Unique Situations in which Customer Service Inspections (CSIs) may be Recommended
Oct 6
/
Hardin & Associates
Most water systems are familiar with the three situations that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires a CSI to be performed:
- Prior to providing continuous water service to a new construction,
- After any material improvement, correction, or addition, or
- When the water purveyor has reason to believe that cross-connections exist.
Beyond these instances, can you think of other situations when a CSI may be prudent?
Steve Fain, a leader and expert in Cross-Connection Control (CCC), has the following recommendations:
Certificate of Occupancy Inspection (CO)
It is highly recommended that COs go hand-in-hand with CSIs. A restaurant can be turned into a dentist office or a dry-cleaning facility which changes the degree of hazard and the required assembly.
High Hazard Facilities
Hospitals, manufacturing plants, salons, dry cleaners all have something in common - they use health hazard chemicals. With new water-using equipment and instruments constantly on rotation, it is recommended that a CSI be performed annually for the first few years, after which CSIs can be extended out to two to three years between inspections.
Additionally, there may be reason to believe cross-connections exist for a building or facility that has not been inspected for a long time. This is especially true for High Hazard facilities. Over time, work performed on internal water systems may have been done without pulling a permit and cross-connections may have inadvertently been created.
Change in Ownership
Whenever a homeowner needs a new water service (or a transfer of water service), it is a good idea to require a CSI. It is very likely that the new homeowner will have new appliances and other water-using equipment installed. To simplify this process, a request for water service should automatically trigger a CSI request at the water department.
Permit Pulls
If a permit is pulled, it is a good idea to conduct as CSI to ensure that there aren’t any cross-connections with the potable water system.
It is highly recommended that COs go hand-in-hand with CSIs. A restaurant can be turned into a dentist office or a dry-cleaning facility which changes the degree of hazard and the required assembly.
High Hazard Facilities
Hospitals, manufacturing plants, salons, dry cleaners all have something in common - they use health hazard chemicals. With new water-using equipment and instruments constantly on rotation, it is recommended that a CSI be performed annually for the first few years, after which CSIs can be extended out to two to three years between inspections.
Additionally, there may be reason to believe cross-connections exist for a building or facility that has not been inspected for a long time. This is especially true for High Hazard facilities. Over time, work performed on internal water systems may have been done without pulling a permit and cross-connections may have inadvertently been created.
Change in Ownership
Whenever a homeowner needs a new water service (or a transfer of water service), it is a good idea to require a CSI. It is very likely that the new homeowner will have new appliances and other water-using equipment installed. To simplify this process, a request for water service should automatically trigger a CSI request at the water department.
Permit Pulls
If a permit is pulled, it is a good idea to conduct as CSI to ensure that there aren’t any cross-connections with the potable water system.
For an effective Cross-Connection Control (CCC) program, there must be enforcement. To enforce these requirements, it must be backed by your CCC Ordinance.
For additional information or support for your Cross-Connection Control Program, reach out to us at info@hactexas.com or at 972.823.8800.
Visit our website, www.hactexas.com, to learn more.
Need help with your cross connection control program? Reach out to our parent company, Hardin & Associates at info@hactexas.com.

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