The safety of drinking water has been a concern for years. And although waterborne diseases have been controlled, they have not been eliminated. A serious potential hazard that still exists is plumbing cross connections between a potable, drinking water supply and a non-potable water supply. Properly installed backflow prevention devices are important to keeping our drinking water safe.

Cross-connection seepage allowing contaminated water to mix with safe drinking water has occurred before, resulting in the spread of disease, death and economic strain on a community.

Constant alteration of potable water piping systems without the proper installation of backflow preventer valves is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed if the contamination of our water is to stop.

• Plagues & Epidemics.....Details perhaps the first cross-connection....

• Entamoeba histolytica....Was the agent for a dramatic cross connection incident at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933...1000 cases and 58 deaths....

• A Brief History of a Public Water Supply - Winnipeg

• Report on Main Breaks.... Water safety issues discussed -- The Museum of the City of San Francisco

• Is Your Drinking Water Safe? EPA Document

• The Quality of Our Nation's Water: 1992 EPA Document

• Centers for Disease Control Home Page

• Backsiphonage into the farm well is also a concern.... Michigan State Univ. Extension Document

• Information Alert! Report Says 53 Million-Plus Drink Contaminated Water....Wash. Post -- 6/2/95