Codes,
standards,
references.
A cross-connection-control practice in Wisconsin sits at the intersection of state code, federal rule, manufacturer specification, and certifying-body standard. Below is the working list — the documents we cite by section number on a test report and the ones we keep printed on a shelf above the cabinet.
Federal
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) — 42 U.S.C. §300f et seq.
The federal statute that establishes drinking-water safety and authorizes state primacy programs. The cross-connection requirements that bind Wisconsin water utilities derive from SDWA's primacy delegation. epa.gov/sdwa.
- EPA Cross-Connection Control Manual (EPA-816-R-22-002)
The federal reference document on cross-connection control. Updated 2022. epa.gov/dwreginfo/cross-connection-control-manual.
- EPA Lead and Copper Rule (40 CFR §141.80)
Federal rule on lead in distribution systems. Touches cross-connection where a brass check carrying carbonated water could leach lead. epa.gov.
- EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI, 2024)
The 2024 strengthening of the LCR. Reduced action level, faster replacement schedules. epa.gov.
State (Wisconsin)
- WI DSPS SPS 382 — Plumbing
The Wisconsin plumbing code. Cross-connection control sits in §382.41(11). docs.legis.wisconsin.gov.
- SPS 382.41(11)(a)–(p)
The cross-connection sub-chapter. Defines hazard classes, prescribes protection by class, sets test frequency, and references ASSE 5000 series for tester certification.
- WI DNR Public Water Supply
The DNR is the state primacy agency under SDWA. Wisconsin's NR 810 sets the rules public water utilities follow. dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/DrinkingWater.
- WI Statutes §145.06 — Plumber Licensing
The licensing statute that establishes Master Plumber, Journeyman, Apprentice, and Cross-Connection Control Tester credentials. docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/145.
Local — Milwaukee Water Works & suburbs
- Milwaukee Water Works §295-1
The MWW Cross-Connection Control Section's rules. Annual test, 10-business-day re-test window after fail, same-day filing preferred, identification tag requirement. water.milwaukee.gov.
- Suburb water utilities
Eighteen suburbs in our service area each have their own form and deadline. See full list.
- Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD)
For grease, oil, and industrial pretreatment. We do not handle pretreatment but we work alongside MMSD's industrial users. mmsd.com.
Certifying — ASSE International
- ASSE 5110 — Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
The credential held by every tester on our roster. Annual continuing education and triennial re-test. asse-plumbing.org.
- ASSE 5130 — Backflow Prevention Assembly Repair Technician
Held by Ferraro and Stoltzfus.
- ASSE 5150 — Backflow Prevention Trainer
Held by Ferraro. Allows him to teach MATC's apprenticeship cross-connection module.
- ASSE 1013 / 1015 / 1020 / 1047 / 1048 / 1056
Assembly-performance standards for RP / DC / PVB / RPDA / DCDA / SVB.
USC FCCCHR
The USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research at the University of Southern California maintains the de-facto national list of approved backflow-prevention assemblies. We do not install any assembly that is not on the current USC list. The USC FCCCHR Manual, currently in its 10th edition, is the working reference for hazard classification and installation guidance.
Fire — NFPA
- NFPA 13 — Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 25 — Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
- NFPA 14 — Standpipe and Hose Systems
Industry references
- AWWA M14 — Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control
- ASPE Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook, Vol. 4
- IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
Wisconsin uses an SPS-modified code, not the UPC, but the UPC is a useful comparator. iapmo.org.
- NSF/ANSI Standard 372 — Drinking Water Components
Lead-free standard. All assemblies we install are NSF-372 compliant. nsf.org.