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Annual Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies
Backflow Prevention Devices
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FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does SAWS need a Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program?
- What is backflow?
- What is backpressure backflow?
- What is back-siphonage?
- What is a cross-connection?
- What is a backflow preventer?
- Why do backflow preventers need to be tested?
- How often does the backflow prevention device need to be tested?
- Does a lawn irrigation system require a backflow prevention device?
- What is considered a potential hazard?
- Has SAWS process for permitting or overseeing the inspection of new, relocated or repaired backflow prevention assemblies in the public right-of-way changed?
- Will an annual inspection continue to be required for backflow prevention assemblies located in the public right-of-way?
- What type of document needs to be returned to SAWS as proof that testing of the backflow prevention assembly was completed?
- Where can I find a copy of the "Test & Maintenance Report?"
- Does SAWS charge a filing fee for testing backflow prevention assemblies located in the public right-of-way?
- Is there a filing fee for testing backflow prevention assemblies located on commercial (lawn) irrigation systems?
- Does SAWS charge a filing fee for testing backflow prevention assemblies located inside my property (customer's side)?
- How can I verify that testing of my backflow prevention assembly has been completed?
- Why does SAWS need a Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program?
The program safeguards the public drinking water and protects the health of its customers by ensuring that any contaminants that could backflow into the public water supply system are isolated within the customer's internal distribution system.
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- What is backflow?
Backflow refers to the reverse flow of nonpotable water, or other substances, thorough a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or customer's potable water system. Two types of backflow are backpressure backflow and back-siphonage.
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- What is backpressure backflow?
Backpressure backflow occurs when the downstream side of the piping system is greater than the supply pressure in a public system or customer's potable water system. Backpressure can result from an increase in downstream pressure, a reduction in the potable water supply pressure or a combination of both. Pumps can create increases in downstream pressure; temperature increases in boilers, etc. Reductions in potable water supply pressure occur whenever the amount of water being used exceeds the amount of water being supplied, such as during waterline flushing, fire fighting or breaks in water mains.
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- What is back-siphonage?
Back-siphonage is backflow caused by negative pressure (i.e. vacuum or partial vacuum) in a public water system or customer's potable water system. The effect is similar to drinking water through a straw. Back-siphonage can occur when there is a stoppage of water supply due to nearby fire fighting, a break in a water main, etc.
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- What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system or the customer's potable water system and any source or system containing non-potable water or other substances.
Common cross-connections:
- Private wells – where the private well connection is connected to a service line receiving water from a public water supply. The untreated water could be pumped into the potable water supply which serves the home and the public water system.
- Lawn sprinkler systems – where the stagnant/contaminated water from the sprinkler system could be drawn into the drinkable water supply for your home.
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- What is a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is a means or mechanism to prevent backflow. The basic means for preventing backflow is an air gap, which either eliminates a cross-connection or provides barrier from backflow. The basic mechanism for preventing backflow is a mechanical backflow preventer, which provides a physical barrier to backflow. The principal types of backflow preventers are the reduced-pressure principle assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly and the double check valve assembly.
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- Why do backflow preventers need to be tested?
Mechanical backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or fatigue. Also, mechanical backflow preventers and air gaps can be bypassed. Therefore, all backflow prevention assemblies have to be tested periodically to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Mechanical backflow prevention assemblies have to be tested with properly calibrated gauge equipment.
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- How often does the backflow prevention device need to be tested?
In order to insure the proper operation of a backflow prevention assembly, it must be tested and certified upon installation and at least once a year thereafter by a licensed backflow tester.
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- Does a lawn irrigation system require a backflow prevention device?
Yes. Section 608.16.5, of the Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code, connections to lawn irrigation systems, states that the potable water supply to lawn irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric-type vacuum breaker, a pressure-type vacuum breaker, a double-check valve assembly or a reduced-pressure principle backflow preventer – depending on the degree of the site hazard.
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- What is considered a potential hazard?
A potential hazard is defined as any possibility of pollutants, contaminants, and system or plumbing hazards. For example, fire protection systems, irrigation systems, gasoline refineries and stations, restaurants, hospitals and manufacturers.
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- Has SAWS process for permitting or overseeing the inspection of new, relocated or repaired backflow prevention assemblies in the public right-of-way changed?
No. SAWS Backflow Prevention Section will continue to review all permits and utility drawings to ensure compliance with backflow prevention requirements, and will continue to oversee the installation and testing of the assemblies.
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- Will an annual inspection continue to be required for backflow prevention assemblies located in the public right-of-way?
Yes. SAWS Backflow Prevention Section will continue to mail out a "Test Due Notice" to all customers with a backflow prevention assembly. Testing requirements must be completed within 30 days of the test due notice.
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- What type of document needs to be returned to SAWS as proof that testing of the backflow prevention assembly was completed?
The licensed tester will complete a "Test & Maintenance Report" (T & M) documenting the results. The completed T & M form must be returned to SAWS Backflow Prevention Section. In addition to the T & M, payment of filing fees (if applicable) and the invoice also will need to be submitted to SAWS.
The T & M form, invoice, and payment of filing fees must be returned together to the following address: P. O. Box 2990, San Antonio, Texas 78299-2990.
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- Where can I find a copy of the "Test & Maintenance Report?"
Test & Maintenance Reports can be found at the following:
SAWS Test and Maintenance of Report Form - Domestic & Irrigation 1 page - 226 KB
SAWS Test and Maintenance of Report Form - Fireline 1 page - 44 KB
SAWS Backflow Requirements regarding “RECYCLED WATER USERS”
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- Does SAWS charge a filing fee for testing backflow prevention assemblies located in the public right-of-way?
No. SAWS will not asses or collect fees, at this time, for backflow prevention assemblies located in the public right-of-way and currently monitored by the utility.
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- Is there a filing fee for testing backflow prevention assemblies located on commercial (lawn) irrigation systems?
Yes. Filing fees are assessed based on the number of backflow prevention assemblies located on the property.
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- Does SAWS charge a filing fee for testing backflow prevention assemblies located inside my property (customer's side)?
Yes. Filing fees are assessed based on the number of backflow prevention assemblies located on the property.
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- How can I verify that testing of my backflow prevention assembly has been completed?
Contact SAWS Backflow Prevention Inspection Section at 210-233-3332.
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