Backflow
Cross-Connection Control/Backflow Prevention General Information
What is cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the public or consumer’s potable water system and any non-potable source or substance that presents a hazard to the quality of the public or consumer’s potable water system. Therefore, cross-connection control is the management or “control” of these cross-connections to protect public safety by preventing backflow incidents within the public or water consumer’s potable water system.
What is backflow?
Typically, water will flow from the public water supply to the consumer’s plumbing distribution system. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of this flow of water and undesirable substances from the non-potable source to the potable source.
What is backpressure backflow?
Backpressure backflow is backflow caused by a downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a public water system or consumer's potable water system. Backpressure (i.e., downstream pressure that is greater than the potable water supply pressure) can result from an increase in downstream pressure, a reduction in the potable water supply pressure, or a combination of both. Increases in downstream pressure can be created by pumps, 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 water line flushing, fire fighting, or breaks in water mains.
What is backsiphonage?
Backsiphonage is backflow caused by a negative pressure (i.e., a vacuum ~ or partial vacuum) in a Public water system or consumer's potable water system. The effect is similar to drinking water through a straw. Backsiphonage can occur when there is a stoppage of water supply due to nearby fire fighting, a break in a water main, etc.
Why do we need a cross-connection control/backflow prevention program?
As required by the California Environmental Protection Agency and the California State Water Resources Control Board, every drinking water system must have a cross-connection control program or backflow prevention program. Cross-connection control or backflow prevention is designed to protect the public water supply from contamination from non-drinkable sources. For this reason, Ventura River Water District created a cross-connection control program with the goal of ensuring backflow prevention assemblies are tested annually and records are maintained for State inspection. Click here to access the State rulemaking documents.
Cross-Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Program
Backflow Solutions, Inc. or BSI Online is North America’s leading cross-connection control/backflow data management and program administration firm. BSI Online has partnered with 1,000+ water systems across the United States to develop and manage effective cross-connection control programs to help protect all our water resources. BSI helps water purveyors by sending notifications, assisting with customer service inquiries, and managing required data on behalf of Ventura River Water District.
Ventura River Water District has contracted with BSI Online to assist the District with State required cross-connection/backflow tracking regulations. BSI Online will serve as the primary point of contact for the program and can be contacted below:
Testing Company Support:
o Phone: 800-414-4990
o Fax: 888-414-4990
o Email: bsionline@backflow.com
o Submit tests here: https://bsionline.com
Water Customer Support:
o Phone: 888-966-6050
o Email: support@backflow.com
o Check your property’s compliance here: https://www.bsionlinetracking.com/customer