Tag: Cross Connection

UPDATED with FAQ: Mt. Pleasant to Replace Water Meters and Continue Cross Connection Inspections

Water Meter Replacement FAQ

The city is working with technicians from HydroCorp to simultaneously conduct a cross-connection inspection and installation of new water meters for properties within the city limits. The inspection and water meter installation are mandatory. Residents will not incur charges from HydroCorp for the inspection or meter installation. Failure to participate in the new water meter install program will result in the water being disconnected.  

1) Checking for potential cross connections:

  • A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance, such as a chemical, to come into contact with the potable (safe) drinking water supply.
  • These connections are commonly found at a home’s outside hose connection or with a residential irrigation system.

2) Replacing all water meters within the city limits with advanced digital meters.

  • Features
    • Efficient Remote Meter Readings
    • Consumption History
    • Notifications & Alerts
    • Available Phone App to monitor usage and operation.
  • HydroCorp technicians will have to enter residences. Personnel with be identifiable with a HydroCorp company shirt and an identification badge.
  • Meter install takes less than 45 minutes.

HydroCorp Letter
A letter from HydroCorp regarding the scheduling of a water meter installation appointment will be mailed.

  • Appointments are scheduled Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Customers can choose from (2) four-hour blocks, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Two-hour windows are offered from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. There are several customers scheduled in a time frame; you are not guaranteed to be first in line.

Cross Connection Inspections to Begin on Residential Properties

A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance, such as a chemical, to come into contact with the potable (safe) drinking water supply. Most cross connections occur beyond the customer’s service connection, within residential, commercial, institutional or industrial plumbing systems.

Michigan’s Safe Drinking Water Act protects drinking water and prevents cross connections that may pose a hazard to the potable water supply. In the past, the Water Department has focused its efforts on addressing cross connections at commercial and industrial properties due to their greater risk for potential contaminants. While these inspections will continue, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is now requiring inspections of potential cross connections with residential properties. Most residential cross connections are found at a home’s exterior hose bib connection (your outside hose connection), or with a residential irrigation system.

At the end of May Hydrocorp, the entity conducting the exterior residential inspections, will be sending letters to some residents to inform them when their property will be inspected. Residential inspections will be completed in phases over a multi-year process. Underground irrigation systems will likely need to have their backflow prevention device tested. If so, the property owner will be notified.