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To safeguard public health by protecting your water supply from possible contamination, the District requires installation of backflow prevention devices where plumbing systems are exposed to potential contamination or poorer quality water. In the event of a malfunction in consumer pressure equipment and/or a sudden drop in pressure in the District system, these devices prevent water which has already left the District system from being siphoned back in, guarding the system from possible pollution. Some examples of where protective devices (such as double check valve assemblies) are required are: residences with an additional water supply (such as a well or the canal), swimming pools or irrigation systems supplied by a separate water service or without a satisfactory air gap or anti-siphon device on the inlet line, buildings with internal booster pumps systems, buildings three stories or more, premises where there are hazardous materials under pressure or where toxic materials are used (hospitals, mortuaries, etc.) and sewage pumping or treatment plants. The backflow prevention devices are supplied and installed by the District at the customer's expense. District inspectors test these devices annually to make sure they're operating properly, and repair or replace any failed or improperly functioning device. A small bimonthly service charge is paid for each service connection that has a check valve. These "check valve service charges" help fund the routine maintenance and repair of check valves.
While CCWD has an inspection program to identify situations requiring backflow prevention devices, conditions can change (you might have dug a well on your property, for example) and we need to be made aware if this is the case, for your own safety and the safety of others. If such a situation exists on your property, or you'd like more information about the regulations concerning the District's backflow prevention program, please call (925) 688-8095. Backflow FAQ's Q, I have lived in my house for 20 years, and have had a well the entire time. I never needed a backflow preventer then. Why now? A, CCWD does its best to identify secondary sources of water, since most wells are not identifiable from the street; it is difficult for Inspectors to know who has a well. District regulations require backflow regardless of when the well was installed. Q, I just leased this building, I am now required to install backflow prevention, why wasn't this required by the previous tenant? Who should pay for this? A, When a commercial account is started, the District reviews the use of the new tenant. If current backflow is not up to District code, the correction must be made before water service is permitted. Cost for the device is covered by either the tenant or the property owner. Q, Will the installation of the backflow preventer affect the pressure and or flow of my water service? A, Yes, the installation of the double check valve will reduce your pressure by approximately 6-9 psi (pounds) reduced pressure device will reduce your pressure by 9-14 psi. Either device will also reduce your water flow due to the reduced pressure. Q, Why is one backflow preventer above grade, and the other is below grade in a box. A, The reduced pressure backflow preventer discharges water when it fails. Plumbing code requires that the discharge point is a minimum of 12" inches above the ground. The double check valve does not discharge, and is therefore permitted to be installed below grade in a box.
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