Backflow and Cross Connection Control Reporting

Thank you for getting your Cross Connection Control system properly tested and reported—your efforts will help us protect the public water system.

Did you know you can choose how you would like to receive your backflow test reminder letters?

Option 1: Annual Email Reminder
Receive an email about testing and certification requirements and deadlines

Option 2: Annual Reminder Letter
Receive a letter in the mail about testing and certification requirements and deadlines

Please let us know your preferences by filling out the following form below. Thank you!

*If you are not receiving annual reminder letters, please call us at 206-362-8100.

Backflow Device Reporting Preferences

Preferred Contact Option (required)

Your Name (first, last; required)

Your Email Address (required)

Best Phone # to Reach You (if we have questions)

Name of Person to Receive the Reminder (if someone other than you)

Backflow Property Address (where backflow device is located; required)

Backflow Property City (required)

Backflow Property Zip Code (required)

If You Chose Option 1:

We will use the email address you entered above, unless you want the reminder to go to someone else, then enter their email address here:

Email Address to Receive Reminders (if someone other than you)

If You Chose Option 2:

Mailing Address (or write "same as property address" if applicable)

Mailing City

Mailing Zip Code

Additional Comments or Questions:

(not required)

More About Backflow / Cross Connection Control

North City Water District takes pride in providing safe, high quality drinking water to our community. However water safety is a two-way street: contamination can occur within your own piping system, even though the water that reaches your home or business is pure and clean. Part of our job is to prevent these types of contamination hazards from escaping back into the public water system.

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where the potable water supply is connected to a non-potable source. If a backflow occurs, pollutants or contaminants can enter the drinking water system through uncontrolled cross connections. (Backflow: the unwanted flow of non-potable substances back into the consumer’s plumbing system and/or public water system.) There are two types of backflow:

Back-siphonage: this is caused by a negative pressure in the supply line to a facility or plumbing fixture. Backsiphonage may occur during waterline breaks, when repairs are made to the waterlines, when shutting off the water supply, etc.

Back-pressure: this can occur when the potable water supply is connected to another system operating at a higher pressure, or with the ability to create pressure—including booster pumps, pressure vessels, and elevated plumbing.

The risk of contaminated water escaping into the overall water system due to cross connection is a very important health concern. The State Health Department has established rules that require water purveyors (including your District) to identify potential cross connection hazards within our water system, and take appropriate action to protect against these hazards.

Cross Connection Hazards

The best way to identify a potential cross connection hazard is by working with you, the water user. Typical hazards include:

Fire sprinkler system
Lawn irrigation system
Swimming pool
Hot tub / jacuzzi tub
Livestock watering system
Decorative fountain
Water makeup lines*
Hydraulic boat lifts
*that supply a boiler or hydronic heating

Preventing Hazards

Mechanical backflow prevention devices (such as the ones pictured above) are designed to prevent backflow from cross connections. However, for backflow preventers to protect as designed, they must meet stringent installation requirements.

If you have any of the items listed in the previous “Cross Connection Hazards” paragraph, if you are a business of (most) any kind, or if you raise farm animals, you are required to:

(1) have backflow prevention in place;

(2) have a state certified Backflow Assembly Test on your backflow assembly each year; and

(3) send us a copy of your test result. For a list of certified testers, contact us at 206.362.8100 or visit this website.

If you recently purchased your home and are unaware of this device and where it is located on your property, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 206.362.8100.