Cross-connection control and backflow prevention are important safeguards that protect the public drinking water system and community health.

Backflow is the reversal of normal water flow that can allow contaminants from private properties or other sources to enter the public drinking water system.

Purpose

Orange Vale Water Company (OVWC) maintains a Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program to protect the public water system from contamination caused by cross-connections.

A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the drinking water system and a source of pollution or contamination.

A Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) is a device installed on a water line that helps prevent water from flowing backward into the public water system. BPAs protect the public water system when backflow occurs due to conditions such as backsiphonage or backpressure.

Backpressure is caused when a private water system or piece of equipment’s pressure is greater than the incoming water supply’s pressure causing a reversal of flow. Common causes of backpressure: pumps, pressurized irrigation, steam or air, and elevation of piping (Water head pressure).

Back-siphonage is caused when there is a reduction in the water supply’s pressure which causes a sub-atmospheric pressure in the water system causing water to reverse in flow. Common Causes of back-siphonage: Broken water lines, flushing of fire hydrants or firefighting activities, inadequate piping size, shutting off the water supply, or elevation change.

OVWC requires an approved BPA to be installed and properly maintained on water services where a cross-connection or potential hazard exists.

Cross-Connection Control Surveys & Backflow Prevention Requirements

In accordance with state regulations and OVWC's Cross-Connection Control Policy, an approved BPA is required on commercial, industrial, irrigation, fire, and multi-unit residential water services.

Generally, single-family homes and duplexes are not required to have a BPA unless an identified cross-connection hazard is present.

OVWC is also required by the State of California to conduct a cross-connection control survey on all properties with water service connections.

As a property owner with water service provided by OVWC, you are required to provide access to your property, following proper advance notification, so that an AWWA-certified OVWC Cross-Connection Control Specialist can inspect the property for potential cross-connection hazards to the public water system.

If a cross-connection hazard is identified, the hazard must be eliminated or an approved BPA must be installed immediately downstream of the water meter within the timeframe specified in the official notification letter.

If access is not provided for the required cross-connection survey, OVWC will assume a potential hazard exists and must require installation of an approved BPA.

 

Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Only approved Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) or Reduced Pressure Principle Detector Assembly (RPDA) devices may be used in accordance with OVWC's Cross-Connection Control Policy.

 

A current list of approved RP and RPDA assemblies is available through the University of Southern California's Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research:

https://fccchr.usc.edu/list.html

 

Testing Requirements

In accordance with state regulations and OVWC's Cross-Connection Control Policy, each BPA must be tested annually and immediately following installation, relocation, or repair to ensure that it is operating properly.

BPA testing is performed annually by a certified OVWC backflow field operator. The cost of annual BPA testing is included on your monthly water bill.

 

Property Owner Responsibilities

As the owner of a backflow prevention assembly, you are responsible for:

• Providing OVWC personnel with access to the BPA for annual testing.
• Protecting the BPA from freezing, damage, and theft.
• Having a failed BPA repaired by an approved backflow tester within 30 days of the failed annual test.

 

Enforcement

Failure to provide access for required inspections or testing, repair a failed BPA, or install a required BPA after being notified of a cross-connection hazard may result in enforcement action.

Enforcement actions may include termination of water service. Any applicable fees must be paid to OVWC before water service can be restored.

 

It’s all the same water! The water that fills your pool and waters your lawn is the same water used to make ice and brush your children’s and grandchildren’s teeth. Let’s work together to keep it safe!