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Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention

What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any actual or potential physical connection or arrangement between a pipe conveying potable water from a public water system and any non-potable water supply, piping arrangement or equipment including, but not limited to, waste pipe, soil pipe, sewer, drain, other unapproved sources.

Ordinance 19-04 - Cross Connection Program
All residential properties receiving water service from the Town will be required to install a backflow prevention device immediately downstream of the water meter within 
five years from the date of enactment of Ordinance 19-04 (April 1, 2024).  

Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.04.01.32 states that: 

A. Suppliers of water to community water systems existing before January 1, 1986, shall prepare and submit for approval to the Approving Authority by January 1, 1988, a plan for controlling cross connections. For community water systems constructed after January 1, 1988, the supplier of water shall prepare and submit for approval a plan for controlling cross connections with the plans and specifications required under Regulation .05 of this chapter or within 3 months following start-up of the water system if a construction permit has already been issued by the Approving Authority.

B. Following receipt of approval by the Approving Authority for the cross connection control program submitted in compliance with §A, of this regulation, including any amendment required by the Approving Authority, the supplier of water shall implement the approved plan.

http://mdrules.elaws.us/comar/26.04.01.32

Approved Residential Low-Hazard Backflow Preventer Installer

At their meeting held on July 1, 2019, the Board of Commissioners approved Kelco Plumbing & Backhoe Services, LLC. as the Town’s approved residential low-hazard backflow preventer contractor.  You may schedule an installation appointment by calling Kelco at 240-288-7061 or by email at KelcoPlumbingLLC2@gmail.com.  A FREE permit must be obtained from the Town after the device is installed.

Installation Dates:

07/1/2019 – 06/30/2021

07/1/2021 – 06/30/2023

07/01/2023 – 06/30/2025

Installation Price:

$162.00

$172.00

$180.00

No property owner is required to use this company.  The Town's approval is not a guarantee or warranty regarding the quality of the work that may eventually be done, and that the Town is not liable for any errors or omissions that may occur in the course of any work the plumber may do.  The listed price of $162 is for standard installation.  If there is any additional work that needs to be completed then the price is subject to change. The installation price does not include unexpected.


Fact Sheets
Cross-Connection Low Hazard Fact Sheet (pdf)
Cross-Connection High Hazard Fact Sheet (pdf)

MD EPA Cross Connection Control Manual
MD EPA Cross Connection Control Manual (pdf)

Cross-Connection Permit Application


Definitions
cross connection
a physical connection between drinkable water and a liquid or gas that could make the water unsafe to drink (wherever there is a cross connection, there is a potential threat to public health from the liquid or gas contaminants)

backflow
water flowing opposite to its intended direction, either from a loss of pressure in the supply lines or an increase in pressure on the customer’s side (in either of these situations, if any affected customer’s pipes include a cross connection, contaminants could be drawn through the cross connection into that customer’s pipes—and, if the backflow continues, perhaps even into the water mains)

potable
safe to drink; drinkable.