• 6030 Board Policy 

Purpose

The Fair Oaks Water District (FOWD) maintains a cross-connection and backflow prevention program.  The purpose of the program is to protect the public water system from contamination due to cross-connection. 

 Cross connection is any actual or potential connection between the drinking water lines and potential sources of pollution or contamination.

A Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) is a device installed on a water line that only allows water to flow in one direction.  BPAs protect the public water system from being contaminated from private systems when siphonage or backpressure occurs.  FOWD requires a BPA be installed and maintained on water services where a cross-connection exists.  FOWD only allows Reduced Pressure Principle or Reduced Pressure Principle Detector type BPAs to be installed on connections to the FOWD system.

Requirements for Backflow Prevention Assembly

Per State regulations and FOWD Policy 6030 a BPA is required to be tested annually and immediately  after installation, relocation or repair to ensure their proper operation.

The testing of  a BPA must be completed by a Sacramento County approved backflow tester.  A list of approved testers may be found on the County’s website below.

Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers list​​ ​

As the owner of the device, it is the property owner’s responsibility to:

·         Maintain the BPA in accordance with FOWD Policy 6030.  

·         Protect the BPA from freezing, damage, or theft.

·         Have the BPA tested and certified annually by and immediately after installation, relocation, or repair by an approved backflow tester.

Program

FOWD works with the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department (EMD) to oversee the FOWD cross-connection and backflow prevention program. When it's time for your device to be tested, you'll receive a letter from the County with a list of approved testers and their contact information.

Only approved Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) assemblies or Reduced Pressure Principle Detector (RPDA) assemblies may be used per FOWD Policy 6030.  You may find the approved list of RP and RPDAs at the University of Southern California’s Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research website located at: 

University of Southern California’s Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research

Standards for BPA installation may be found here:

Standard Specifications Manual

Enforcement

Failure to maintain a BPA as required by FOWD policy 6030, may result in enforcement actions, up to and including the water supply being shut off, with fees payable to the FOWD prior to water being turned back on.