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Cross Connection Control / Backflow
**NOTICE** Changes to the Jarrell Schwertner WSC Cross Connection Control Program.
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is a connection between a potable drinking water supply and a possible source of
contamination or pollution. Under the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1971, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established national standards for safe drinking water. Each
state is required to enforce the various regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act and how it relates to
its state laws.
To meet these provisions, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on January 1, 1996,
enacted a state law which requires the public water suppliers to implement and enforce the Cross
Connection Control Program requirements located in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30,
Chapter 290 of the Rules and Regulations for Public Water Suppliers.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow in a potable water distribution system. Water that is always
under pressure can only flow in one direction. Then how can water flow in reverse? Water will always
flow towards the point of lowest pressure. If a water main were to break or if the fire department
opened several fire hydrants to help fight a fire, the pressure in the water main could drop. The demand
upstream could cause a reversal in flow.
Cross connections and the possibility of backflow need to be recognized so they do not occur. A garden
hose submerged in a hot tub, swimming pool, car radiator or attached to an insect/fertilizer sprayer
could siphon the liquid back into the water main. Water from an irrigation system could be siphoned
back into the public water supply.
Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to protect the public water system from these types of
concerns.
Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies
All backflow protection assemblies must be tested upon installation, replacement, repair or relocation.
Because backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical devices that will degrade over time, all
backflow assemblies should be tested annually to ensure they are in working order.
The Jarrell Schwertner WSC has chosen to partner with the Envirotrax® system to allow for the online
submission of Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Reports. All testing information will
be entered directly by the tester into the online password protected Envirotrax® system. Testers will no
longer be able to submit paper test reports directly to the utility.
Finding or Becoming a Registered Tester
All Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers (BPATs) are required to register with the Envirotrax® system.
Upon registration and verification of license, insurance, and test gauge accuracy, the tester will be
added to the approved list of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers.
Note: Backflow prevention assemblies on fire protection sprinkler systems are required by the State
Fire Marshal to be tested and/or repaired by a BPAT who is a full‐time employee of a fire protection
sprinkler company that is licensed with the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Click here to find a BPAT registered to work in the Jarrell Schwertner WSC.
Click here to download a Quick Start Guide with information on how to become a registered BPAT.
JSWSC tester recommendations:
