Residential Cross Connection Program

The City of St. Joseph maintains a “Residential Cross Connection Program” to help eliminate possible contamination of the public water distribution system. The program is mandated by State of Michigan Public Act 399 (Safe Drinking Water Act), which makes it the City’s responsibility to protect the water system from cross connections through a program of inspections and testing. 

A cross connection is an arrangement of piping that could allow undesirable water, sewage or chemical solutions to enter your drinking water system as a result of back flow. There are two required components of the program: Site inspections and testing of backflow prevention assemblies. 

As part of the program, an inspection of your home’s internal water system is to be completed.  City of St. Joseph inspectors will be reviewing your water system for connections that could possibly contaminate the water distribution system.  Inspections are currently underway for customers in Zone #3 (East of Main St and Niles Avenue, West of the St. Joseph River, extending to Napier). There are five zones in the city and inspections are required once every five years.  There is no charge for these inspections.

Any costs associated with the replacement, modification(s), installation, and/or testing of backflow prevention assemblies are the responsibility of the property owner/manager and/or occupant. 

Every residence in the City of St. Joseph will require an inspection mandated by the state. Water Service Crews will inspect the outside and inside of each home. Inspectors are looking to ensure all of your water sources have proper working backflow prevention devices. Homeowners must be home for the inspection, because workers need access to the front, backyard and inside the home.  Inspectors will be in your area Monday-Friday in May through December.  To make an appointment please call 983-1240 or email backflow@sjcity.com no later than June 9, 2026.