Many authorities implementing programs have experienced the growing pains attributed to this requirement of cross-connection control. Water authorities embarking on newly implemented programs should learn from these experiences. Successful programs that have been executed include many stages of strategic planning.
Selection, installation, performance verification, and maintenance of the correct backflow preventer based on contamination potential, are outlined with careful documentation. Emergency response plans are written and emergency contamination drills rehearsed. This forward-thinking preparation ultimately results in saving lives, reducing property damage, and limiting the authority's liability when drinking water contamination occurs.