Keeping Your Water Safe Through Backflow Prevention
The District provides water that meets or exceeds all primary drinking water standards. If water from irrigation systems, pools, water softeners, or leaks, reverse direction and water flows back into the water system, it could potentially contaminate the drinking water supply and make it unsafe. Thus, it is important to prevent the backflow of water.
Backflow and Cross Connections
The District’s water system is designed to deliver water in one direction – from the water supply source to homes and businesses. When backflow occurs, water from private plumbing systems may flow back into the District’s water system through “cross-connections” and potentially contaminate the drinking water supply.
A cross-connection is any connection between the District’s potable water system and a source of non-potable water or another substance. Cross-connections can be found on both commercial and residential properties. Without proper protection, these systems could allow contaminants to enter the public drinking water system during a backflow event.
The District is required by state and federal law to implement a cross-connection control program to protect the water system from backflow. Through this program, the District works closely with customers, contractors, and engineers to ensure that the necessary backflow prevention assemblies are properly installed, maintained, and tested.
Backflow Assembly Testing
Customers with backflow prevention assemblies are required to test their devices annually. State regulations require the use of certified testers. Provided below is a list of certified backflow assembly testers, program FAQs, and other related resources. Please contact the District’s Cross-Connection Specialist with questions or for additional information.
Forms and Resources
Backflow Assembly Testing FAQs
Certified Backflow Tester List
Cross-Connection Hazard Assessment Questionnaire Letter
Cross-Connection Hazard Assessment Questionnaire
Protect Your Drinking Water: Understanding Cross-Connections
Protect Your Drinking Water Postcard
District Contact Information
For general inquiries about the District’s Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program, send an email to backflow@goletawater.com.
For additional information about the District’s program or inquiries related to a specific property, please contact:
David Vera
Recycled Water/Cross Connection Specialist II
(805) 879-4642 Direct Line
(805) 879-4656 FAX
dvera@goletawater.com
