During the Hickory City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, a significant discussion centered on an ordinance aimed at safeguarding the public water supply from potential contamination. The ordinance focuses on preventing backflow and cross-connections, which can introduce pollutants into the potable water system.

The primary objective of the ordinance is to eliminate or control cross-connections and backflows from non-potable sources. This is crucial as it helps maintain the integrity of the public water supply, ensuring that it remains safe for consumption. The ordinance also proposes a continued inspection program to monitor and control any future cross-connections that may arise.

According to the North Carolina building code, the design and installation of potable water supply systems must prevent contamination from non-potable liquids, solids, or gases. The ordinance emphasizes that connections to the public water supply must be made in a manner that avoids contamination. Specifically, it prohibits cross-connections between individual water supplies, such as private wells, and the public water supply unless proper backflow prevention devices are installed.

The meeting highlighted two main causes of backflow: back siphonage and back pressure. Back siphonage occurs when a negative pressure or vacuum in the system causes water to flow back into the main supply, often due to events like main breaks or high demand from fire hydrants. Back pressure, on the other hand, happens when a customer's system exerts higher pressure than the public supply, potentially forcing contaminants back into the system.

To mitigate these risks, the ordinance suggests implementing solutions such as air gaps—an unobstructed vertical distance between the water source and the fixture—and backflow prevention devices that allow water to flow in one direction only.

This ordinance represents a proactive step by the Hickory City Council to protect public health and ensure the safety of the community's water supply. As discussions continue, the council aims to finalize the ordinance and establish a robust framework for water safety in Hickory.