East Los Angeles has a well-established and robust backflow prevention program that helps ensure the safety of its public water supply.
East Los Angeles property owners are responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices and must comply with the city's requirements to avoid penalties. Ensuring timely testing, maintenance, and repair of backflow devices is crucial for protecting both individual properties and the public water system. Non-compliance can result in fines, civil liabilities and the disruption of water service.
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Backflow Test Pros are AWWA Certified Backflow Testers and Certified Backflow Testers with County Health Departments across Southern California. As state licensed contractors, and AWWA cross connection specialists, our team of experienced backflow experts work with city water departments throughout Southern California to protect our water, and prevent backflow contamination.
Relying on Backflow Testing Pros' licensed, certified and bonded professionals ensures that your backflow assembly installation, testing and repair is performed by certified cross connection control and backflow prevention experts in a timely manner conforming to backflow prevention testing, repair and installation protocols required by the East Los Angeles Water Department, state water board regulations and backflow prevention certification bodies.
With state-of-the-art diagnostics, tests, timely repairs, and proactive maintenance, we help commercial and residential customers in East Los Angeles and across Southern California avoid costly civil liabilities, penalties and water service disruptions.
Leading national brands and local businesses in East Los Angeles and throughout Southern California trust our backflow prevention device testing and repair services to safeguard the public water supply and ensure compliance with state and municipal regulations.
Backflow Test Pros' commitment to precision, reliability, and regulatory compliance has made us the preferred choice for East Los Angeles homeowners and businesses that demand the highest standards in water safety at the most competitive prices.
Backflow Test Pros provides dedicated support in everything from initial scheduling, water department communications, due date tracking, same day approval, routine maintenance and urgent repairs.
As a Backflow Test Pros client you can rest assured knowing that your backflows assemblies are monitored and compliant with local water authority regulations.
Backflow Test Pros Turn-key Backflow Maintenance includes:
Because backflow devices are critical to maintaining clean, safe water supplies, California State Water Districts, County Health Boards and Local Municipalities regulations mandate that only licensed and certified backflow technicians and plumbers who have the expertise, training, have the legal authority to perform repairs or replacements in compliance with regulations and with the necessary quality control to protect the public water system.
East Los Angeles enforces comprehensive backflow prevention regulations to protect its public water supply from contamination. Through enforcement of its municipal code and collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the city ensures public health and water safety.
Failing to comply with the regulations may result in fines or suspension of water service. It is important for East Los Angeles homeowners and businesses to stay up-to-date with local regulations and to ensure that their backflow devices are tested annually by a certified tester.
East Los Angeles, through the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts and the Department of Public Health, has established rigorous standards for cross-connection and backflow prevention to protect its potable water system.
Property owners are obligated to install, test, and maintain backflow devices and cooperate with inspections. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, including the interruption of water service.
The program mandates the installation of approved backflow prevention devices at service connections where potential hazards are identified.
Additionally East Los Angeles homeowners and businesses must arrange for annual testing by certified testers and submit the test results to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH)..
And more generally, East Los Angeles property owners are responsible for keeping their backflow prevention devices in good working condition. If a device fails or is malfunctioning, repairs or replacements must be made immediately, and the device must be retested.
Failure to comply with East Los Angeles backflow prevention requirements may result in penalties, including water service discontinuation.
East Los Angeles enforces backflow prevention regulations to protect its public water supply from contamination. These regulations aim to prevent backflow, the unwanted reverse flow of water that can introduce pollutants or contaminants into the potable water system by implementing:
- Backflow Prevention: To prevent the reverse flow of water that can introduce pollutants or contaminants into the public drinking water system.
- Cross-Connection Control: To eliminate or safeguard against connections between potable and non-potable water systems, ensuring the safety of drinking water.
East Los Angeles, as an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, falls under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) for water quality and safety. The Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program is implemented to protect the public water supply from contamination due to backflow incidents.
This program complies with the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, and mandates the installation and maintenance of approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) at service connections where potential hazards are identified.
East Los Angeles backflow prevention regulations require the installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) in specific scenarios, including:
- East Los Angeles Property Irrigation Systems: To prevent contaminants from entering the potable water supply through irrigation lines.
- East Los Angeles Commercial and Industrial Properties: Facilities with potential cross-connections, such as those involving chemicals or pressurized systems, are required to install appropriate backflow prevention assemblies.
- East Los Angeles Property Fire Protection Systems: To prevent stagnant water from fire suppression systems from flowing back into the drinking water supply.
- East Los Angeles Property Auxiliary Water Sources: Properties with alternative water sources like wells or cisterns must install backflow prevention devices to prevent cross-contamination.
All backflow prevention devices must be approved by recognized standards agencies like the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research at USC or other equivalent organizations.
Failure to install a required backflow prevention assembly can result in termination of water service at your property by the East Los Angeles until compliance is achieved.
To ensure the continued effectiveness of backflow prevention assemblies, the following backflow testing and maintenance protocols are required in East Los Angeles:
- Annual Backflow Testing: All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least once a year by a certified tester.
- Post-Installation or Repair Backflow Testing: Any new installation, relocation, or repair of a backflow device requires immediate testing to confirm correct operation.
- Backflow Record Keeping: Test results must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency to maintain compliance records.
- Approved Backflow Devices: Only backflow prevention assemblies listed by recognized testing agencies are permitted for residential and commercial properties in Pasadena. The University of Southern California’s Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC-FCCCHR) provides a comprehensive list of approved devices.
- East Los Angeles Certified Backflow Testers: Testing must be conducted by individuals certified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. A directory of certified testers is available on their official website
Failure to comply with East Los Angeles backflow testing requirements can result in water service termination until compliance is achieved.
Additionally, the East Los Angeles backflow installation guidelines outline the following installation requirements:
- Backflow Installation Responsibility: Property owners are responsible for the installation of backflow prevention assemblies when required by the City.
- Backflow Location & Access: Devices must be installed in accessible areas and protected from environmental damage or vandalism.
- Backflow Compliance Enforcement: Failure to install a required backflow prevention assembly can result in termination of water service until compliance is achieved.
Failure to install the required backflow prevention assemblies for properties in East Los Angeles may result in the city discontinuing water service until compliance is achieved.
East Los Angeles requires the installation of specific backflow prevention devices is required based on the level of hazard associated with the water use:
- Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP): Required for all non-residential connections to protect against high hazards.
- Double Check Valve Assembly (DC): Required for all non-residential fire suppression system connections, upgrades, and new installations.
- Air Gap Separation (AG): May be approved as a higher level of protection upon prior written approval from the County.
These devices must be approved by the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research and installed in accordance with the California Administrative Code Title 17, Section 7603.
The appropriate device is determined based on the degree of hazard present on East Los Angeles properties.
Proper testing and maintenance of backflow devices are essential for compliance with local regulations and for safeguarding community health in East Los Angeles CA.
East Los Angeles has the following requirements for testing, maintenance, certification, and documentation of backflow prevention assemblies:
- Initial Backflow Testing: Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested immediately after installation by a certified backflow tester.
- Annual Backflow Testing: Required once every 12 months to verify the continued effectiveness of the device.
- Certified Backflow Testers Only: All testing must be performed by professionals certified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
- Backflow Test Reports: Completed test reports must be submitted to the County within the required timeframe.
- Non-Compliance: Untested or failed devices may trigger enforcement actions, including service interruption.
East Los Angeles property owners are responsible for ensuring that backflow prevention devices are properly installed, tested annually, and maintained in good working order. Non-compliance with the following regulations can lead to penalties, including the interruption of water service:
Backclow prevention responsibilities of East Los Angeles Property Owners:
- Backflow Installation: Ensure that BPAs are installed as mandated by LACWD regulations.
- Backflow Testing: Arrange for annual testing by certified testers, submit the test results to LACWD and maintain detailed records of compliance.
- Backflow Maintenance: Promptly address device failures or test result deficiencies.
- Backflow Access: Allow site access for inspections and water system evaluations.
- Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties, including water service discontinuation.
Los Angeles County conducts thorough cross-connection inspections to monitor potential risks for both residential and commercial East Los Angeles properties. These inspections are essential for maintaining water safety and preventing the backflow of contaminants into the public supply.
Purpose of Inspections:
- Identify existing or potential cross-connections.
- Confirm that proper backflow prevention assemblies are installed.
- Evaluate whether device types match the hazard level.
- Enforce compliance where violations exist.
When Inspections Occur:
- During new construction, remodeling, or plumbing system upgrades.
- When a new service connection is initiated for commercial or industrial properties.
- Periodically, based on a property's risk profile or device testing history.
- In response to complaints or observed irregularities in water system behavior.
Inspection Process:
1. Advance Notice: Property owners are informed by the City before the inspection.
2. Onsite Visit: A certified Cross-Connection Specialist inspects the plumbing and device setup.
3. Hazard Assessment: The inspector evaluates system complexity and potential contamination risks.
4. Reporting: A written inspection report is issued with required actions or corrections.
5. Follow-Up: Re-inspections are scheduled for any deficiencies or outstanding issues.
Consequences for Non-Compliance:
- Water service may be suspended or disconnected.
- Re-inspection or administrative fees may be applied.
- Continued violations may result in legal penalties per the city code.
Proper testing and maintenance of backflow prevention devices are essential for compliance with local regulations and for safeguarding community health. East Los Angeles has the following requirements for testing, certification, and documentation of backflow prevention assemblies:
- Testing Fees: Determined by the private certified tester. These fees are separate from any City administrative or permit charges.
- Re-inspection or Reconnection Fees: May apply if devices fail, are overdue for testing, or service is disconnected due to non-compliance.
The cross-connection and backflow regulations for East Los Angeles are built upon a combination of local county code, state plumbing regulations, and public health enforcement. These include:
- Los Angeles County Code – Title 11, Section 11.38.480: Outlines the requirements for backflow prevention and cross-connection control.
- California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5 of the California Code of Regulations): Dictates backflow device installation, hazard classification, and device specifications.
- Title 17, California Code of Regulations: Defines cross-connection control program responsibilities for public water systems.
- USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control: The County relies on USC’s list of approved backflow prevention assemblies and testing protocols.
- AWWA Manual M14: Referenced for installation practices, hazard assessments, and maintenance recommendations.
For further guidance or assistance with backflow prevention compliance, East Los Angeles property owners may contact the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts or the Department of Public Health for resources and support:
Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD):
- Email: Backflow@dpw.lacounty.gov
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:
- Website: LA County Public Works Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention Devices
For further guidance or assistance with backflow prevention compliance, contact the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) for resources and support.
Here is an outline of special circumstances pertaining to backflow assembly installation, testing and repair at East Los Angeles properties which require special attention:
- Emergency Backflow Events: In the event of a suspected backflow or contamination issue, property owners should immediately contact LACWD for assistance.
- Irrigation Systems: Properties with irrigation systems are required to have BPAs to prevent contamination from fertilizers or pesticides.
- Multi-Family and Commercial Properties: These properties may have more complex water systems and could be subject to more frequent inspections and advanced backflow prevention requirements.
East Los Angeles—commonly referred to as East L.A.—is an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County with an identity as vibrant, historic, and deeply rooted as any of California’s urban districts. Located just east of Downtown Los Angeles, this community of approximately 120,000 residents is widely regarded as the cultural and symbolic heart of Mexican-American life in Southern California. With its rich Chicano heritage, iconic landmarks, and dynamic social history, East L.A. serves as both a historical stronghold and a living, evolving neighborhood that celebrates resilience, activism, and cultural pride.
East Los Angeles is perhaps best known for its role in the development of Chicano identity and civil rights activism, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. The area was the epicenter of the East L.A. Walkouts (also known as the Chicano Blowouts) of 1968, a student-led movement demanding equal educational opportunities and cultural representation in public schools. This spirit of activism and empowerment continues to inform the region’s civic life and artistic expression.
At the cultural heart of the community is Mariachi Plaza, located just across the Los Angeles River in nearby Boyle Heights but strongly associated with the broader Eastside culture. This public space is known for its gatherings of traditional mariachi musicians and for hosting live performances, cultural festivals, and public art installations that pay tribute to Mexican and Latino heritage.
Prominent local landmarks include Our Lady of Solitude Church (Soledad Church)—one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the area—and the Calvary Cemetery, a historical burial ground that reflects the religious and ethnic evolution of Los Angeles over the last century. Belvedere Park, one of East L.A.’s most prominent public spaces, offers sports facilities, community centers, a lake, and gathering spots for local events. Adjacent to the park is the East Los Angeles Civic Center, which houses county government offices, libraries, and courthouses serving the region.
Education is central to community life, with institutions such as East Los Angeles College (ELAC) playing a vital role. Established in 1945, ELAC is one of the largest community colleges in California, serving tens of thousands of students and acting as a launchpad for educational advancement and social mobility. The college also functions as a cultural center, with performing arts, student activism, and public forums forming part of its broader mission.
East L.A. is a city of murals—its walls serve as a canvas for artistic and political expression. Renowned murals such as "La Virgen de Guadalupe", "Carnalismo", and "The Wall That Speaks, Sings, and Shouts" reflect generations of community identity, indigenous and mestizo imagery, and calls for justice and unity. Local artists and collectives such as Self Help Graphics & Art have long supported visual storytelling as a form of community empowerment.
Commercial corridors like Whittier Boulevard, 1st Street, and Eastern Avenue are the lifeblood of the local economy and culture. These thoroughfares host a dense mix of taquerías, panaderías, bridal shops, community banks, lowrider car clubs, botanicas, and family-owned businesses. Whittier Boulevard in particular is legendary for its lowrider cruising scene, a hallmark of Chicano urban culture that remains vibrant to this day.
East Los Angeles is predominantly Latino—over 95% of its population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, with the majority being of Mexican descent. The area's social institutions, public events, and culinary landscape reflect this heritage. Annual celebrations such as Día de los Muertos, Fiestas Patrias, and Cinco de Mayo are widely attended and deeply meaningful to the community.
Despite economic challenges, East L.A. is a place of immense cultural wealth and civic engagement. Community-based organizations play a strong role in advocating for immigrant rights, environmental justice, affordable housing, and educational equity. Local pride is fierce and enduring, rooted in familial networks, neighborhood solidarity, and generational continuity.
East Los Angeles is not just a geographic location—it is a living archive of Mexican-American experience, activism, art, and aspiration. Its streets echo with music, protest, celebration, and story, making it one of the most historically rich and culturally vibrant communities in all of California.
