State regulations require public water systems to identify and eliminate "cross connections" to public water systems. A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between the water system and any potential contaminant. Our water system is almost always under pressure and therefore flowing only in one direction. However, a drop in pressure caused by a water line break, a repair project, or fire hydrant use can cause a reversal of flow or "backflow" that could pull or "siphon" contaminated water into the public water system.

An example of a cross-connection incident: A customer is filling a swimming pool or livestock tank with a garden hose. The individual has the hose end immersed in the pool or tank. At the same time, there is a major water main break. The garden hose loses pressure and the pressure loss initiates a "siphon" on the pool or tank. The contents are pulled into the water system. When the water main is repaired and pressure is restored, the water from the pool or livestock tank is then potentially distributed to Ramsey Water Customers. Imagine how serious this situation could have been if the garden hose had been immersed in a fertilizer or pesticide tank or perhaps a radiator.