As required by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the Pittsylvania County Department of Public Works must establish and enforce a Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program. The purpose of this program is to protect the County's drinking water system from contamination as a result of any cross-connections made to or backflow entering the water distribution system.

A “cross-connection” is any connection between your drinking water and a source of contamination. A cross-connection exists when there is a physical connection (joints, tees, fittings, etc.) between drinking water piping and another system. An example is a lawn irrigation system connected to both the public water system and another water source, like a well. Any such connections must be eliminated.

A “backflow” occurs when water in a hose or pipe goes backward toward your house and the County water system. This is caused by a change in water pressure. A sudden loss of system pressure can siphon contaminants into your home piping. Hoses left submerged in swimming pools, kitchen sinks, bath tubs, animal watering troughs, or having chemical sprayers attached to them while weed-killing are conditions that can be extremely hazardous. Care should be taken to make sure proper backflow preventers are installed on all fixtures.

The Public Works Department and you, the consumer, have a shared responsibility for water quality. As part of our program, we must survey our customers each year to determine if we are still adequately protecting our water supply.  

Your cooperation is needed for us to have an effective program to eliminate cross connections in our water systems.  Please complete the nine short questions below and click "submit" at the bottom.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated in helping keep our water system safe.