Cross-Connection Control is the prevention of actual or potential connections between the public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution. Backflow prevention devices prevent the unwanted reversal of flow from a customer’s water system back into the public water supply. 

Backflow Solutions, Inc.

As of Oct. 1, 2026, the City of Hickory will no longer accept backflow test reports. The City of Hickory has contracted with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI), the nation's leading backflow data management firm, which provides an online tracking system called BSI Online to automate and simplify the process.

Backflow and cross connection control devices must be tested annually by a certified tester and reported back to BSI Online for approval.

BSI Online will serve as the primary point of contact for the program.

Water Customer Support:

• Phone: 888-966-6050
• Email: support@backflow.com
• Water Customer Portal: https://app.bsionlinetracking.com/customer/ 

Testing Company Support:

• Phone: 800-414-4990
• Email: bsionline@backflow.com
• Register/Login to BSI Online: https://bsionline.com 

FAQs

What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is any situation where clean drinking water could accidentally come into contact with water that isn’t safe to drink. This can happen when the pipes carrying clean water are connected to pipes or sources that contain dirty or contaminated water.

Cross‑connection control means finding and managing these connections so we can protect public health and prevent contaminated water from flowing into the drinking water system.

What is backflow?

Normally, water flows from the City’s water system into homes and businesses. Backflow happens when water starts moving the wrong way and flows backward. This reverse flow can pull non-drinkable water or substances into the clean drinking water supply, which is unsafe.

Why do we need a cross-connection control/backflow prevention program?

North Carolina requires all drinking water systems to have a backflow prevention program. These programs help keep the public water supply safe by preventing contamination from non-drinkable sources.