Charlotte County Utilities
Backflows, Cross-Connection, & Reclaimed Water
The Water Quality Control division of Operations was established in order to implement the rules of Section 62-550 of the Florida Administrative Code, which requires public water systems to establish cross-connection control programs to detect, prevent and eliminate cross-connections that may create an imminent and substantial danger to the public health.
CCU delivers safe drinking water to over 140,000 people every day. One of the most effective ways to protect our drinking water is to prevent contaminants on the outside of the water distribution system from being pulled back into the public water supply when a cross connection exists. To prevent backflow from occurring, the cross-connection must be eliminated by installing an approved backflow prevention assembly on the water Service Line. A backflow prevention assembly must be tested by a State of Florida Certified Tester when installed or repaired and annually tested thereafter to ensure it operates properly. The Water Quality Control staff maintains a data base for the purpose of ensuring testing is done on an annual basis by a State Certified Tester.
The program is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and by County Ordinance No. 2007-041.
Learn more by clicking on the links provided below. 
- Backflow and Cross Connection Video
- CCU Cross Connection Control Manual
- List of Certified Backflow Testers
- Application for inclusion - Certified Backflow Tester List
- Backflow Test and Maintenance Report
- FDEP Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program
- Residential Backflow Survey
- Examples of Backflow Prevention Devices
- Ordinance Reclaimed Water System
Reclaimed Water is wastewater that has been highly treated to make it suitable for a variety of beneficial uses. Reclaimed water:
- Helps in the conservation of surface and ground water
- Creates an alternate water source for irrigation by reducing demand on potable water
- Reduces the cost of landscape irrigation when it replaces potable water
- Beautifies our community by enhancing the appearance of landscaping
The County follows regulations set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
To learn more about reclaimed water please read the Reclaimed Water Brochure.
