Cross-Connection Survey
The Village of Oak Park Cross Connection Control Program is designed to safeguard public health by protecting the municipal drinking water supply. Your cooperation is essential. Following are a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers related to surveys of all residential water customers in Oak Park.
Why did I receive a water survey from the Village of Oak Park and Aqua Backflow?
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires every water supply provider to develop and implement a backflow prevention control program. The program mandates surveying all residential water customers every three years to identify and eliminate connections that could allow contaminants to accidentally flow back into the drinking water from sources such as fire protection sprinkler systems, boilers, lawn sprinklers and swimming pools.
How should I respond to the survey?
Just go to TrackMyBackflow.com, click on Water Use Survey, enter the Site ID from your notice and complete the survey. If you have any questions or are unable to complete the survey online, contact Aqua Backflow at 847.742.2296 or email to info@aquaflow.com.
What is a cross connection?
A cross connection is a connection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source, where a contaminant potentially could enter the drinking water supply. Cross connections should be protected by a valve called a backflow preventer.
What is a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is a device that allows the water to flow only in one direction and prevent a pipe or device connected to the water supply line to allow water to flow back into the municipal supply system.
Who has responsibility for installing backflow preventers?
Property owners are responsible for installing, testing and maintaining backflow preventers. Water customers must contract with a licensed professional to perform the required annual tests and make any necessary repairs. Most plumbing contractors can install and repair backflow preventers and are certified to test them.
Where would a backflow preventer be installed?
Residential backflow preventers typically are found on systems such as those for irrigating lawns, filling swimming pools and water features, and fire sprinkler systems. If your heat is supplied by radiators, the hot water boiler should have a preventer, as should a water softener. Toilets, bathtubs, sinks, hot water heaters and other standard plumbing fixtures do not require backflow preventers.
What if I don't know the answer to any of the survey questions?
If you don't know the answer to any of the questions, contact Aqua Backflow locally at 847.742.2296 or toll free at 866.777.2124 with any questions. You also may contact the Village of Oak Park Public Works Department at 708.358.5700.
Who is Aqua Backflow?
Aqua Backflow is the contractor hired to implement and oversee the Village of Oak Park's backflow assessment program. They specialize in cross connection control management.
Will anyone contact me after I take the survey?
If you have or require backflow protection, you may be contacted for compliance testing, repairs, installations, inspections or additional surveys.
What happens if I do not fill out the survey?
All water customers are required to complete and return this survey. While there are no penalties or fines for not completing the survey, everyone is encouraged to complete the survey to ensure the Village is in compliance with IEPA regulations and can assess the potential risks to our drinking water supply.
Who can I contact for more information?
Aqua Backflow may be contacted locally at 847.742.2296 or toll free at 866.777.2124 with any questions. You also may contact the Village of Oak Park Public Works Department at 708.358.5700.