- Levan is concerned about cross connections in water systems
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By Rebecca Dopp
Times-News Correspondent
Once Levan Town Irrigation has their new pressurized irrigation system up and running, Levan Town will not allow any cross connections with the public drinking water system.
A cross connection is defined as an actual or potential connection between a potable and non-potable water supply and can constitute a serious public health hazard. A backflow incident could carry pollutants or contaminants back into the public drinking water supply.
Jason Worwood, town employee, said there were too many things that would create problems by allowing cross connections (i.e. cost, maintenance).
“My recommendation is that we just don’t do it,” Worwood said.
Mayor Bob Shepherd asked why now would they need to disallow.
Worwood said that the state is looking more at cross connections and they come and inspect the system and if the town gets so many points against it, then it becomes a disapproved system.
“We got dinged pretty hard last time on cross connections,” he said.
“I think we should start with public education,” Worwood said.
He presented two different letters addressing these concerns. One talked about cross connections and the potential hazard, and the other addressed the need for people to make sure a hose bibb vacuum breaker was in place on their hoses.
He said that he was more concerned with the second issue, having a hose stuck in a pool and sucking any contaminants back up the system.
A hose bibb vacuum breaker vents to atmosphere, protecting against backsiphonage conditions.
Bruce Rowley suggested that the town might look into getting a supply of the breakers and allow citizens to come and purchase them from the town, to make sure they got the right device.
The letters will be sent out to all water users in Levan. Worwood said he would rewrite the letters and try to get them out as soon as possible.
The council voted to disallow any cross connection from the culinary to the irrigation system.
Mayor Shepherd said if there were any questions to please contact the town office.
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