Public Works Engineering

Home • Public Works Engineering • Cross Connection Control Program

Cross Connection Control Program - Public Awareness

One of the greatest public health risks lies in the possibility of introducing a contaminant into the public water supply. Layton City’s Cross Connection Control Program helps to prevent contamination of the public water supply. A cross connection is any physical connection to the City water system that may allow contaminants to come in contact with drinking water. Layton City continually strives to reduce the risk of contamination of our potable water supply. Section 13.06 of the Layton City Municipal Code outlines this effort.

The objective of the Cross Connection Control Program is to reduce the risk of contamination by evaluating and eliminating potential health or system hazards commonly found in the community. The strategy that Layton City uses is called "containment strategy," which contains each individual service connection with a backflow device. Layton City's program is divided into the following two areas:

Residential (service lines smaller than 1 1/4."):
These types of service connections are generally considered low hazard and adequate backflow protection is normally provided by a dual check valve installed at the meter. However, a separate backflow preventer is required on all landscape sprinkler systems using culinary water. The consumer has the responsibility of preventing pollutants and contaminants from entering the public water supply. The consumer’s responsibility starts at the point of delivery from the public water system and includes all of the consumer’s private system.
Commercial (service lines larger than 1 1/4."):
These types of service connections pose varying degrees of hazard to the public water system. The type of backflow assembly required depends on the type of hazard. A hazard assessment performed by the City can determine the required type of assembly. It is the business owner's responsibility to purchase the backflow assembly and hire a licensed plumber to install it at the water service entrance. Within ten days of being placed into service, the assembly must be tested by a certified backflow technician and a test report must be sent to the City. This test and report must be updated annually.

Finally, if you have an outdoor sprinkler system that runs on secondary water AND has the option to switch to culinary water when needed, you are most likely at risk for cross-contamination into your home. Contact the Public Works Shop at 801-336-3720 for assistance in determining if your home is at risk with this type of system, or if you have any other questions about hazard assessment, compliance, or acceptable assemblies.

Backflow Specialist - Darrin Taylor (801) 336-3720
Water Supervisor - Wes Adams (801) 336-3720
Water Engineer - Stacy Majewski (801) 336-3720
City Engineer - Stephen Jackson (801) 336-3720

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Darrin Taylor at the number listed above or through the Feedback Page. Thank you for your cooperation.