflow preventer is properly installed and maintained in accordance with state laws and regulations.

Northville Township, MI

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Cross Control Program

What is the law?

Why does it matter?

Cross Connection Control Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I find a certified Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) tester for my lawn irrigation system?

How often should I test my backflow prevention assembly?

I’ve never had an inspection before. Why do I need one now?

Is this inspection mandatory?

What happens if I refuse to have the inspection done or to correct any problems it identifies?

Who is responsible for completing the repairs if necessary?

Why do I need to test my backflow prevention assembly?

Why doesn’t Northville Township pay for the testing of my backflow preventer?