Cross-connection and Backflow Prevention

West Valley Water District (WVWD) is committed to protecting the safety and quality of our water for all of our customers. To ensure that pollutants and contaminants do not enter the public drinking water system through a cross-connection, the District has developed and implemented a Cross-Connection Control Prevention Program. The program is designed to identify actual and potential drinking water hazards that may exist on the customer’s premises through comprehensive onsite surveys conducted by certified WVWD staff.

What is Cross Connection?

A cross connection is any actual or potential connection between drinking water and any source of pollution that can contaminate the public water supply through backflow. Backflow occurs when contaminated water mixes with the clean water supply.

An unprotected cross-connection was identified on my property. Now what?

When a hazard to the drinking water system is identified, the customer is required to install an approved backflow prevention assembly. The type and location of the device is dependent upon the nature of the hazard. The installation and maintenance of the device is the responsibility of the property owner. 

Assembly Installation and Maintenance

Customers whose properties are identified to need backflow prevention assemblies are required to install and maintain an approved backflow prevention assembly. 

• Prior to installation of the backflow assembly, customers may be required to obtain a City or County building permit.
   
• All testing must be done by a District-approved certified backflow prevention assembly tester. WVWD-approved backflow tester list can be found here
   
• Annual testing notices will be sent out to remind customers to schedule testing and submit their signed certified test report. Test report forms can be here.

 

• All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested upon installation and then annually, or anytime it is repaired, replaced or moved.

Where do I submit my test reports?

All test reports must be submitted to our Cross Connection/Backflow Prevention division by emailing the signed copy to backflow@wvwd.org or by mail to Cross Connection Control Program, P.O. Box 920, Rialto, CA 92377.

Important Notice Regarding Program Administration Fee

The customer and/or owner will be charged a monthly fee of $2.84 per assembly on their utility bill beginning the following month in accordance with the District’s Water Service Rules and Regulations, Article 20, Section 2025.

Resources

District-approved Certified Backflow Tester List

District Standards on Backflow Preventer Installation

Backflow Prevention Assembly Report

If you have additional questions, please contact us at 909-875-1804 or email backflow@wvwd.org.