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 cooperative effort between plumbing
and health officials, water companies, property owners and
backflow assembly 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.
Golden State Water Company is committed to maintaining and
upholding the standards set forth by the California Division of
Drinking Water 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.
Backflow Documents
Change of Mailing Address Request Form
Blank Test Form
P-35 Backflow Prevention Assembly Overview for Above Ground Installation
Questions and Answers about Cross-Connection
A list of commonly asked questions about cross-connections can be
found by clicking here. If you have any questions,
feel free to email backflowtest@gswater.com.
Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BFAs)
Golden State Water Company has adopted standard specifications
for the installation of backflow prevention assemblies. See these
standard drawing for more information:
P-35 Backflow Prevention Assembly Overview for Above Ground Installation
P-35-Backflow-Prevention Assembly for Fire Services Standard Drawing
Finding a Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
Golden State Water Company cannot recommend testers nor do we
maintain a list of certified testers. If you are in need of a
tester:
- Consult with your current plumber or contractor. These
professions usually hold backflow tester certification or know
someone who can test your assembly. PLEASE NOTE: Whomever you
select to test your BFA 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). Please contact us if you are unsure that your tester’s
certification is acceptable.
- 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 BFA 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. Ideally, the backflow
tester should use the form supplied by the customer – which is
pre-populated with unique identification numbers. If it is not
available, a blank form may be used.
Reference
EPA Cross Connection Control Manual
Rule 16: Service Connections, Meters, and Customer’s Facilities
Title 17, California Division of Drinking Water