The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires every public water supplier to have a comprehensive “cross connection control program” to protect its water supply. Bartlett’s cross connection control program is designed to safeguard public health.

A "cross-connection," as defined by the EPA, is any actual or potential connection between the public water supply (the consumer's water system) and a contamination or pollution source. Some examples of cross connections include fire protection systems, boiler systems, lawn irrigation systems, swimming pool filling systems, water features, carbonated soda dispensers, etc. Such cross-connections can jeopardize the cleanliness and potability of the public water system if a backflow event should occur. Devices called backflow preventers are required in any plumbing situation that is considered a cross connection. These devices help keep the cross connection separate from the potable water system at all times, preventing potential contamination. 

One requirement of the IEPA is to survey all water customers every two years. The purpose of this survey is to identify all existing cross connections and ensure that proper backflow devices are in place to prevent potential contamination. The next survey of water customers will be in 2025.