The term “cross-connection” means any unprotected actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or a consumer’s potable water system and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce into any part of the potable system any used water, industrial fluid, gas, or substance other than the intended potable water with which the system is supplied. Simply stated, it is a connection between the potable (drinking) water supply and a source of contamination, which may under certain circumstances enter the drinking water system.
A goal of the District’s Cross-Connection Control Program is educating the public as to the importance of backflow prevention and to exercise reasonable vigilance to ensure that the consumer has taken the proper steps to protect the public potable water system.
What is backflow?
The term “backflow” means the undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases or other substances into the distribution pipes of the potable supply of water from any source or sources. Simply stated, the entry of contaminants into the water supply is called “backflow”.
Backflow occurs when a “backsiphonage” or “backpressure” condition is created in a water line. Backsiphonage may occur when the pressure in the drinking water system drops creating a vacuum or partial vacuum in the supply piping. Backpressure may be created when a source of pressure, such as a pump or a pressure type chemical injector, creates a pressure greater than that in the drinking water system.
El Toro Water District is required by the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW), Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, to administer a Cross-Connection Control Program to protect the public water system.
Who is required to have a backflow assembly?
Typically, a backflow prevention assembly device is installed at the water meter to protect the public water supply. Federal and State law requires that water suppliers protect their water systems from contamination. When a determination is made by ETWD that the potable (drinking) water system may be subject to contamination through a backflow condition, the customer will be notified and required to install an approved backflow prevention assembly. ETWD makes these decisions based on a case-by-case basis. Residential, commercial and industrial customers demonstrating a high potential for contaminants to enter the potable water system must install and maintain backflow prevention assemblies.
ETWD requires all backflow assemblies to be tested annually. This is the responsibility of the water account holder. The backflow test report form can be found below as well as resources and information on backflow assemblies.
ETWD Blank Backflow Test Form PDF
ETWD Backflow Test Form – Blank PDF
OC Health Care Agency Environmental Health – Cross Connection Website
http://ochealthinfo.com/eh/water/backflow
Backflow Prevention Device Testers
http://ochealthinfo.com/eh/water/bftesters
USC List of Approved Backflow Devices
American Backflow Prevention Association
American Backflow Prevention Association
Questions relating to backflow prevention:
Steve Wingen, ETWD Cross Connection Specialist (949) 837-7050, Extension 209.
Completed test forms can be emailed to backflow@etwd.com.
