Cross-Connection
The District's Cross-Connection Control Program is mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board (Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 1, Chapter 5, Subchapter 1, Group 4, Sections 7583 through 7605).
Backflow prevention assemblies properly installed behind the potable water meter, may help eliminate the potential for contaminated or polluted water to flow back into the potable drinking water system.
FAQs
Who can test backflow prevention assemblies?
A person who has proven ability in field testing backflow prevention assemblies to the satisfaction of the Administrative Authority through the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health's Backflow Tester Certification program.
Who is required to have a backflow prevention assembly?
Commercial and industrial customers that may have high potential for pollutants and contaminants to enter the public potable water system must install, test, and maintain backflow prevention assemblies.
What is a backflow prevention assembly?
A backflow prevention assembly is an approved, testable assembly that use check valves, relief valves configured in different ways to prevent potential pollutants and contaminants from flowing back into the public drinking water system. An approved backflow prevention assembly has gone through an approval process at the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USCFCC&HR) at the University of Southern California. This process requires laboratory and field testing for 12 months each test. Only these assemblies successfully completing and passing both tests are recognized by the district as approved backflow prevention assemblies.
How can backflow be prevented?
Install approved, testable, backflow prevention assemblies on commercial. Maintain Air Gaps. Do not submerge hoses or place them where they can be submerged. Be aware of and eliminate potential cross-connections. Do not create a connection between an auxiliary water system and the water supply plumbing.
What is a cross-connection?
A temporary or permanent connection potable water and anything that can pollute or contaminate the potable water supply.
What causes backflow?
There are two ways backflow can occur:
Backpressure: Backpressure can be created when pressure in the customer's water system exceeds the pressure in the potable water system. This can force the potable to reverse the direction of flow through a cross-connection between two systems. Pollutants and or contaminants can potentially enter the potable water system.
Backsiphonage: Backsiphonage can occur when there is a sudden reduction in the water pressure of the distribution system, such as a main break or fire fighting conditions. At these occurrences water can be reversed. This reversal can create a suction effect and draw potential pollutants and/or contaminants into the potable water system.
What is backflow?
The undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases, or other substances into the Water Suppliers potable water supply system.