The Village of Glenview

Cross Connection Control


This page explains Glenview's Cross Connection Control Program, which is intended to keep the Village's purified water distribution system free from objectionable impurities and health hazards.

What is a cross connection?

Any real or potential connection between the water supply and a source that can contaminate or pollute that water is considered a cross connection.

When the system experiences a loss in water pressure, such as when a fire hydrant is opened or a water main breaks, a backflow can occur that causes water in the pipes to flow in the opposite direction.  That's when a contaminant or pollutant could travel into drinking water.

Common cross connections include:

  • Commercial properties, from carbonated beverage machines and ice-makers, fire sprinkler systems and x-ray machines.
  • Residential properties, with lawn irrigation, fire sprinkler systems and even a common garden hose, when submerged in water.

Why is a control program necessary?

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires that all water systems in the state of Illinois have an effective Cross Connection Control Program.

Glenview has established such a program with the goal of protecting both the integrity of Glenview's water system and its water customers. The Village has contracted with Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI) to inspect the water supply and distribute educational materials to all water customers.

The first step in the program is to complete a comprehensive mail survey to determine where cross connections exist.  A pre-addressed survey card is being mailed in intervals that must be completed and returned.  It contains a check list of items to verify whether a backflow device is needed or has already been installed.

What is a backflow device?

A backflow device can be installed inline to prevent any "bad" water from mixing with "good" water, should a backflow occur. The assemblies can be simple, such as a hose bibb vacuum breaker on a garden hose, or more complex, like a reduced pressure assembly  or double check assembly.

Because it is a mechanical device, the assembly needs routine maintenance and are subject to parts wearing down or breaking. The IEPA mandates the devices be tested annually.

Who can install a backflow device?

Installation, testing and certification of a backflow assembly may only be completed by a licensed, certified backflow prevention assembly tester.

Click here for a list of licensed, certificated
backflow prevention assembly installers/testers

The Village does not endorse or recommend any tester or installer, and this list is provided only as a convenience to residents.

Regarding solicitations

Recently, residents and businesses in the Village with cross-connection control devices (CCCDs, also known as backflow prevention devices) on their property may have received mailings from one or more plumbing companies concerning testing or servicing of the owner's CCCD and/or management of their backflow related data. Unless otherwise stated by the Village as part of a community-wide program, the Village of Glenview does not recommend specific vendors to its residents. The efforts of any business with respect to CCCD work at any particular residence or business are not sponsored or endorsed by the Village.

Applicable law requires each water customer with a CCCD to have the devices inspected annually.  As it has done in the past, the Village will continue to send written notification to those customers informing them of the due date for testing of their CCCD if the testing has not been completed within 30 days of the deadline. The only testing due dates that must be complied with are those set forth in the official notification from the Village.

Who can I contact with questions?

Contact Backflow Solutions Inc. at:

BSI Online
12609 S. Laramie Avenue
Alsip, IL 60803
(800) 414-4990 toll free
(708) 761-7084 local