CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION

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Cross-Connection Control Program

On December 19, 2023, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) exercised its authority under California’s Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to adopt a new regulation called the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). This regulation took effect on July 1, 2024.

In response to this regulation, the Districts represented by the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), Water and Sanitation Department (WSD) have been informed by the Ventura County Resource Management Agency (VCRMA), Environmental Health Division (EHD) that it has decided to discontinue its decades-long Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Program, and will no longer oversee the testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs). Historically, the Districts had contracted for such cross-connection services with VCRMA-EHD.

Beginning July 1, 2025, the VCPWA-WSD will assume full responsibility for managing the CCC program for the purposes of service protection, and accordingly manage the testing of applicable BPAs for those services within the Districts’ jurisdiction.

As we move forward with the transition process, we would like to inform you of our new online CCC portal called SwiftComply, similar to Citizens Access. SwiftComply will allow you to submit test reports and other information directly to us online. All American Water Works Association (AWWA) Certified BPA Testers who wish to provide their services within Ventura County Water Works District No. 1 (Moorpark), District No. 17 (Bell Canyon), District No. 19 (Somis), and District No. 38 (Lake Sherwood) will need to enroll and create an account with SwiftComply. If you are already registered withSwiftComply through another agency or city you will still need to register with us. You may use the same information you previously used to create an account.  After July 1, 2025, SwiftComply will merge multiple accounts into one.

To enroll, navigate to: https://www.sc-tester.com/form/VmVudHVyYSBDb3VudHksIFB1YmxpYyBXb3JrcyBBZ2VuY3ksIFdhdGVyICYgU2FuaXRhdGlvbiBEZXBhcnRtZW50

From this enrollment page you may:

  • Create Admin Users account;
  • Create Individual Tester Users account;
  • Submit your BPA Tester Certification, Test Kit Information and Test Kit Certification of Calibration; and
  • View SwiftComply Frequently Asked Questions

To submit test results beginning July 1, 2025, navigate to: https://venturaca.c3swift.com/

WHAT IS A CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW INCIDENT?

A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the Districts’ distribution system (or approved water supply) and any other source containing liquid, gas, or other substances which may contribute to the degradation of the quality of the potable water. For example, submerging a garden hose in a bucket containing water and cleaning chemicals creates a cross-connection.

Backflow is the undesired or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into the Districts’ distribution system.

The presence of a cross-connection creates a potential pathway for backflow to occur. Backflow incidents happen when a non-potable water source is at a higher pressure than the Districts’ distribution system pressure. A backflow incident can threaten the safety of the approved water supply by allowing hazards to enter the potable water distribution system. As shown below, a backflow incident requires the simultaneous presence of all three conditions outlined in the diagram.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM?

The purpose of a Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Program is to prevent the occurrence of backflow into the Districts’ distribution system in order to protect its water users (i.e. customers) from on-site hazards. To prevent potential backflow, water users are required to properly install and maintain Air Gaps (AGs), Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs), or other approved devices or methods. These measures help provide protection against many common risks found on user premises.

California‘s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) requires that BPAs be tested and AGs be inspected at a minimum annually to ensure proper function. BPAs must also be tested upon installation, repair, depressurization for winterizing, and permanent relocation.

To begin with an overview of CCC and backflow prevention, please watch the “Working Together for Safe Water” informational video from the University of Southern California (USC), Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR) available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBCrJ7uCkk.

You may also review the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cross-Connection Control Manual for general information, available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/epa816r03002_0.pdf.

For specific details about the Districts’ CCC Program, please refer to the Districts’ CCC Plan, which will become available once approved by the State.

WHAT ARE THE WATER USERS RESPONSIBLE FOR?

Water users (i.e. customers) and/or property owners are required to purchase and install an Air Gap separation (AG) or a Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPA) where a cross-connection exists to protect the Districts’ distribution system. They are also responsible for the maintenance of their AGs and BPAs, which includes, testing, inspection, repair, and replacement to ensure continual proper operation. Water users are also required to complete hazard assessments, which are evaluations of a user’s premises conducted to identify the types and degrees of potential hazards, as required by the Districts.

The Districts will send notices to all customers who are required to submit passing test results for the AGs and BPAs installed on their property. All testing must be performed by an American Water Works Association (AWWA) Certified BPA Tester. The Certified BPA Tester shall electronically submit the test results directly to SwiftComply.

If you have questions or need more information about the Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Program, BPA testing, and hazard assessment, please contact the CCC Program staff at 805.378.3017 or via email at WSBackflow@ventura.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a Public Water System (PWS), including a piping system connected to the PWS and located on the premises of a water user or available to the water user, and any source or distribution system containing liquid, gas, or other substances not from an approved water supply.

What is backflow?

Backflow is the undesired or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into a Public Water System’s (PWS) distribution system or approved water supply. The two types of backflows are:

  • Backpressure: is a type of backflow caused by any elevation of pressure in the downstream piping system above the supply pressure at the point of consideration, which would cause or tend to cause a reversal of normal direction of flow.
  • Backsiphonage: is a type of backflow caused by a reduction in system pressure, which causes sub-atmospheric pressure to exist in the water system.

What is an Air Gap separation (AG)?

A physical vertical separation between the free-flowing discharges end of a potable water supply pipeline and the flood level of an open or non-pressurized receiving vessel. An “approved AG” shall be in general twice the effective opening of the supply pipe measured vertically above the flood level of the receiving vessel; in no case less than 1 inch;

What is a Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA)?

A mechanical assembly designed and constructed to prevent backflow, such that while in-line it can be maintained and its ability to prevent backflow, as designed, can be field tested, inspected and evaluated. The type of assembly used shall be based on the existing or potential degree of hazard and backflow condition. The types of BPAs are:

  • Reduced Pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP)
  • Reduced Pressure principle-Detector backflow prevention Assembly (RPDA)
  • Reduced Pressure principle-Detector backflow prevention Assembly-type II (RPDA-II)
  • Double Check valve backflow prevention assembly (DC)
  • Double Check Detector backflow prevention Assembly (DCDA)
  • Double Check Detector backflow prevention Assembly-type II (DCDA-II)
  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker backsiphonage prevention assembly (PVB)
  • Spill-resistant Vacuum Breaker backsiphonage prevention assembly (SVB)
  • Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker backsiphonage prevention assembly (AVB)

Why is backflow protection necessary?

If backflow occurs, any connection to a non-potable water source could go back into the customer’s drinking water piping, polluting the water within the home, or even into the water mains in the street, polluting the Districts’ distribution system. The only way to prevent such incidents from occurring and to maintain safe drinking water is to use Air Gap separations (AGs) and Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs) and to make sure that they are correctly installed and adequately maintained.

What is the legal basis for a local Cross-Connection Control (CCC) program?

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 established national standards for safe drinking water, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), through its Division of Drinking Water, is responsible for enforcing these standards and supervising public water systems and drinking water sources. Under its authority granted by California’s Safe Drinking Water Act, the SWRCB adopted the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). The CCCPH requires each water purveyor to implement a cross-connection control program that protects the potable water supply from potential hazards.

Who is responsible for the cost of hazard assessments and testings?

The customer is responsible for the cost of hazard assessments and maintaining their Air Gap separation (AGs) and Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs) which includes, testing, inspection, repair, and replacement to ensure continual proper operation.

Who can test my backflow prevention?

Air Gap separations (AGs) must be inspected, and Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs) must be tested by an American Water Works Association (AWWA) Certified BPA Tester. The Districts cannot make recommendations for any specific BPA Testers. AWWA credentials may be verified at https://www.ca-nv-awwa.org/canv/CNS/Professional_Certification/Credential_Lookup/CNS/Certification/Credential_Lookup.aspx?hkey=cc9baa69-a9e2-4826-8183-deedfaef61f1

A list of BPA testing Service Providers is provided below. You may contact them to find an AWWA Certified BPA Tester. Providers are listed for reference only and are not endorsed by the Districts.

  • Accurate Backflow Testing (805) 497-2415
  • All Pro Backflow Co. (805) 302-2613
  • Angel’s Backflow Service Inc. (805) 910-6479
  • Anthony’s Backflow Testing (855) 720-4366
  • Backflow Brothers (760) 927-5454
  • Backflow Prevention Device Tester (661) 294-0901
  • Backflow Test Pros (714) 852-1213
  • Bavco (310) 639-5231
  • Christopher Moseby (805) 390-4996
  • CJ Precision Inc. (805) 342-8844
  • C&M Backflow/Plumbing Inc. (805) 443-7451
  • County Fire Protection (805) 650-1971
  • Crowder Backflow Services Inc. (805) 639-0123
  • Dakota Backflow Company (800) 790-7757
  • DH Backflow (818) 426-9814
  • Economy Plumbing Inc. (805) 644-3700
  • Gene Pira Inc. (818) 342-4744
  • Hazzard Backflow Inc. (714) 709-6215
  • Homespun Plumbing (805) 340-5944
  • Horn’s Backflow & Plumbing Service Inc. (661) 295-7733
  • Living Waters Backflow (760) 646-0194
  • Lloyds Plumbing Inc. (805) 495-4525
  • Pacific Backflow Company (805) 443-1714
  • Prevent Backflow & Plumbing Inc. (714) 563-9400
  • Prudent Backflow Solutions (714) 341-5325
  • Service Pro Fire Protection Inc. (805) 487-1477
  • Simi Valley Backflow Inc. (805) 206-6740
  • Simply Backflow Inc. (818) 669-9404
  • Spaulding Backflow Company (805) 660-5988
  • West Coast Water Pros Inc. (424) 386-9281

What if my backflow prevention does not pass testing?

The customer is responsible for all repairs or replacements that need to be performed. A passing test result must be submitted to be compliant with the Districts’ Cross Connection Control Program.

Do I need to register a new or replacement service protection AG or BPA?

Yes, new or replacement AGs or BPAs used for service protection must be registered and tested within 48 hours of service activation, and at a minimum, annually thereafter. To report a new installation or a replacement, please have your AG or BPA tested by an American Water Works Association (AWWA) Certified BPA Tester. Certified BPA Tester may submit the new AG or BPA information along with the test report through our online SwiftComply system.

Frequently Asked Questions for BPA Testers

Where should a Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) Tester register to submit test reports with the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), Water and Sanitation Department (WSD)?

All American Water Works Association (AWWA) Certified BPA Testers who wish to provide their services within Ventura County Water Works District No. 1 (Moorpark), District No. 17 (Bell Canyon), District No. 19 (Somis), and District No. 38 (Lake Sherwood) must enroll and create an account with SwiftComply at: https://www.sc-tester.com/form/VmVudHVyYSBDb3VudHksIFB1YmxpYyBXb3JrcyBBZ2VuY3ksIFdhdGVyICYgU2FuaXRhdGlvbiBEZXBhcnRtZW50

If a BPA Tester already registered with SwiftComply through another agency or city, do they still need to register with VCPWA-WSD?

Yes, if you are already registered with SwiftComply through another agency or city, you will still need to register with us. You may use the same information you previously used to create an account.  After July 1, 2025, SwiftComply will merge multiple accounts into one.

What document does a BPA tester need to submit to SwiftComply to be recognized as a Certified BPA Tester?

American Water Works Association (AWWA) Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) Testers must submit one of the following valid documents for recognition:

  1. AWWA BPA Tester Certification
  2. AWWA BPA Tester Card

Where should a BPA Tester submit the test report?

Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) testers who are already registered with SwiftComply must log in and submit the test reports to https://venturaca.c3swift.com/

What document does a BPA tester need to submit to SwiftComply to get their differential pressure gauge test kit approved?

Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) Testers must submit one of the following valid documents to SwiftComply to get their differential pressure gauge test kit approved:

  1. The differential pressure gauge test kit manufacturer’s certification of calibration for any newly purchased test kit the has been in use for less than a year.
  2. The certification of calibration from any accredited calibration laboratory which lists the latest edition of University of Southern California (USC) Foundation of Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR) Manual of Cross-Connection Control (CCC) or American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) 1064 as the calibration standard, or demonstrates compliance in accordance with such standards.