Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention
Cross-connection and backflow prevention activities are part of the Water Quality and Production department.
Cross-connection control and backflow prevention is a program mandated by the California Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to prevent infiltration of the public water system from outside sources, which could potentially contaminate the potable (i.e. drinking) water supply.
A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent, direct or indirect connection between a public water system or consumer’s potable water system with the potential to be pressure or reverse pressure siphoned back into the water system. An example is the piping between a public water system and an auxiliary water system and an irrigation system.
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of a flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection to the public water system or consumer’s potable water system.
To prevent this from happening, the District’s Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention Program requires certain water services to install a backflow prevention device.
Sources of Backflow Contamination:
The potential for backflow contamination is present in residential and commercial services. The following are common sources for backflow contamination.
- Garden hose in standing water
- Pools/spas
- Irrigation systems
- Graywater systems
What you can do to protect our water supply.
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Inspect your home or business for potential sources of backflow or siphon.
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Install backflow prevention devices at all cross-connections.
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Contact Customer Service at 760.365.8333.
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Contact a licensed professional.