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9.6 Administration of a Cross-Connection Control Program 329
In large water supply systems, fixture outlet protection cross-connection control phi-
losophy, in and of itself, is a virtual impossibility to achieve and police due to the quantity
of systems involved, the complexity of the plumbing systems inherent in many industrial
sites, and the fact that many plumbing changes are made within industrial and commercial
establishments that do not require the water department to license or otherwise endorse or
ratify when contemplated or completed.
In addition, internal plumbing cross-connection control survey work is generally foreign
to the average water supplier and is not normally a part of its employees’ job descriptions or
duties. Although it is admirable for the water supplier to accept and perform survey work, the
supplier should be aware that it runs the risk of additional liability in an area that may be in
conflict with plumbing inspectors, maintenance personnel, and other public health officials.
Even where extensive “fixture outlet protection,” cross-connection control programs
are in effect through the efforts of an aggressive and thorough water supply cross-
connection control program, the water authorities should also have an active “contain-
ment” program in order to address the many plumbing changes that are made and that are
inherent within commercial and industrial establishments. In essence, fixture outlet protec-
tion becomes an extension of the “containment” program.
Also, in order for the water supplier to provide maximum protection of the water dis-
tribution system, consideration should be given to requiring the owner of a premise (com-
mercial, industrial, or residential) to provide, at her own expense, adequate proof that her
internal water system complies with the local or state plumbing code(s). In addition, she
may be required to install, have tested, and maintain all backflow protection devices that
would be required—at her own expense.
The water supplier should have the right of entry to determine degree of hazard and the
existence of cross-connections in order to protect the potable water system. By so doing, the
water supplier can assess the overall nature of the facility and its potential impact on the water
system (determine degree of hazard), personally see actual cross-connections that could con-
taminate the water system, and take appropriate action to ensure the elimination of the cross-
connection or the installation of required backflow devices.
Assisting the water supplier in the total administration of a cross-connection control
program requires that all public health officials, plumbing inspectors, building managers,
plumbing installers, and maintenance personnel participate and share in the responsibility
of protecting the public health and safety of individuals from cross-connections and con-
tamination or pollution of the public water supply system.

9.6.2 Dedicated Line
In addition to the options just discussed, Figure 9.29 also depicts the use of a “dedicated”
potable water line. This line initiates immediately downstream of the water meter and is
“dedicated” solely for human consumption: drinking fountains, safety showers, eye wash sta-
tions, etc. It is very important that this piping be color coded throughout in accordance with
local plumbing regulations, flow direction arrows added, and the piping religiously policed to
ensure that no cross-connections to other equipment or piping are made that could compromise
water quality. In the event that authorities feel the policing of this line cannot be reliably main-
tained or enforced, the installation of a containment device on this line should be considered.

9.6.3 Method of Action
A complete cross-connection control program requires a carefully planned and executed
initial action plan followed by aggressive implementation and constant follow-up. Proper