Cross Connection Control

What is a cross connection? It is any temporary or permanent connection between a potable water system and a system containing nonpotable water or other substances. Cross connections may occur if a house is improperly plumbed or if the pressure in the water main is suddenly and unexpectedly reduced. Reduced pressure in the main can allow contaminated water from the soil or from other sources to be sucked into the system. This process is known as backflow. In order to maintain pressure in the water system and prevent cross connection from occurring, backflow preventers are installed at all homes and businesses connected to the City’s water system for both potable meters and irrigation meters. Below are some examples of backflow prevention devices. The following backflow preventer assemblies are approved for residential use in the City:

  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) Valve
  • Reduced Pressure (RP) Valve
  • Double Check (DC) Valve (not approved in Seminole County)

The preferred location for the installation of a backflow preventer is immediately behind the meter; however, the City will allow installation in another location if this is not possible. Backflow preventers must be located above ground in order to function correctly and may not be installed in an underground box or vault.

Residential backflow preventers need to be tested and inspected every two years in the City. The City of Casselberry maintains a database containing all of the permitted backflow devices. When your device is due to be tested, the City will notify you and provide you with a copy of the backflow prevention device test report and a list of certified backflow prevention assembly testers. 

It shall be the water customer's responsibility to schedule the test and return all passing test reports before the due date. Failure to install, test, or repair a backflow preventer will result in the termination of irrigation water service by the City until all requirements for the device have been fulfilled. For more information, please contact the City’s Cross Connection Control Specialist via email or at 407-262-7725 ext. 1712.