Backflow Prevention and Beyond: Lessons from Mount Vernon’s Cross-Connection Control Program

Cross-connection and backflow risks may not always be obvious, but they can pose serious threats to drinking water systems and public health when left unaddressed. In this episode, Alice Kilkelly from the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center speaks with Elizabeth Belezaire, Water Quality Analyst at the Board of Water Supply for the City of Mount Vernon, New York, about the city’s efforts to strengthen its cross-connection control program. Over the past year, Mount Vernon has worked to move beyond paper-based systems, build a more complete inventory of backflow prevention devices, and improve communication with businesses and residents about their role in protecting water quality. The conversation offers practical insights for utilities and communities looking to start or strengthen their own cross-connection control efforts. Learn more about Mount Vernon’s Cross Connection Control Program today by visiting: https://www.mountvernonny.gov/2055/Cross-Connection-Control-and-Backflow-Pr