All City of West Chicago residential, commercial, and multi-tenant facility water customers are requested to complete the 2024 Cross-Connection Control Survey, as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
Customers will receive a postcard from Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI) with details about the survey. They may also complete the survey online directly from the City’s website. This survey, which is required every three years, helps identify and eliminate cross-connections that could allow contaminants to flow back into the public water system.
The City is required to adopt and enforce an IEPA-approved Cross-Connection Control Ordinance and program. As part of this program, cross-connection devices must be tested annually by a certified Cross-Connection Device Inspector (CCDI), with all test reports maintained by the City. To assist with managing this program, the City has partnered with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI).
According to the City of West Chicago Municipal Code (Chapter 18, Article II, Division 2), cross-connection devices must be installed and maintained to prevent contamination from back-siphonage or "backflow" through residential and business water service connections.
A cross-connection is a physical link between a potential source of contamination and the public drinking water system. If not properly protected, it can contaminate the drinking water system through backflow, which occurs when water flow is reversed.
Examples of cross-connections include underground lawn sprinkler systems, in-ground pools, boilers, and commercial ice makers. Customers can view additional examples of cross-connections in the online survey.
The IEPA and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) enforce cross-connection regulations. Unprotected or improper connections may lead to contamination or pollution of the water system, and if left unchecked, these connections could cause backflow into the City's drinking water system, posing serious health risks.