Our customers expect their drinking water to be safe. We are committed to providing the safest, highest quality water. Our division is responsible for inspecting commercial and industrial water customers for potential cross connection and backflow violations. Our goal is to eliminate or protect all cross connections in Mishawaka's public water system and help our customers comply with backflow prevention practices and regulations.

A cross connection is any connection between piping that carries drinking (potable) water and the piping or fixtures that carry other types of (non-potable) water or substances that are not safe to drink.

Drinking water normally flows in one direction, although in certain circumstances it can flow in the opposite direction, or backflow. When backflow occurs, water runs backwards through your pipes and into the public drinking water system. When this happens, the water flowing backwards could contain something that could contaminate the drinking water supply.

Mishawaka Utilities tries to maintain positive pressure in our system at all times, but events such as main breaks and fire fighting can contribute to unexpected backflow conditions.

Residential:

There are things you can do to help us prevent contamination of the public water system due to backflow. Lawn irrigation systems, swimming pools and hot tubs are common residential cross-connection points. When the sprinklers or irrigation systems are nested underground, it is possible for contaminated water to flow into the sprinklers. In swimming pools and hot tubs, if water inlets are submerged, it is a cross connection.

• Irrigation systems: Ensure that an approved assembly is installed, is in good working condition, and is tested annually.
• Swimming pools and hot tubs: Ensure that if a water hose is used to fill these units, it is protected with a hose bib vacuum breaker installed on the faucet.
• Residential boilers: Ensure that an approved backflow assembly is installed, is in good working condition, and is tested annually.
• Private wells: Ensure that well systems are not connected to the public water system.

Commercial/Industrial:

Click here for testing information.