Tidewater Adopts Connection Control Regulations for Drinking Water Safety

Rhea-AI Summary

Tidewater Utilities has implemented a cross-connection control program to comply with new Delaware regulations aimed at protecting the public water supply. This initiative addresses cross-connections that pose health risks due to potential backflow of contaminants into drinking water. The program includes customer notifications, on-site surveys, compliance verification, and annual testing. Tidewater has partnered with HydroCorp for program management, ensuring adherence to regulations. This commitment supports safe, clean drinking water for Delaware residents, aligning with Tidewater's mission since 1964.

Positive

• Implementation of a cross-connection control program enhances public health safety.
• Partnership with HydroCorp ensures expert management of the compliance program.

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• None.

DOVER, Del., April 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater) has adopted a water piping cross-connection control program designed to comply with new regulations issued by the State of Delaware under Title 16 of the Delaware Administrative Code (Code). These new regulations align with Tidewater’s mission to protect the public water supply and to continue to provide safe, clean drinking water to households and businesses throughout Delaware.

Administered by the Office of Drinking Water, Code Section 4462 regulations prohibits hazardous interconnections to public water systems and now requires all Delaware public water systems to develop a comprehensive cross-connection control program. Code Section 4455 requires the installation of specific backflow prevention devices, methods and assemblies to isolate cross-connection control hazards associated with drinking water supply plumbing.

“Cross connections into public water supply systems can pose a serious health concern because these connections may allow pollutants to enter the public water system through what is called backflow of water,” according to Alexis Virdin-Gede, Tidewater’s Director of Water Quality. “Backflow occurs when a drop in water pressure causes your water to flow in the opposite direction -- potentially allowing contaminated or polluted water to flow back into the drinking water pipes. Given the dangers that exist from unprotected cross-connections, it is necessary to maintain an effective cross-connection control program to protect drinking water supply systems and its users,” added Ms. Virdin-Gede.

Tidewater has contracted with HydroCorp, a Cross-Connection Control Program specialized service provider with almost 40 years of related experience, to manage the Tidewater program and facilitate compliance with the new regulations.

Elements of Our Cross Connection Control Program

• Late Spring 2022 US Postal Service mail notifications by HydroCorp to our customers with instructions, responsibilities and a FAQ list.
• On-site surveys to help identify cross-connections.
• Potential corrective action for non-compliant service connections.
  
  
  • Property owners, whether commercial or residential, will be responsible for the necessary corrective actions and associated costs.
• Compliance verification, which includes annual backflow testing and maintenance of inspection records as required by regulations.
• Submission by customer of annual backflow prevention device test results to Tidewater.

To learn more visit www.tuiwater.com or www.Hydrocorpinc.com

About Tidewater Utilities, Inc.

Serving Delaware since 1964, Tidewater is a wholly owned subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: MSEX) that specializes in a full complement of water and wastewater services. Committed to sustainable practices, Tidewater offers its expertise in areas of water and wastewater operations and maintenance, municipal and industrial contract operations and consulting. The Company is proud to deliver safe drinking water as southern Delaware’s premier water company and serves to support the health and welfare of Delaware’s citizens, businesses and natural resources.

Media Contact:

Bernadette M. Sohler
bsohler@middlesexwater.com
732-638-7549

FAQ

What is Tidewater Utilities' new cross-connection control program about?

Tidewater Utilities' cross-connection control program is aimed at complying with Delaware regulations to prevent the backflow of contaminants into public water systems.

When will HydroCorp notify customers about the new cross-connection control program?

HydroCorp will send mail notifications to customers in late Spring 2022 with instructions regarding the new program.

What are the responsibilities of property owners under the new regulations?

Property owners are responsible for correcting any non-compliant service connections and covering associated costs.

How does the cross-connection control program benefit Delaware residents?

The program enhances drinking water safety by preventing hazardous contaminants from entering the public water supply.

What company is managing Tidewater's cross-connection control program?

Tidewater has contracted HydroCorp, a specialized service provider with nearly 40 years of experience, to manage the program.