Backflow Prevention and
Cross-Connection Control

cross-connections | backflow device testers & certification | definition | contact information & responsibilities | approved backflow prevention devices

The District's Backflow Program is an integral part of the District's operations in providing safe, quality drinking water. The primary contacts for the District's Backflow Program are:

Mark Rands
Water Systems Specialist
Telephone: 720.206.0566
Facsimile: 303.289.4452
Cellular: 303.601.1754
mrands@sacwsd.org

Pam Droesch
Water System Programs Supervisor
Telephone: 720.206.0560
Facsimile: 303.289.4452


Backflow Prevention Device Inspection and Maintenance Report should be submitted to:

Note: Original reports must be mailed within 5 days if submitted via facsimile.

Responsibilities

Below is a general description of each specific entity’s responsibility in maintaining an effective cross-connection control program in order to prevent the pollution or contamination of the District’s potable water supplies:

The Health Agency ensures the water purveyor operates the public potable water system free of actual or potential health hazards. The Health Agency has the further responsibility of insuring that the water purveyor provides an approved water supply at the point of delivery to the consumer’s water system and, further, that he requires the consumer to install, test and properly maintain an approved backflow device(s) on the service connection(s) (link to definition) when required.

The District (water purveyor) has the primary responsibility to prevent water from unapproved sources, or any other substance, entering the public water supply system. The District is prohibited from installing or maintaining a water service connection to a consumer’s water system within it’s jurisdiction where a health, system, plumbing or pollution hazard exists, or will probably exist, unless the public potable water supply is protected by an approved backflow prevention device(s) installed at the service connection(s). When it is determined that a backflow prevention device installation is required, the District shall require the consumer, at the consumers expense, to install an approved backflow prevention device at each service connection, to test immediately upon installation and annually, or more often, to properly repair and maintain such device(s) and to keep adequate records of each test and subsequent maintenance and repair, including materials or replacement parts.

The Water Consumer has the responsibility of preventing pollutants and contaminants from entering the potable water system(s). Their responsibility starts at the point of delivery from the potable water system. The consumer is required to install, operate, test and maintain approved backflow prevention devices as directed by the jurisdictional authority. The consumer is also responsible for maintaining accurate records of tests and repairs made to backflow prevention devices and provide the administrative authority having jurisdiction with copies of such records. Following any repair, overhaul, re-piping or relocation of a device the consumer must have it tested to insure that it is in good working order.

The Certified Cross-Connection Control Technician has the responsibility to perform accurate field tests and to repair backflow prevention devices and make reports of such repairs to the consumer and responsible authorities on forms approved by the administrative authority having jurisdiction.

The Plumbing Official has the responsibility to prevent cross-connections from being designed and built into structures by reviewing plumbing plans and building inspections. The plumbing officials’ responsibility begins at the service connection (link to definition) to the public water system and carries throughout the length of the consumers system.