Why did I receive a water survey from North Park Public Water District?
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires every water supply provider to develop and implement a backflow prevention control program. The program mandates surveying all residential water customers every two years to identify and eliminate connections that could allow contaminants to accidentally flow back into the drinking water from sources such as fire protection sprinkler systems, boilers, lawn sprinklers and swimming pools.

How should I respond to the survey?
You have several options!
1. Go to NORTH PARK WATER SURVEY, click on the Cross Connection Program Survey tab, and enter the requested information.
2. Complete and return the survey letter you received in the mail to North Park Public Water District, 1350 Turret Drive, Machesney Park, IL 61115
3. Drop it off at our offices at 1350 Turret Drive, Machesney Park, IL 61115

What is a cross connection?
A cross connection is a connection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source, where a contaminant potentially could enter the drinking water supply. Cross connections should be protected by a valve called a backflow preventer.

What is a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is a device that allows the water to flow only in one direction and prevent a pipe or device connected to the water supply line to allow water to flow back into the municipal supply system.

Who has responsibility for installing backflow preventers?
Property owners are responsible for installing, testing and maintaining backflow preventers. Water customers must contract with a licensed professional to perform the required annual tests and make any necessary repairs. Most plumbing contractors can install and repair backflow preventers and are certified to test them.

Where would a backflow preventer be installed?
Residential backflow preventers typically are found on systems such as those for irrigating lawns, filling swimming pools, water features, and fire sprinkler systems. If your heat is supplied by radiators, the hot water boiler should have a preventer, as should a water softener. Toilets, bathtubs, sinks, hot water heaters and other standard plumbing fixtures do not require backflow preventers.


​What should I do if I don't know the answer to any of the questions on the survey?
If you don't know the answer to any of the questions, please call our office at (815) 633-5461, or call Backflow Solutions, Inc. at 1-800-414-4990.

Who is Backflow Solutions, Inc.?
Backflow Solutions, Inc. is the contractor hired to implement and oversee North Park Public Water District’s backflow assessment program. They specialize in cross connection control management.

Will anyone contact me after I complete and submit the survey?
If you have or require backflow protection, you may be contacted for compliance testing, repairs, installations, inspections or additional information.

What happens if I do not fill out the survey?
All water customers are required to complete and return this survey. While there are no penalties or fines for not completing the survey, everyone is encouraged to complete the survey to ensure the District is in compliance with IEPA regulations and can assess the potential risks to our drinking water supply.

Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (815) 633-5461, or call Backflow Solutions, Inc. at 1-800-414-4990.