Information on Cross Connection...

Over the next few weeks, the cooler temperatures will bring people outdoors to work in their yards, finish gardening and begin getting swimming pools ready for winter. The Town of Atoka Water System would like to ensure that our customers are aware of the dangers associated with these activities. A garden hose submersed in any liquid or attached to certain devices used to spray pesticides or herbicides forms a cross connection. A cross connection is a situation where a possible source of contamination is directly linked to our public water system. If the end of your hose is connected to a chemical container, swimming pool or other contaminant during a water main break or fire, the substance can be siphoned back into the water system. This condition, known as back siphonage, could cause a public health hazard. Devices are available to prevent this problem; however, the best solution is to always be careful how you use your hose.

Please help us provide a safe supply of water to all of our customers. Remember; never submerge your garden hose in anything you would not want to drink. For more information on cross connections and how to protect against them, call The Town of Atoka Water System, 901-837-5300.