The City of Park Ridge is moving forward with an eco-friendly online cross connection control (backflow preventer) tracking program. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires every water supplier to develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control program for the elimination of existing cross connections and prevention and protection from all future cross connections.

 Cross connections are sometimes protected by a valve called a backflow preventer. Backflow preventers are the property of the water customer and the responsibility lies with the customer for annual testing and maintenance. The water customer must contract with a licensed tester to perform the required annual tests. The City recommends calling a few testers to obtain pricing information, as prices may vary. Most plumbing contractors are now certified to test backflow preventers.

Backflow preventers may be found at any number of locations on your water systems. Typically, most commercial customers will have backflow preventers just after the water meter and also on wet fire protection systems. They may also have lawn irrigation systems that require backflow protection. There may be other water connections throughout commercial or industrial facilities that also require backflow protection.

Residential backflow preventers may exist or be required on lawn irrigation systems, wet fire protections systems, hot water heating (boiler) systems, swimming pool fills, water features, etc. Backflow preventers may also be required if there is another water source on the site such as a well, pond, or river. The Plumbing Code requires that lawn sprinkler systems be tested when the system is started for the season.

The contractor hired to implement and oversee Park Ridge’s backflow program is Aqua Backflow, a national firm located in Elgin specializing in cross connection control management.
Aqua Backflow can be reached toll-free at (866) 777-2124 with any questions.
Park Ridge’s Water Department can be reached at (847) 318-5251.

The Park Ridge Cross Connection Control Program is designed to safeguard public health. We ask for your cooperation with this program, its enforcement, and any requests for information that come from Aqua Backflow or City staff.