Cross Connection Control Program        

Survey Letter  Survey Form

• WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code  
• WSSC Cross-Connection Control Program Manual (Effective September 1, 2010)  
   
• Overview
• Inspections & Monitoring
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Cross Connection & Backflow Prevention Certified Course Instructors
• Download Backflow Test Report
• Special Note to Homeowners
• Licensed Companies Providing Backflow Testing and Cross Connection Services  
• Inspection Services Unit Contact Information 
• Submit Test Reports Online   (WSSC e-Services - to buy Test Report Numbers)

Overview

The Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency requires the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, as the water purveyor for Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, to protect the public water distribution system from potential contamination due to cross connections. The Maryland Department of the Environment requires WSSC to operate an effective cross connection control and backflow prevention program.

A cross connection is defined as a direct or indirect connection between a potable water line and a potential hazard where backflow could occur. As the water purveyor for 1.8 million customers WSSC must enforce protection of and monitor all cross connections made to the potable water system both public and private. All cross connections require some form of backflow prevention. The level of the hazard will determine the type of backflow assembly or device needed.

Inspections & Monitoring

It is the intent of the WSSC Cross Connection Control (CCC) office to inspect and monitor all testable assemblies and non-testable devices both commercial and residential. The CCC office will issue annual reminder letters for testing and notices of violation and/or citations to noncompliant property owners.

Cross Connection & Backflow Prevention Certified Course Instructors

The WSSC accepts certification from the following State of Maryland Approved Cross Connection Class Providers:

All certified cross connection technicians must be registered with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) licensing department as a master plumber in good standing; or a journeyman plumber in good standing working for a master plumber.

Effective July 1,  2010, all cross connection backflow preventer test reports must have a WSSC tracking number. Tracking numbers may be purchased either on-line or at the permit counter by the Principal Master Plumber or their proxy. Test reports purchased on-line by credit card are limited to 25 per transaction. Test reports purchased at the permit counter are unlimited in number. All test reports expire one year from date of purchase. All test reports must be submitted on-line within 5 business days after test is completed. All information entered on test reports must be 100% accurate. Information entered incorrectly or inaccurately may result in additional administrative fees.

Special Note to Home Owners

All testable backflow assemblies require annual testing and all non-testable backflow devices must be rebuilt or replaced every five years. Homeowners with a testable backflow assembly sized 1 ½” or smaller for their automatic fire sprinkler system may choose to have it replaced  with a non-testable device that gets rebuilt or replaced every five years. This installation requires the cross connection technician to use a post card permit for an inspection.