Cross Connection Control Program and Backflow Testing
Cross Connection Control Program and Backflow Testing
Cross-Connection Control Program
SCV Water is dedicated to supplying its customers with safe and healthy drinking water. The Cross-Connection Control Program (CCCP) is one way we comply with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.
The CCCP protects the potable water distribution system from possible contamination or pollution due to backflow. To accomplish this, SCV Water requires the installation of backflow prevention assemblies in all new commercial and industrial establishments, whether or not they currently store or use harmful contaminants.
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is any physical connection between SCV Water’s potable water system and a non-potable water source. Examples of non-potable water sources at which a cross-connection exists include irrigation systems, fire service lines, and the internal plumbing of a commercial or industrial establishment.
What is a backflow?
Backflow is defined as the undesirable reversal of the flow of water or mixtures of water, other liquids, gases, or other substances into the distribution pipes of the potable supply of water.
Backflow can result from:
- Backpressure in which the pressure in a customer’s plumbing system exceeds the pressure in SCV WATER distribution pipes, or
- Backsiphonage is a reversal of the flow of water due to negative pressure within the potable water distribution system.
Backflow can be prevented by the installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly device at the point of cross-connection on the customer’s property.
What is a backflow prevention assembly?
A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical device installed on a customer’s property to prevent contamination or backflow from entering the potable water supply. Common types of backflows that can be seen around SCV include:
- Reduced Pressure Principal Assembly (RP) – This assembly is designed to protect against a non-health (i.e., pollutant) or a health hazard (i.e., contaminant). This assembly shall not be used for backflow protection of sewage or reclaimed water.
- Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA) – This assembly shall only be used to protect against a non-health hazard (i.e. pollutant). The DCDA is primarily used on fire sprinkler systems.
- Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) – This assembly shall only be used to protect against a non-health hazard (i.e. pollutant).
- Reduced Pressure Principle Detector Assembly (RPDA) – This assembly is designed to protect against a non-health (i.e., pollutant) or a health hazard (i.e., contaminant).
All backflow prevention assembly devices installed on SCV Water customer property at the point of cross connection must be USC Foundation for Cross Connection Control approved devices. A list of approved devices can be located on the USC Foundation website at: https://fccchr.usc.edu/index.html
Backflow Testing
What am I responsible for?
SCV property and business owners are required to install and maintain backflow prevention assemblies where a cross connection exists to protect the potable water supply.
The customer is responsible for the maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies which includes annual backflow testing and repairs or replacements (if needed) to ensure continual proper operation.
SCV Water will send annual notices to all customers that are required to submit annual passing backflow test results for the devices installed on their property. All backflow testing must be performed by a Los Angeles County Certified Backflow Tester and passing test results must be submitted to SCV Water at backflow@scvwa.org
Download a blank backflow prevention device test form
Additional information about Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention, including a list of testers, can be found on the L.A. County Public Health Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Devices webpage.
If you received a backflow prevention test notice and have questions or need more information about backflow testing, please contact the Cross-Connection Department:
Cross-Connection Department
Hours
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM-5:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed Every Other Friday
Backflow Testing FAQs
- What do I do if I receive a shut-off notice?
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Please contact the Cross Connection Department ASAP if you receive a final shut off notice. We strive to help our customers become compliant with backflow testing requirements and are often able to work with you to ensure that you do not experience an interruption service.
- What if my backflow does not pass testing?
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The customer is responsible for all repairs or replacements that need to be performed. A passing test result must be submitted on an annual basis to be compliant with SCV Water’s Cross Connection Control Program.
- Who is responsible for the cost of repairs?
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The customer is responsible for the cost of repairs/replacements for all backflow prevention devices installed on their property.
- What is the process for turning my service back on?
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In the event the customer experiences an interruption in service to non-compliance with the annual backflow testing requirement, please call the Cross Connection Department for a path to reinstatement.
- Does SCV Water offer any rebates for the installation of backflow devices?
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SCV Water does not currently offer any rebates for the installation of backflow prevention assembly devices.
New Backflow Prevention Device Registration
All newly installed backflow prevention assembly devices must be registered with and inspected by the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency.
Download a backflow registration form
Once the backflow prevention assembly has been registered and tested, it will require annual testing per Agency requirements.