Backflow Information
Cross Connection & Backflow Prevention
On December 19, 2023, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, which took effect on July 1, 2024. The policy requires all public water systems to maintain a cross-connection control program.
Walnut Valley Water District administers its program in accordance with the handbook and applicable state regulations, including managing existing backflow prevention devices and evaluating potential cross-connections.
What Is Backflow?
WVWD’s drinking water system is designed to keep water flowing to you. Backflow is water flowing in the opposite direction from its normal flow.
What Is A Cross Connection?
A cross connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a public water system, and any source of non-potable liquid, solid, or gas that could contaminate the drinking water supply.
Keeping Our System Safe
Together, we can help keep our water safe by reducing cross‑connection risks at home. Irrigation systems, hose‑end sprayers for pesticides or fertilizers, pools, and other outdoor equipment can all create cross‑connection risks if not used properly.
Hazard Assessments
A hazard assessment is a review of a property or water service to identify whether an actual or potential cross-connection could allow contaminants or pollutants to enter the public drinking water system through backflow. As part of the assessment, WVWD may review water use, plumbing connections, site conditions, equipment, and existing backflow protection to determine whether additional protection is needed.
Under the State’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, public water systems are required to conduct hazard assessments as part of their cross-connection control programs. For community water systems, hazard assessments apply throughout the service area, including residential services when hazard conditions may exist.
Not every residential service requires an in-person inspection. The State’s FAQ explains that hazard assessments may be conducted using alternative methods such as GIS, building records, and customer surveys. If those methods are inconclusive or indicate a potential hazard, a physical hazard assessment may be necessary.
WVWD may also conduct a follow-up hazard assessment when there is a change in property use, a newly connected or reconnected service, evidence of changes in activities or materials on-site, a backflow incident, or when an earlier assessment may no longer reflect current conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backflow
Am I required to have a backflow prevention device?
Backflow prevention devices are required for commercial, institutional, and medical properties, and for residential properties with fire sprinkler systems. In some cases, a Cross-Connection Control Specialist may also require a device if a potential hazard is found.
What do I do to maintain a backflow prevention device?
WVWD’s Cross Connection Control Program and the California Department of Health Services require all backflow prevention assemblies to be tested annually. You will receive a letter as a request to have your annual backflow test completed. Customers must hire a certified backflow tester.
December 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026: Both Los Angeles County–certified and AWWA-certified testers will be accepted.
Starting July 1, 2026: Only AWWA-certified testers will be accepted.
You can find a registered backflow testing company here.
Customers must have their test results submitted by the testing company online at www.TrackMyBackflow.com. WVWD has contracted Aqua Backflow, Inc. to manage our backflow program. For questions or test results, please email info@AquaBackflow.com or call 847-742-2296.
To ensure that backflow assemblies are protecting public health and the environment, the State of California’s Administrative Code, Title 17, Chapter 5, Public Health, and Article 8 of our District’s Rules and Regulations [LL1] require the customer of any premises upon which cross-connection (backflow) control devices are installed to maintain the devices in a continuous state of good repair and to have the devices tested annually.
Devices & Requirements
Backflow Prevention Devices
Backflow prevention devices or backflow preventers are installed to prevent the backflow of contaminants into drinking water through cross-connection. A backflow prevention assembly is an approved, testable assembly that uses check valves and/or relief valves, in different configurations, to prevent potential contaminants from flowing into the drinking water system. An approved backflow prevention assembly has gone through an approval process at the Foundation for Hydraulic Research and Cross Connection Control at the University of Southern California. This is a two-step process of laboratory tests and a 12-month field test. Only assemblies successfully completing the entire testing procedure are recognized by WVWD as approved backflow prevention assemblies.
Backflow Prevention Device Requirements
Federal and State law requires that water suppliers protect their water systems from contamination. When WVWD makes a determination that the 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. Per WVWD’s Rules and Regulations, Article 8, the customer has a period of sixty (60) days to complete all corrective action required, including installing and testing a District-approved backflow prevention assembly.
Backflow Prevention Device Testing Requirement
WVWD’s Cross Connection Control Program and the California Department of Health Services require all backflow prevention assemblies to be tested annually. You will receive a letter as a request to have your annual backflow test completed. Customers must hire a certified backflow tester.
December 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026: Both Los Angeles County–certified and AWWA-certified testers will be accepted.
Starting July 1, 2026: Only AWWA-certified testers will be accepted.
You can find a registered backflow testing company here.
Customers must have their test results submitted by the testing company online at www.TrackMyBackflow.com. WVWD has contracted Aqua Backflow, Inc. to manage our backflow program. For questions or test results, please email info@AquaBackflow.com or call 847-742-2296.
To ensure that backflow assemblies are protecting public health and the environment, the State of California’s Administrative Code, Title 17, Chapter 5, Public Health, and Article 8 of our District’s Rules and Regulations [LL1] require the customer of any premises upon which cross-connection (backflow) control devices are installed to maintain the devices in a continuous state of good repair and to have the devices tested annually.
Backflow Theft Prevention
If your backflow prevention device is stolen, you will be without water until the backflow equipment is replaced, inspected, and certified. To prevent theft, WVWD recommends one of the following, an installation guide is available here.
To avoid additional cost and nuisance, the following is recommended:
Painting
This activity not only camouflages your device, but the metals are no longer considered clean scrap and are of less value to theft.
Planting
Hide a backflow prevention device as part of your landscape. Please ensure access for backflow prevention device maintenance.
Security Equipment
Backflow equipment enclosures, cages, or other security devices are strongly recommended. This reduces the risk of theft and protects devices from being damaged or tampered with. Some plumbing or backflow testing companies are capable of installing security devices.
