Cross-connection control is critical for the safety of every community. But sometimes, budget constraints can move the program down the priority list. Knowing what you need to include in your budget and where the money comes from is an essential step in establishing an effective cross-connection control program. Remember: Cross-connection control programs involve more than backflow test tracking. That means your budgeting process needs to account for other critical activities.
Note: Always remember to check your state’s cross-connection control and backflow prevention regulations to ensure your program is compliant.
What’s the Budget For?
The initial development of a cross-connection control program obviously incurs some costs to your department. As you design the program, the initial start-up costs you need to account for may include:
- Creating a dedicated database of water service connections and a method to manage cross-connection control program activity
- Developing written policies and protocols, along with a local ordinance that provides the jurisdiction with enforcement authority
- Creating and deploying public education and awareness materials
- Training personnel on cross-connection control practices and regulations
But cross-connection control isn’t a “one-and-done” activity. It’s an ongoing program that requires periodic onsite surveys to detect unsafe water service connections and track backflow preventer tests, as well as public education, enforcement activities, and more.
When water customers are out of compliance with cross-connection control and backflow prevention requirements, enforcement actions are necessary. That means you need to allocate budget to notify customers (printing & postal costs) that they are out of compliance, and to maintain a system that tracks compliance status. If customers remain out of compliance after multiple notices and clear instruction, discontinued water service is typically the most effective enforcement action.
Administrative activities require budget, too.
- Public Education: Run customer education campaigns to inform your community about the risks of cross-connections, the importance of compliance, and how backflow prevention works.
- Compliance Reporting: Allocate budget to ensure your system meets state and local regulations and to effectively document and report compliance efforts.
- Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of on-site surveys, backflow assembly testing, corrected violations, enforcement actions, and program activities.
Budget Sources
You know what the budget is for—now how do you obtain the funds? As with any program, it’s critical to put on your financial planning hat and factor your cross-connection control program into the department’s overall budget. Establish reserve funds in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies that require immediate action to ensure the continuation of the program. Decision makers must understand how the cross-connection control program benefits the entire community.
Water Rates
The costs of cross-connection control programs are typically supported by the rates paid by all water customers. This approach ensures that the financial burden of protecting the water supply is shared among all users.
When incorporating program costs into water rates, consider two key things: rate structure and cost allocation. Ensure the rates are sufficient to cover both the operational (surveys, reporting, compliance) and the capital (assemblies, devices) expenses of the program. Not every water customer will require the same level of input from the cross-connection control program. It’s critical to distribute the costs proportionally across different consumer classes, based on their level of hazard, water usage, and potential cross-connection risks.
Cost Recovery Fees
Specific costs may be one-time only, so you must build cost recovery mechanisms into your budgeting plan. You can implement fees specifically designated for capital improvements, such as the installation of backflow prevention devices or assemblies, to meet one-time costs. Additionally, you can charge fees or require paid permits for periodic inspections and test tracking of backflow prevention assemblies to directly recover associated costs.
Making the Best of Your Budget
Like many other programs, getting started can be the hardest (and most expensive) part of cross-connection control. A way to control up-front project costs is to partner with experienced contractors who can help you conduct initial surveys and design an impactful and cost-effective program for your community.
HydroCorp supports public water systems and utilities across the United States with cross-connection control surveys and program development. Our team of experts can help you develop a plan that fits your community’s needs—and that doesn’t break the bank.
