Backflow / Cross Connection Control

As you have read in the enclosures to your bills, the water company is required by the state of California to assure that each connection does not have the ability to contaminate the community water system due to cross connections with a domestic well, irrigation system, pool, or other uncontrolled water source. Because of this law, we have developed a Cross Connection Control Resolution. Below is the letter from the board to all shareholders in the water company describing how this affects you.

Forms to use:

- BPAT Test Report Form

- Cross-Connection Control Survey Form 

Note: Recently our cross connection control consultant suggested that we request photos of the piping between the backflow prevention device and the meter when someone other than a certified technician performs the installation. If you install it yourself (or use a plumber that does not have backflow certification), please include a photo of the piping before backfilling the hole and include it with your testing report.

November 16, 2020
Villa del Monte Mutual Water Company
Attention: Share holders
Subject: Backflow / Cross Connection Control Notification  

Members and Neighbors,

The board has developed and approved the “Backflow/Cross-Connection Control Resolution” dated 10/22/2020. (The entire 55-page document can be viewed on our website with the following link. https://vdmwater.com/documents/1109/VdMMWC_Cross-Connection_Resolution_2020-09-21.pdf

We are now ready to ask you to ensure your home is meeting the safety guidelines set up in the resolution. We would like to see your returned property survey or device testing report by March 30, 2021.

Over the next couple of months, you will need to take one of the following steps:

  1. Have survey performed by a “Certified Cross-connection Specialist” (see some approved companies listed below) confirming all plumbing is installed per code and no existing or future cross connection potentials exists.
    • If the survey shows the property meets the above requirements, please forward the certification letter to us so we can log it into our new tracking software.
    • This survey will need to be completed for the property at five-year intervals
  1. If the survey shows any code or water quality safety issues, please take one of the following next steps:
    • Hire a licensed plumbing contractor to make any repairs or corrections.
      • Have a second survey performed to confirm all risk items have been mitigated.
      • Please forward the certification letter to us so we can log it into our new tracking software.
      • This survey would need to be completed for the property at five-year intervals
    • Skip the second survey and have a contractor install an approved backflow prevention device just after the meter. (These devices are required to be tested annually)
      • Proceed to option-3 below.
  1. Have a contractor install an approved backflow prevention device just after the meter.
    (See below for a list of recommended backflow prevention devices.)
    • After installation, have the device tested by a “Certified Cross-connection Specialist” (see some approved companies listed below)
    • Please forward the testing document to us so we can log it into our new tracking software.
    • Please note these devices are required to be tested annually and the testing paperwork needs to be sent into us for tracking.

A couple of clarifications:

  • This new back flow prevention device needs to be located within 10-feet of the meter serving your home.
  • To be installed in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions and the latest edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code. Unless otherwise specified, the assembly shall be mounted at a minimum of 12” (305mm) and a maximum of 30” (762mm) above adequate drains with sufficient side clearance for testing and maintenance. The installation shall be made so that no part of the unit can be submerged.
  • Just like any plumbing work in you home, the best choice would be to use a licensed plumbing contractor. This work could be performed by the home owner if they are capable of performing this type of work themselves. The device will still need to be tested by a certified cross-conection control specialist.
  • Please make sure your water system has a potable water expansion tank. Without an expansion tank, your hot water has nowhere to expand and can increase pressure within your home, leading to leaks.
  • Please make sure you or your contractor uses only lead-free components when installing anything on your plumbing system.
  • If you need help locating your meter or selecting a location, please call us to help.

 

 

A couple of approved back flow device choices are:

  • Zurn model 975XL2
  • Wilkins 375XL RP
  • Many others are availble but must meet the AWWA/ANSI C511 07 Standard for Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly; and, have met completely the laboratory and field performance specifications of USCFCCCHR established in the most current edition of the Manual of Cross Connection Control. https://fccchr.usc.edu/list.html

Certified Cross-connections Specialist options

4th of July Backflow Testing
Phone: 831-578-1549
https://https://www.4thofjulybackflow.com/

Backflow Prevention Specialists, Inc.
1131 Elko Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Office: 408-734-3569
Fax: 408-734-3567
service@backflow-prevention.com

The Backflow Pro, Inc
800-511-2210 
https://thebackflowpro.com/services/

Certified Backflow Assembly Testing, LLC
554 36th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 566-9647
dave@cbatllc.com