On December 19, 2023, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook which became effective on July 1, 2024. This new legislation requires each public water system to have a backflow program. YLWD has a Cross-Connection Control Management Plan and staff to oversee it.
Two major aspects of the program include the management of existing backflow devices and the evaluation of possible cross connections.
Backflow is water flowing in the opposite direction of its normal flow. Water service normally flows to the customer connection. When this directional flow of water flow is reversed, a backflow condition results, creating the potential for contaminated water to enter the potable water distribution system.
A backflow prevention device prevents a backflow condition from occurring when water pressure on the customer’s side is greater than the public water system. These devices can be an air gap, double check valve assembly, reduced pressure principal assembly, pressure vacuum breaker assembly, or an anti-siphon vacuum breaker.
A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the public drinking water system and a non-potable water source or system that could allow contaminants to enter the drinking water supply during a backflow condition. Such connections can be fire sprinkler systems, heating/cooling systems, irrigation systems, medical devices, chemical tanks, or processes.
Backflow devices are required for commercial, institutional, and medical accounts. Backflow devices are also required for residential accounts with a fire sprinkler system. A Cross Connection Specialist may determine that a backflow device is necessary if a hazardous condition exists.
A Backflow Prevention Device must be tested each year on a designated schedule AND whenever a Device is moved or repaired. On the yearly schedule, YLWD will send a notice of required yearly testing to the water bill account holder, who is responsible to hire and pay for a tester to complete the test. A licensed Backflow Tester will test the Device and send the required report to the customer for submittal to YLWD. A copy of the report should be retained by the customer for their records.
YLWD will send a letter to the water bill account holder, reminding them of the date for the yearly testing. If YLWD does not receive the confirmation that testing was completed, YLWD will send out a second notice. The second notice contains a deadline, which if missed, will require YLWD to disconnect water service that day to the address in question. This loss of water service will remain in effect until the backflow device has been scheduled to be tested and the confirmation sent to YLWD by the licensed tester; Disconnection and reconnection fees will be applied.
In some cases, a developer or contractor will install a Backflow Prevention Device without notifying the homeowner. This may be done inadvertently because building codes for new construction, or home additions, require the installation of a backflow. However, proper maintenance of the Device is a water-quality issue and ensures that no cross-contamination of stagnant water from fire-sprinkler systems (which can sometimes sit in pipes for years) occurs with the home’s supply of fresh drinking water. Yearly cycle testing is California Law, and the responsibility of the account holder according to YLWD Rules and Regulations.
The State Water Resources Control Board requires that local water agencies enforce the yearly testing of Backflow Prevention Devices, for the purposes of maintaining water quality throughout the system. Backflow from a fire-sprinkler system can cross-contaminate not only the water supply for the individual home, but for the neighborhood or entire distribution system. Unfortunately, the only method of enforcement available to local water agencies is the disconnection of water service and the fines and fees associated with the reconnection of service, both of which are the responsibility of the individual on the water bill account. In some cases, the developer or landlord may agree to pay for the yearly inspection costs; however the notices of inspection and ultimate responsibility for making sure that the inspection is completed will go to the water bill account holder.
In order to comply with regulations from the State Water Resources Control Board, Backflow Prevention Devices are required to be tested when installed, if repaired or moved, and on a designated yearly schedule. If a Device’s yearly testing date is in January, but the device is not tested until March, the date for testing the next year REMAINS in January, not March. Additionally, if the Device is tested in January, but is relocated in September, the Device will need to be re-tested for it’s new location AND re-tested on it’s scheduled testing date in January.
If the Backflow Prevention Device was installed originally by the housing developer, there is a good chance that your neighbors also have Backflow Devices installed. Often, the conditions that require a Backflow Device for your property will also exist on similar properties in the same tract of homes, such as fire-sprinklers installed inside the house. New construction additions to existing homes may require Backflow Devices.
YLWD has had a backflow prevention program in place since 2010. To comply with the new regulations, YLWD will need to assess all commercial, institutional, and residential accounts for cross-connections or potential backflow conditions. An assessment form specific to your type of account will be mailed with future water bills.
COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS: To submit the Cross-Connection Control Questionnaire electronically, please click here.
Click to view Rules and Regulations for Water and Sewer Systems.
If you have additional questions or concerns regarding Backflow Prevention or the required testing program, email crossconnection@ylwd.com.