Local association warns residents of potential water contamination

Over the next few weeks, the cooler temperatures will bring people outdoors to work in their yards, finish gardening and begin getting swimming pools ready for winter.
The Elbridge Water Association would like to ensure that its customers are aware of the dangers associated with these activities.
A garden hose submersed in any liquid or attached to certain devices used to spray pesticides or herbicides forms a cross connection. A cross connection is a situation where a possible source of contamination is directly linked to our public water system. If the end of the hose is connected to a chemical container, swimming pool or other contaminant during a water main break or fire, the substance can be siphoned into the water system. This condition, known as back siphonage, could cause a public health hazard. Devices are available to prevent this problem; however the best solution is to always be careful how you use the hose.
“Please help us provide a safe supply of water to all of our customers. Remember; never stick your hose in anything you would not want to drink,” a spokesman said.
For more information on cross connections and how to protect against them, call Sharon Allman at 536-5711.

Published in The Messenger 10.02.12

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