The purpose of the Cross Connection Control Program is to provide for the maintenance and operation of a continuing program which will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of the City of Clermont’s water distribution system due to cross connections, as required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The goals of this program are to:

• Protect the public potable (drinking) water supply from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating actual and/or potential cross-connections in the water distribution system that could create backflow into the public potable water supply.
• Promote the elimination and control of cross-connections (actual or potential) between the potable water system(s), and any other system(s) or plumbing fixture(s).

New in 2016

In January of 2016, the State of Florida is now requiring that all separate potable irrigation meters, not on reuse, are required to test their backflow device that was installed when the irrigation system was installed. They gave the water utility the option of requiring testing once a year or once every two years.The City of Clermont opted for the once every two years so that it would not be a costly item to homeowners. Letters will be sent out one month before tests are due, based on previous passing tests reports.

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross connection is a physical connection or arrangement of piping or fixtures between two otherwise separate systems, one of which contains potable water and the other, fluids, gases or other materials through which backflow may occur.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the City’s potable water supply system from sources other than the City water system.

How is backflow prevented?

Backflow is prevented either by complete physical separation of piping systems or through the use of an approved backflow prevention device. Backflow prevention devices are required to isolate a private water system, such as water lines within a commercial site, at the point of connection with the City’s public potable water system. With the use of an approved backflow prevention device water can flow from the City’s public water system into the private water system, but water from the private water system cannot flow back into the City’s public water system. Backflow prevention devices are also used to isolate fire lines, residential irrigations systems, and reclaimed water systems from the City’s potable water system.

For detailed information on the installation, inspection, repair and maintenance of backflow prevention devices or for more information on Cross Connection Control, please refer to our Cross Connection Control Manual.

Grease and Oil Control Program

The purpose of the Grease and Oil Control Program is to prevent damage to the City’s wastewater collection system. Excessive grease and oil in the collection system can lead to sewer backups, overflows, spills, and/or non-compliance of the wastewater treatment plant.

In order to prevent these problems, the City requires all food service establishments to install a minimum 750 gallon grease trap. The purpose of a grease trap is to allow the grease and oil to separate from the water and the clear water to pass on to the wastewater collection system. The grease traps need to be pumped periodically to remove the grease and oil that has accumulated in the trap. The collected grease and oil is then disposed of at a permitted treatment facility.  Following each pump-out, the owner must fill out a Grease Trap Manifest Form.

Also, as part of the Grease and Oil Control Program the City performs inspections of new and existing grease traps. New grease traps are inspected during construction prior to the restaurant opening for operation. Existing grease traps are inspected periodically to determine compliance and frequency of pumping.

• Grease Trap Manual  05-18-2018