 A cross-connection is the point at which any unwanted domestic, industrial or institutional water from a customer’s system can flow back into the City’s water distribution system. This unwanted flow is called backflow. Backflow may be caused by numerous conditions; but typically is due to the pressure of the customer’s water system exceeding that of the City’s water distribution lines. Backflow prevention assemblies “prevent” the backflow of a customer’s contaminated or polluted water into the City’s distribution system using check- or antisiphon- valves.
Backflow Prevention Assembly
In order to protect the City’s water distribution system, Anaheim Public Utilities oversees the installation, testing and maintenance of the approximately 9,400 backflow prevention assemblies currently installed in Anaheim. Although it is the customer’s responsibility to maintain backflow prevention assemblies, Anaheim Public Utilities staff works closely with the Orange County Health Care Agency, the City’s Building Department, consultants and contractors to assure that proper backflow prevention assemblies are installed and are tested annually.
CUSTOMER ALERT!
Backflow Device and Fireline Check Meter Thefts Continue
With the increasing value of scrap metals, theft of all sorts of metallic items are on the rise. Backflow devices and fireline check meters continue to be targets of thieves across Southern California. These devices are critical to maintaining water system quality and can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Even small devices can cost a few hundred dollars each. Although thieves make only a few cents on the dollar, businesses bear the full cost of repairing or replacing their devices, not to mention the potential disruption to operations.
Anaheim Public Utilities alerts you to take precautions to protect your devices from theft and damage. In most cases, commercially available enclosures may provide enough security to deter theft. We cannot recommend specific equipment but would be glad to further assist you with protecting your devices.
Other deterrents to theft
Increased lighting, trimmed landscaping, added patrols and or video surveillance are further steps you can take to protect your backflow prevention equipment. Of course, increased vigilance and awareness are always important. If you should observe a theft in progress or other suspicious activity, call 911 immediately. In the event that one of your devices is stolen or damaged by an attempted theft, we encourage you to file a report with the Anaheim Police Department. For your convenience, you may file a police report online from their Web site at the following link,: www.anaheim.net/PDeReport/start-report.html. Also, please contact one of our Cross Connection Control Specialists at the e-mail link or phone number listed at the bottom of this Web page
Annual Backflow Device Test Requirements
The California Code of Regulations and Anaheim Public Utilities require water users at locations where backflow prevention devices are installed to maintain their assemblies "... in a continuous state of good repair and test the devices annually". The annual tests must be performed by a backflow device tester that is certified by the Orange County Health Care Agency and has a City of Anaheim Business License. Therefore, you may only use a tester that is on the approved list. You may download the list, which is generally updated monthly, at the link below, along with a copy of our Annual Test and Maintenance Report.
The Orange County Health Care Agency maintains a cross-connection Web site that includes a code of conduct and list of responsibilities for backflow testers. Below is a link to Anaheim Public Utilities' list of backflow testers who are certified by Orange County and posses a City of Anaheim Business License.
Follow these simple steps listed below to make sure your backflow prevention devise remains in good operating order and in compliance:
- Select a certified tester from the approved Backflow Prevention Device Testers List – in PDF format
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Have any necessary repairs made to the Backflow Prevention Device and complete the Report
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Mail a copy of the completed test report to:
Orange County Health Care Agency
1241 E. Dyer Road, Suite 120
Santa Ana, CA 92705-5611
- Mail the original completed report to the attention of:
Cross Connection Control Program
Anaheim Public Utilities
201 S. Anaheim Blvd. #601
Anaheim, CA 92805
For information on any aspect of Anaheim's Cross-Connection Control Program, contact one of our Cross-Connection Control Specialists:
Daisy Castro at 714.765.5203
Marty Friebert at 714.765.4280
Cross-Connection Control Supervisor
John Lamar at 714.765.4591
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