Utilities Administration

6040 Vaca Station Road
Elmira, CA 95625

Administration Phone
(707) 469-6400

Utility Billing
(707) 449-5128

Fax
(707) 469-6480

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Cross Connection Program

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Backflow is the undesirable reversal of water flow in a plumbing system. This can happen if water pressure drops below normal (called back-siphonage) or if pressure in a connected system becomes higher than the main water supply (called back-pressure). In the City of Vacaville, some private plumbing systems may be connected to a secondary non-drinking water source, such as a private well. This private connection can create a risk of contamination to the public water system which is the primary source of water in Vacaville. Backflow preventers help protect the public water supply by stopping polluted water from flowing back into clean drinking water during a backflow event.

Backflow Prevention

The State Water Resources Control Board requires water providers like the City of Vacaville to run a cross-connection control and backflow prevention program. This program helps keep drinking water safe from contamination.

As part of this program, City of Vacaville staff annually inspect all backflow preventers at the point of service. Staff also surveys properties to see if a backflow prevention device is needed. This may be required if there is a real or possible risk of contamination. For example, a risk may exist if your property has a well or another water source, or if your drinking water system connects to equipment like a boiler, cooling tower, or pump. Any connection to substances that could affect water safety or quality may also require protection.

If a potential for risk is found, you will need to install a backflow prevention device that meets State requirements. Devices that no longer meet the level of protection required will need to be retrofitted and made commensurate with the associated hazard.

If you are required to install or retrofit a backflow preventer, follow these guidelines:

Use the correct standard drawing for installation.
The customer is responsible for installing, initial testing, and maintenance of the device.
Installation and testing must be completed within 30 days.
Obtain encroachment permit from Public Works Engineering Division.
Use of an assembly from the approved list of assemblies.
Contact the City of Vacaville if you have questions or concerns about protecting the water supply.

After installation and successful sign off from City inspection staff, a certified tester from the approved list must test the device. Confirmation of a passing inspection must be provided before activation of the water service. The completed test form must be mailed within 30 days to:

City of Vacaville
PO Box 220
Elmira, CA 95625

If you receive a Notice of Correction or Notice of Requirement, you must fix the issue and complete testing. Failure to do so will result in termination of water service.

Becoming an Approved Backflow Tester

To become an approved backflow tester for the City of Vacaville, you must first be certified as a General Backflow Tester by an approved organization accredited through American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024.You must also pass a written test and a hands-on test given by City of Vacaville staff.

If you want to be added to the City’s list of approved testers, complete the application packet and submit it to our Cross Connection Control Specialist. After your application is reviewed, City staff will contact you to schedule your exam.

FAQs

How do I test my backflow preventer?

City of Vacaville Cross Connection Control staff perform required annual backflow inspections on backflows installed at the point of service. Only a properly certified person can test backflow preventers. Newly installed, repaired, or replaced backflow preventers are to be tested by a certified tester from the list of approved testers with results submitted to the Cross Connection Control group. Water services with newly installed backflow preventers will not receive continuous water service until a passing backflow report is received by the City's Cross Connection Control group.
What happens if I don't install a backflow preventer after receiving a notice?

Failure to install or retrofit a backflow preventer where required will result in termination of water service until the conditions are corrected.
What happens if I don't repair or test the backflow preventer?

State and City of Vacaville regulations require annual inspections of all backflow prevention assemblies and repair or replacement of failed devices within 30 days as a condition of continued water service. City Cross Connection Control staff will perform the annual required inspections and notify water users of failed devices. If failed devices are not repaired or replaced within 30 days, your water service may be shut off and fines may be applied.
What if the well is no longer being used?

If your well has been properly decommissioned per Solano County standard, you can call the City of Vacaville office at 707-469-6424 to discuss your options. When you leave a message, please include your account number and property address so staff can assist you. Documentation of the well being properly decommissioned is a requirement to remove backflow protection from the point of service.
What if the well is only used for irrigation?

State regulations require properties in the City of Vacaville that have a well or another source of auxiliary water to install a Reduced Pressure Principle backflow preventer and for the assembly to be tested every year. This requirement applies even if the system is not directly connected to the drinking water supply.
What is a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is a plumbing device that allows water to flow in only one direction, preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the public water supply.
Why am I responsible for repairing the backflow preventer?

In response to new State requirements to protect the public water supply, the City of Vacaville updated its water service rules. The State's Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook mandates all backflow preventers be repaired within 30 days of failure as a condition for continued water service.
Why is a backflow preventer required?

A plumbing system that connects to non-drinking water sources, such as private wells, fire sprinkler systems, or irrigation systems, can create a risk of contaminating the public water supply. To help protect public health, properties with these types of systems are required by the City of Vacaville to install an approved backflow prevention device at the point where the water service connects to the City water system.

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