Water Department

Lenoir City Utilities Board (LCUB) needs your help in protecting our drinking water from contamination through cross-connections. By using the appropriate backflow device in your home or business, you can help keep our water supply safe.

What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection occurs when chemicals or substances used in a home or a business are allowed to enter the public water supply. Contamination occurs if the chemicals from a business, such as a car wash, hospital, chemical plant, restaurant, dry cleaners or lawn sprinkler system , backflows or siphons into the water system. Cross connections, which can occur at any pipe, valve, or fixture in the drinking water system, can be eliminated through the use of backflow devices.

State Regulations

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)

Division of Water Supply Rule 1200-5-1-.17 (6) states:

“Pursuant to TCA 68-13-711(6) the installation or maintenance of any cross-connection, auxiliary intake, or by-pass is prohibited unless the source and quality of water from the auxiliary supply, the method of connection, the use and operation of such cross-connection, auxiliary intake or by-pass has been approved by the Department. The arrangement of sewer, soil, or other drain lines or conduits carrying sewage, or other waste in such a manner that sewage or waste may find its way into any part of the public water system is prohibited.

All community water systems must adopt an ordinance or policy prohibiting all of the above and submit a copy of the executed ordinance to the Department for approval. All community water systems shall develop a written plan for a cross-connection control program to detect and eliminate or protect the system from cross-connections. The written plan must be approved by the Department. After adoption and approval of the cross-connection ordinance or policy and plan, each community water system must establish an on-going program for the detection and elimination of hazards associated with cross-connections. Records of the cross-connection control program must be maintained by the water supplier and shall include such items as date of inspection, person contacted, recommendations, follow-up, and testing results.”

According to the Tennessee Backflow Prevention Association, it is a mechanical device installed in a plumbing system to prevent water from flowing backward in the system. State and local regulations require a properly installed, tested, and maintained backflow preventer where water pipes enter a building or property to prevent altered water from flowing back into the public water system.

These devices may be of the air gap, reduced pressure, double check, or vacuum breaker types. The devices are applied according to the potential hazard.

· Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer or Air Gap - High Hazard (Life Threatening)

The water customer who has the potential for a cross-connection is responsible for buying, installing, and maintaining a backflow preventer. The water provider is responsible for the quality of the water delivered to the homes and businesses. This includes executing a cross-connection control program that monitors the presence and use of backflow preventers through periodic surveys and testing of the devices. Records of these surveys and tests are maintained for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Supply. The periodic testing of each device is directed by the water provider through TDEC certified employee testers or independent TDEC certified testers. The cost of the testing is the responsibility of the customer.

LCUB requests your support in maintaining a safe water supply through the operation of proper backflow preventers in your water system.