The purpose of the City of Newton’s Cross Connection Control Program (CCCP) is to protect the city’s potable water system from a non-potable water system. The city’s CCCP constantly surveys properties to determine if a cross connection between a potable and non-potable water system exists, then determines the appropriate backflow device that is need to protect the city’s potable water system. Once a device is installed, it is the city’s responsibility to test the device in accordance with the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations 310 CMR 22.22.

Contamination of the City’s potable water system can occur due to Backpressure or Backsiphonage from a non-potable water source.

Backpressure cross contamination can occur when the pressure of the non-potable water source exceeds the pressure in the public water system. Backsiphonage will occur when there is a decrease in pressure within the public water system due to a water main break of high demand in the system, causing non-potable water to back siphone into the public water system.

Backflow Device Surveying/Testing

The City of Newton has contracted with Weston & Sampson Engineers (WSE) to assist in the management of the City’s Cross Connection Control Program. WSE personnel are Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Certified Cross Connection Surveyors and Backflow Prevention Device Testers.

The City of Newton is required by MassDEP to perform a Cross Connection Control Survey on all commercial facilities, to confirm that a connection between a potable and a non-potable water source does not exist. It is in concert with, but separate from the State Plumbing Code. The Cross Connection Control survey and Backflow Prevention Device testing will protect the City’s drinking water system, along with the potable water system within your facility. The surveys generally take fifteen minutes to a half hour to conduct and there is no cost to the owner of the facility, Backflow Device testing is at a cost of $90.00/test.

To schedule an appointment for a Survey or a Backflow Device test, please contact Weston & Sampson Engineers at 978-595-1533. For new installations or replacement of an existing Backflow Device, Design Data Applications can be faxed to 617-762-5936 or emailed to NewtonMACC@wseinc.com

Additional Supporting Documents