| Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention |
A cross-connection is any connection between a drinking water system and any other water source or system that could result in contamination of the drinking water. Under certain conditions, contaminants may enter the drinking water supply due to an undesirable reversal of flow known as backflow.
Backflow occurs when a “backsiphonage” or “backpressure” is created in a water line. Backsiphonage may occur when the pressure in the water system decreases creating a vacuum or partial vacuum in the water supply piping. This condition could allow foreign substances to be sucked or pulled into the water main. Backpressure may occur when the pressure in the cross-connected system is greater than the pressure in the drinking water system. The difference in pressure may allow harmful substances to be forced into the water main.
Backflow prevention assemblies are required in areas where cross-connection exist to prevent the potential for backflow into the District’s water distribution system.
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Districts’ Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program
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The Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts have implemented a Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program pursuant to California Administrative Code, Title 17, to protect our public water systems from potential contamination. The Program consists of maintaining an inventory of all the backflow prevention devices for the Districts’ water systems, ensuring that all the backflow prevention devices are tested annually, completing plan reviews for new connections to our water systems, and training employees on cross-connection control and backflow prevention.
When backflow prevention is necessary for connections to the Districts’ water system, the customer will be required to install an approved backflow prevention assembly and to have it tested by a certified tester. After installation and initial testing, the devices are required to be retested on an annual basis.
The Districts notify each affected customer 6 weeks in advance when it is time for the annual test of their backflow prevention device. The written notice includes a Field Test and Maintenance Report Form and a list of employers of certified testers for the customers use. Water shut-off notices will be issued to customers who fail to arrange for testing of their backflow prevention device(s) by the specified due date. Two additional weeks are provided for the customer to complete the required test. If the customer is non-responsive, the District may terminate water service to the property until the device is tested and the completed form is submitted.
For more information on the Districts’ Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program, please contact Ms. Rea Gonzalez at (626)300-3338.
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