Supermarket Grocery Stores properties (include grocery stores, large-format markets, specialty grocers, and grocery anchors with on-site food prep (deli, bakery, meat/seafood), beverage service, and extensive sanitation and mechanical systems) are regulated through California’s cross-connection control framework and each local water purveyor’s program.
Supermarket Grocery Stores are often treated as moderate-to-high hazard due to food processing departments, chemical sanitation, frequent hose use, and (sometimes) mechanical plant features. Many purveyors require premises containment (often RP, sometimes DC depending on hazard profile) plus targeted point-of-use protections in high-risk departments.
As a bonded and insured licensed contractors and certified backflow testing professionals specializing in the installation, testing and repair of commercial backflow prevention assemblies, Backflow Test Pros guarantees top-tier workmanship at the most competitive rates, provides backflow repair coverage and includes 2-year installation warranty to help you meet and exceed your Supermarket Grocery Stores backflow installation, testing, repair compliance requirements.
Call for Your Free Supermarket Grocery Store Compliance Review to Qualify for
Installation Warranty, Best Value Testing, Repair Coverage & Multi-Device Discounts
Installing, testing and repair of backflow preventer devices in Supermarket Grocery Stores (include grocery stores, large-format markets, specialty grocers, and grocery anchors with on-site food prep (deli, bakery, meat/seafood), beverage service, and extensive sanitation and mechanical systems) is a critical component of California’s commitment to water quality protection from commercial properties connected to a public potable water system. Supermarket Grocery Stores cross connection and backflow prevention responsibilities are governed by and subject to CCR Title 17 cross-connection control expectations (as administered by water purveyors), The State Water Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) (statewide minimum program expectations), the local water purveyor cross-connection programs (hazard classification, device selection, enforcement), and California state plumbing code and equipment manufacturer requirements (air gaps/indirect waste, device-specific protections).
Supermarket Grocery Store owner operators are responsible for installation, testing, repair, and ongoing compliance.
Hiring a certified backflow tester to perform Supermarket Grocery Store backflow prevention installation, testing and repair in a timely manner is key to ensuring compliance with state and municipal water department regulations.
Backflow Test Pros is 100% dedicated to ensuring your property meets local water authority Supermarket Grocery Store backflow installation, testing and repair requirements so you can avoid civil penalties and ensure your water is not turned off for noncompliance.
Ensure you're fully compliant with specific city, county and water districts backflow prevention requirements
Ensure your backflow assembly installation clears local permitting requirements and plans approvals
Ensure your installed backflow device is USC FCCCHR approved and meets hazard level requirements
Free initial backflow certification testing, same-day report submittal and backflow repair coverage
We provide the best value in Supermarket Grocery Store backflow prevention installations, testing and repair services by combining competitive pricing with premium service, warranty coverage and unmatched expertise.
Backflow Test Pros is an AWWA Certified Backflow Tester and Certified Backflow Tester with County Health Departments across Southern California. As a CA State licensed contractor and AWWA Certified backflow specialists, our team of experienced backflow experts work with County Health Boards and Municipal Water Departments throughout Southern California to protect our water and prevent backflow contamination.
Because supermarkets have many “small” cross-connection opportunities and frequent vendor installs/remodels, purveyors often apply conservative controls. Understanding the types of Supermarket Grocery Store backflow installation, testing, and maintenance requirements helps you avoid civil liabilities and ensures water safety compliance.
Backflow Risk at Supermarket Grocery Stores Arise from the Following Facility Features:
- Meat/seafood prep (organic contaminants, brines, aggressive sanitation chemicals)
- Deli/bakery/hot food (sanitizers, detergents, warewashing equipment)
- Janitorial closets and hose connections (submerged hoses, chemical mixing)
- Carbonated beverage systems (where present)
- Produce misters / hydration systems (if directly connected)
- Boilers / hydronic loops (chemical additives in some systems)
- Cooling towers / evaporative equipment (chemical feed where present)
- Irrigation and fire protection services
Supermarket Grocery Store Typically Require the Following Minimum Level Backflow Risk Protections
A. Domestic Potable Service (Premises Containment)
Typical outcomes (varies by purveyor and store profile):
- DC (Double Check Valve Assembly) may be allowed for supermarkets classified as non-health hazard with no high-hazard features.
- RP (Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly) is commonly required when the supermarket includes higher hazard features, such as:
- chemical dispensing/proportioning systems
- significant food processing (meat/seafood-heavy operations; purveyor-dependent)
- commercial kitchen scale hot-food programs
- boiler/hydronic loops with chemical additives or glycol
- cooling towers with chemical feed
- reclaimed/nonpotable systems or auxiliary water sources
- history of cross-connection violations or repeated failures
B. Fire Protection Systems (If Present)
- DCDA/DCVA often allowed for clean systems
- RPDA required where antifreeze/additives exist
- Some purveyors require RPDA if the premises is classified high hazard overallC. Irrigation (If Present)
- PVB commonly used/allowed for standard irrigation (if local standards allow)
- RP required if chemical injection, booster pumps, auxiliary sources, or higher hazard determinations exist
This is especially common where a tenant’s equipment presents a clear health hazard. Additionally, Supermarket Grocery Store landscaping irrigation backflow prevention and fire sprinkler backflow assemblies are generally required and subject to annual testing review.
Many Water Agencies and Plumbing Codes Require Internal (Point-of-Use) Protection
in Supermarket Grocery Stores
A. Janitorial Closets, Mop Sinks, and Hose Bibbs (Highest Frequency Findings)
Risk drivers:
- submerged hoses in mop buckets with cleaners/sanitizers
- chemical sprayers/proportioners attached to faucets
- hose-end devices removed or bypassed
Typical controls:
- Hose bibb vacuum breakers / anti-siphon hose bibbs at all hose connections
- Chemical proportioners installed with required protection per purveyor/manufacturer
- Policies/training to prevent submerged hoses
B. Meat / Seafood Departments (Prep Sinks, Washdown, Brine Areas)
Risk drivers:
- heavy sanitation chemical use
- washdown hoses used near organic contaminants
- occasional process equipment tied to water
Typical expectations:
- Protected hose connections; no submerged hoses
- Equipment installed per manufacturer instructions; avoid direct cross-connections
- Department expansions/remodels trigger purveyor review
C. Deli / Hot Food / Bakery (Warewashing, Pre-rinse, Chemical Dispensers)
Risk drivers:
- detergents/sanitizers
- chemical dispensers on potable lines
- improper drain setups for food equipment
Typical expectations:
- Indirect waste/air gaps where required by plumbing code/manufacturer
- Chemical dispensers installed per required protection standards
- No unprotected hose-to-chemical-container filling
D. Carbonated Beverage / Fountain Systems (If Present)
Risk drivers:
- carbonator/CO₂ system configurations
- vendor-installed equipment variability
Typical expectations:
- Comply with purveyor requirements and manufacturer installation standards
- Ensure any purveyor-required protection method is installed and maintained
E. Produce Misters / Humidification (If Present)
Risk drivers:
- nozzle contamination potential if improperly configured
- extensive manifolds altered during remodels
Typical expectations:
- Installed per manufacturer and code requirements
- Purveyor review if system is extensive or modified
F. Mechanical Systems (Site Dependent)
Some supermarkets have cooling towers, boilers/hydronic heat, or process-like systems.
Typical expectations:
- Makeup water protected as required (often RP where chemical treatment exists)
- Clear separation of process loops from potable; no unapproved bypasses
Supermarket Grocery Store Backflow Violation Enforcement & Penalties
Supermarket Grocery Stores are frequently targeted for enforcement because a single deficiency at a shared service can impact multiple tenants. Local water purveyors typically:
- issue notices and compliance deadlines
- assess administrative penalties
- require cross-connection surveys/inspections
- terminate water service for failure to install/test/maintain required assemblies or for unresolved cross-connections
Additional Supermarket Grocery Store Backflow Violation Civil Liabilities
Supermarket Grocery Store owner operators are exposed to additional civil liabilities resulting from contamination in the event of failure to prevent backflow into the potable water resources used by other parties.
Because Supermarket Grocery Stores include many High-Risk features, it is important that you perform an extensive cross connection and backflow prevention compliance review to avoid penalties, water disruptions and civil liabilities.
Common Supermarket Deficiencies That Trigger Enforcement
- Overdue annual testing (containment, fire, irrigation)
- Missing vacuum breakers on hose bibbs (janitorial and prep areas)
- Chemical proportioners connected without approved protection
- Remodels adding hot food/meat expansion without purveyor review
- Cross-connection risks at mop sinks (submerged hose practices)
- RP relief discharge flooding mechanical/storage areas (no drainage)
- Unauthorized bypass piping around containment devices
Call Us for Your Supermarket Grocery Store Backflow Compliance Review to Ensure
You are Not in Violation of State and Local backflow Prevention Requirements
1. Confirm hazard classification with the purveyor (DC vs RP containment).
2. Verify containment device is installed, accessible, and properly drained (if RP).
3. Inventory high-risk areas: janitorial, meat/seafood, deli/hot food, beverage systems, mechanical plant.
4. Ensure all hose connections have vacuum breakers; prohibit submerged hoses.
5. Confirm chemical proportioners/dispensers are installed with required protection.
6. Confirm indirect waste/air gaps for food equipment drains where required.
7. Test all assemblies annually and after install/repair/relocation/modification.
8. Submit reports on time; retain records.
9. Re-evaluate after remodels or new department/equipment additions.
