Backflow / Cross Connection Control

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:

R & J Testing (254)718-0946

BSB Backflow (903)391-2730