What is cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system or consumer’s potable (drinking) water system and any source or system containing non-potable water or other substances.
What is backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or consumer's potable water system. There are two types of backflow: backpressure and backsiphonage.
Why do water suppliers need to control Cross-Connections and protect their public water systems against backflow?
Backflow into a public water system can pollute or contaminate the water in that system (i.e., backflow into a public water system can make the water in that system unusable or unsafe to drink). Each water supplier has a responsibility to provide water that is safe to drink. Consumers have confidence that water delivered to them through a public water system is safe to drink. In the best interest of its ...Read More
Is there a law requiring backflow?
The California Code of Regulations (Cross Connect Control Policies Handbook (CCCPH)) requires public water systems (Rowland Water District) to protect their water supplies from contamination by implementing a cross-connection control program. This requirement protects the public water system from cross-connections and prevents backflow situations.
How to prevent Backflow or Cross-Connection:
Install one of the following: (1) Air Gap. (2) Reduced Pressure Principal Assembly. (3) Double Check Valve Assembly. (4) Pressure Vacuum Breaker. (5) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker. The assembly used depends upon the degree of hazard to the drinking water system and the type of service/property. RWD will determine the type of assembly required.
Why do I need a backflow assembly?
Water systems depend on pressure to keep water flowing in the proper direction. However, backflow can occur when there is a significant drop in the water pressure on the water district’s side. When this happens, it is possible for polluted water from the customer’s plumbing system to reverse flow into the public water system. If the water in the customer’s system has come in contact with harmful substances and it backflows ...Read More
What type of backflow assembly do I need?
The assembly used depends upon the degree of hazard to the drinking water system and the type of service/property. RWD will determine the type of backflow assembly required.
Do backflow assemblies need to be tested?
Backflow assemblies are required to be tested annually to make sure they are operating properly. RWD notifies the customers at least 45 days before the backflow assembly is due to be tested. The customer then contacts a backflow tester certified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to have their test completed. Backflows must also be tested within 30 days of being installed or after being repaired.
How do I find a certified backflow tester?
Independent testers can be found in the phone book or online under Backflow Testers or Plumbers. Rowland Water District test forms must be completed by a Los Angeles County certified backflow tester, so make sure the tester has a current LA County backflow certification. Visit the LACO DPH website for more information.
Whose responsibility is it to test and maintain the backflow assembly?
The backflow assembly is part of the customer’s water system. RWD maintains the water line up to the water meter. All pipe, fixtures, etc. beyond this point are the owner’s responsibility, including the testing and maintenance of the backflow assembly. Property owners occasionally have agreements with the tenant or property management company to maintain the backflow assembly. Check with your property owner to determine whose responsibility this is.
