City of Grand Island

Cross-connection contamination poses a significant risk to our water distribution system. A cross-connection occurs when a municipal water line connects to equipment containing chemicals (like air conditioning systems, fire sprinklers, or irrigation networks) or water sources of questionable quality.

Contamination can happen in two ways: through back-pressure (when pressure in the equipment exceeds that in the water line) or back-siphonage (when pressure drops in the main line due to breaks or high demand, causing contaminants to be drawn into the clean water supply).

At home, garden hoses are often the most common cross-connection hazard, especially when left submerged in swimming pools or attached to chemical sprayers for weed control. Hoses left on the ground may become contaminated by fertilizers, cesspools, or lawn chemicals. Even improperly installed bathroom valves can create cross-connections.

Our municipal water system is protected through regular surveys of industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities to identify potential cross-connections. These are then eliminated or safeguarded with backflow prevention devices, which undergo routine inspection and testing. For more information about backflow prevention, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

1. Are there regions with water shortages in America?
   Some California coastal areas face freshwater shortages. Solutions include desalination (removing salt from seawater) and transferring water from neighboring communities through underground pipeline networks. Engineers continuously seek efficient and reliable ways to provide water access across the country.
2. How are water rates established?
   Public water utilities typically set their own rates without state approval. Private companies must apply to their state's Public Utilities Commission when raising rates. Private providers earn reasonable returns on prudently invested capital, though these returns aren't guaranteed and depend on operational efficiency. Regulators evaluate both capital investments and operational practices when considering rate increases.
3. How can I prepare for drought conditions?
   During dry, hot periods or when facing resource challenges, many communities experience shortages. When conservation becomes mandatory, local governments provide specific guidelines. Visit our Wise Water Use section for conservation tips.
4. How does water reach my faucet?
   The water infrastructure follows a straightforward path: from pumping stations that extract raw water from sources like aquifers or rivers, to treatment facilities where water is purified to meet EPA standards, then through distribution networks—pipes spanning fields, mountains, and highways—to reach homes and businesses. The U.S. water pipe network extends over 700,000 miles, three times longer than the National Highway System. American Water maintains 48,000 miles of these pipes.
5. How is water treated?
   After collection from sources (underground aquifers, rivers, reservoirs, lakes), water enters treatment facilities where modern systems combine chemical treatment and filtration to ensure quality before distribution. Engineers design these facilities to meet specific community needs, requiring additional resources as demand increases to maintain compliance with established standards. The EPA sets national water quality requirements.
6. How do I know my water is safe to drink?
   The 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act authorized the EPA to establish standards for community water systems serving more than 25 people. These health-based standards protect against both natural and human-made contaminants. Water utilities conduct numerous daily tests to ensure excellent quality.
7. How many employees does American Water have?
   As of March 2016, American Water employs 6,700 people.
8. How frequently are Biosolids applied?
   Typical field applications occur approximately once every five years. The exact schedule is determined through detailed soil analysis before and after application. Comprehensive records track specific combinations used on each field, with soil samples monitored over several years to assess impacts.