Protecting Our Drinking Water Supply

Golden State Water Company's Cross-Connection Control Program is designed to protect the potable water supply (water that is safe for drinking) from any unwanted flow from residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional water sources.

A cross connection is a connection or potential connection between a potable water system and any source containing water or other substances that are not safe for human consumption.

Water purveyors have the responsibility to assure safe drinking water that is achieved through an effective cross-connection control program. This is a combined cooperative effort between plumbing and health officials, water companies, property owners and certified testers.

The goal is to establish and administer guidelines for controlling cross-connection, and implementing means to ensure the enforcement of these guidelines, so the public potable water supply will be protected. 

GSWC is committed to maintaining and upholding the standards set forth by the California Department of Public Health Title 17 regulations, the Uniform Plumbing Code, and the Manual of Cross-Connection Control by the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.

Questions and Answers about Cross Connection

A list of commonly asked questions about cross connections is here. If you have any questions, feel free to email customerservice@gswater.com.

Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BFPAs)

GSWC has adopted standard specifications for the installation of backflow prevention assemblies. See these standard drawings for more information:

Dual Purpose Domestic Fire Service

Double Check Valve (DC)

Reduced Pressure Principle (RP)

Double Check Detector (DCDA)

Reduced Pressure Principle Detector (RPDA)

Finding a Certified Tester

GSWC cannot recommend testers nor is a list of testers maintained. If you are in need of a tester you can find one by:

• Consult with your current plumber or contractor. These professions usually hold their own certification or know someone who can test your assembly. PLEASE NOTE: Whomever you select to test your BFPA must be certified to do so. Your plumber or contractor may or may not be certified. Testers must hold a current certification from either the county,  American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) or American Water Works Association (AWWA).

• Look in the Yellow Pages under "Backflow."

• Search online using keywords such as "Backflow", "Testers", "Cross-Connection", etc.

• Check your assembly. In most cases, your existing BPFA has been tested before and should have a tag from the previous tester that shows the tester/ testing company's phone number.

Testers must use this form when performing a test for a Golden State Water Company customer.