Safeguarding Lincoln’s drinking water is everyone’s responsibility.
The State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services meets it responsibility by setting high standards for water quality and by monitoring Lincoln’s water supply system.
The Lincoln Water System meets its responsibility by supplying excellent drinking water that is well within the “Safe Drinking Water Act” requirements and the “License to Operate” issued by the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Lincoln Water System Customers and occupants have a responsibility too. They must ensure no cross connections exist on their property as stated in the Lincoln Municipal Code, Title 17 and Title 24.
Thank you for being a partner in safe drinking water.
Help us keep Lincoln’s drinking water safe by eliminating unprotected cross connections! One way to do this is by completing the Commercial Cross Connection Plumbing Survey.
The information below will help guide you in how to answer the questions on your Commercial Cross Connection Plumbing Survey.
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A cross-connection is defined by the Lincoln Municipal Code: “Cross-connection shall mean any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or a consumer’s potable water system and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce into the potable water system of the Lincoln Water System any used water, industrial fluid, gas, or substance other than the intended potable water with which the system is supplied.”
“Cross-connection shall mean any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or a consumer’s potable water system and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce into the potable water system of the Lincoln Water System any used water, industrial fluid, gas, or substance other than the intended potable water with which the system is supplied.”
Cross connections are typically made by connecting the drinking water supply directly with the following plumbing fixtures:
(This is NOT an exhaustive list)
The purpose of the program is to safeguard the public water supply from backflow occurrences at the water service. Under the Lincoln Water System’s cross connection control program, City personnel may inspect your facilities to ensure compliance with this program. A survey of your premise is required by both the State of Nebraska and the City of Lincoln. Backflow Protection is required on commercial/industrial premise connections to the water service (i.e. domestic, fire, irrigation, other, etc.)
The owner/tenant must have testable backflow prevention assemblies tested upon installation and each year thereafter to ensure that they function properly per Nebraska Health & Human Services State of Nebraska Title 179, Lincoln Plumbing Code Title 24, and Lincoln Water Code Title 17.
The cost to test the assembly is the responsibility of owner.
Assemblies on fire sprinkler lines need to be tested by an approved Fire Sprinkler Contractor with a Grade 6 operator’s license that is also registered with the Lincoln Water System.
Related: List of Approved Backflow Testers
Approved Air Gap (A.G.)
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (A.V.B)
Lincoln Water System 201 North 27th Street Lincoln, NE 68503
Not sure if you need a backflow device? Need more information on what type of backflow prevention devices you may need?
Call our office 402-441-5912 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to speak with a Cross Connection Technician or call your local licensed plumber.
Email: backflow@lincoln.ne.gov
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