Did you know you might be drinking backwash? Contaminated water can backflow into your drinking water at cross connection points in and outside your home. In fact, approximately 2,760 people got sick from waterborne illness in the United States in 2003-2004*. Many of these cases were a result of cross connections. Learn the facts so you can protect yourself and your family.
Are your outside facuets protected from backflow? Visit our prevent faucet backwash page to learn how to protect your family.
Don't drink irrigation backwash: Do you have an irrigation system? Make sure that you install a backflow preventation device.
What is cross connection? Learn the basics.
Need a professional to install your device? Learn about certified Backflow Assembly Testers.
Cross connection professionals: Learn about:
Questions about cross connection? Contact Steve Coke, City of Olympia, Public Works Department, at (360) 753-8161, or send an email.
Need a permit? Contact the City of Olympia Community Planning and Development Department, at (360) 753-8314, or send an email.
Need related water quality information? Contact the Public Works office.
- Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
- Mailing Address: PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507
- Download printer-friendly (PDF) directions to our office
- Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (360) 753-8588
- Email: Public Works
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Surveillance for Waterborne Disease and Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water and Water not Intended for Drinking--United States, 2003-2004.