Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention

Related Documents

Important Documents for the Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention Program

  1. Backflow Test Form 2026 (PDF)
  2. Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Brochure (PDF)
  3. Cross-Connection and Backflow Protection Policy (PDF)
  4. Procedure to Obtain Irrigation Meter (PDF)
  5. Special Water Use Agreement (PDF)

Overview

State law requires that all irrigation systems connected to a public water system have a separate irrigation meter with a backflow prevention assembly installed. Additionally, Brunswick County requires backflow prevention assemblies on all commercial connections. Even without an irrigation system, there are still dangers of backflow. For example, if you have a garden hose submerged in a bucket of water and other materials, the water pressure can drop and cause a suction effect, thus bringing whatever is in the bucket back into the water supply. If backflow occurs, there are chances of toxic and harmful chemicals entering the public water distribution system and contaminating the main water supply.

Tests to irrigation systems are required to be completed every other year. A notice that a system is due to be tested is mailed several weeks prior to our technician performing the test, so that the customer may call to reschedule, or let us know they have decided to hire a contractor to test instead. If one of our technicians does perform the test, a fee of $36.75 will be added to the next water bill.

If a system fails the test, customers will be notified by door hanger with further information.

Special Water Use

Special water use pertains to the use of any Brunswick County owned fire hydrant. It is required that a backflow preventer and meter be used whenever connecting to a hydrant in order to protect the Brunswick County Public Water Supply.

Requirements  

  • The meter and backflow must be provided by the Applicant.
  • The backflow preventer must be a Reduced Pressure Principal Assembly (RP or RPZ). Alternatively, a permanently mounted air gap may be used. 
  • The RP must have been tested within the last year from date of application and be tested annually thereafter. Test reports shall be sent to the Cross-Connection Control Coordinator.

Acquiring a Permit

  1. Contact the Cross-Connection Control Coordinator (contact information provided on the right of webpage). 
  2. Fill out The Special Water Use Permit Agreement and bring the completed document to the Cross-Connection Control Coordinator at 250 Grey Water, Supply, NC with a $500 deposit check made payable to Brunswick County Public Utilities (BCPU). Alternative payment information can be found here.    
  3. Bring the meter and backflow assembly to be inspected and approved by the Cross-Connection Control Coordinator to receive a BCPU placard (permit). 
    Note: The deposit will be returned once the placard is turned in at the end of use. If the placard is lost or stolen, please notify the Cross-Connection Coordinator immediately. A fee of $500.00 will be charged for placard replacement.
  4.  An account will be created at the billing office. After receiving your first bill, you will have the opportunity to set up payment options on the Brunswick County portal. 
  5. Report usages on the 25th of each month to the Cross-Connection Coordinator. Meter readings shall be reported to the Cross-Connection Coordinator via phone, email, or hand delivered to 250 Grey Water Rd, Supply, NC. 

General Information  

  • The meter and backflow prevention assembly can be inspected at any time by the Cross-Connection Control Coordinator.
  • When using a Brunswick County owned hydrant, the BCPU Placard must always be displayed when the meter assembly is attached to the hydrant.
    Note: If the BCPU Placard is not displayed or an inactive account uses a hydrant, an Unauthorized Hydrant Water Usage Withdrawal fee of $200 plus estimated usage will be charged to the user.
  • The approved user agrees not to sell, loan, or rent the BCPU Placard to anyone else.
  • Any meter that shows an unreported usage reading(s) will be considered a violation for not obtaining permission to use water and will subject the owner of that meter to a civil penalty of up to $1,000.
  • Failure to abide by the above-mentioned procedures or other Brunswick County Ordinances will result in revocation of special water use privileges and subject the offender to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per incident.

Hydrant Usage Fees