Cross- Connection Control Program
El Toro Water District’s cross-connection control program safeguards the public water supply by identifying and eliminating potential sources of contamination, ensuring high-quality drinking water for our community.
The District’s Cross Connection Control Management Plan (CCCMP) complies with the Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) developed by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) for the protection of public health through the establishment of standards intended to ensure a public water systems (PWS) drinking water distribution system will not be subject to the backflow of liquids, gases, or other substances. A copy of the District’s CCCMP can be found here:
ETWD Cross Connection Control Management Plan
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. 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.
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
New Requirements in accordance with the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH)
Effective on July 1, 2024, the CCCPH replaces the previous regulations under Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations and establishes enhanced measures to protect public health by preventing backflow and cross-connections in public drinking water systems.
As part of compliance with the CCCPH:
- All commercial and industrial meter connections must complete the Commercial/Industrial Onsite Use Questionnaire. The information you provide will help ETWD determine if backflow protection or other compliance actions are required at your location.
- Complete this Questionnaire: Review the questions carefully, check all applicable boxes, provide accurate information, and sign the form. Please be sure all contact fields are filled in so we can reach you with any follow-up questions.
- Submit the Completed Form to ETWD: You may submit the questionnaire in one of the following ways:
- Email: backflow@etwd.com
- Mail: El Toro Water District, Cross-Connection Control Program Coordinator, PO Box 4000, Laguna Hills, CA 92654
- New Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) installation may be required. If you have received notification from ETWD requiring new backflow installation
- Respond: Please contact our Cross-Connection Control Specialist at (949) 837-7050 x209 or backflow@etwd.com to confirm your shared-meter status and discuss next steps.
- Enter an Expedited Version of ETWD’s Plan Check Process: Our staff will walk you through the plan check process when you contact us. To get started, you must pay the minimum $800 plan check and inspection (PC&I) fee.
- Install a BPA: You must install an approved BPA in accordance with Standard Drawing W-P.
- Testing and Maintenance: After installation, the BPA must be tested annually by a certified tester and maintained per CCCPH standards.
OC Health Care Agency Environmental Health – Cross Connection Website
http://ochealthinfo.com/eh/water/backflow
USC List of Approved Backflow Devices
American Backflow Prevention Association
American Backflow Prevention Association
ETWD Standard Drawing for Backflow Prevention Assembly
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.
