The City of Lakewood has a well-established and robust backflow prevention program that helps ensure the safety of its public water supply.
Lakewood 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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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.
The City of Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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.
The City of Lakewood has adopted rigorous standards for cross-connection and backflow prevention to protect its potable water system. 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.
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.
The program mandates the installation of approved backflow prevention devices at Lakewood property service connections where potential hazards are identified.
Property owners in Lakewood are obligated to install, test, and maintain backflow devices and cooperate with inspections. Non-compliance can lead to water service interruption and financial penalties.
Additionally Lakewood homeowners and businesses must arrange for annual testing by certified testers and submit the test results to the City and or County Public Works Departments.
And more generally, Lakewood 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 Lakewood backflow prevention requirements may result in penalties, including water service discontinuation.
The City of Lakewood 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.
Lakewood CA, mandated the installation, testing and maintenance of backflow prevention devices in conformance with state, county regulations and city ordinances to protect the public water supply from contamination due to reverse water flow.
Lakewood's water system is managed by the City's Public Works Department, which enforces backflow prevention measures in accordance with:
- California Code of Regulations Title 17: Outlines the requirements for backflow prevention and cross-connection control.
- Lakewood Municipal Code: Provides detailed guidelines for implementing cross-connection control programs.
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.
Lakewood’s backflow regulations require the installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) in specific scenarios, including:
- Lakewood Property Irrigation Systems: To prevent contaminants from entering the potable water supply through irrigation lines.
- Lakewood 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.
- Lakewood Property Fire Protection Systems: To prevent stagnant water from fire suppression systems from flowing back into the drinking water supply.
- Lakewood Property Auxiliary Water Sources: Properties with alternative water sources like wells or cisterns must install backflow prevention devices to prevent cross-contamination.
Failure to install a required backflow prevention assembly can result in termination of water service at your property by the City of Lakewood until compliance is achieved.
To ensure the continued effectiveness of backflow prevention assemblies, the following backflow testing and maintenance protocols are required in Lakewood CA:
- Lakewood Annual Backflow Testing: All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least once a year by a certified tester.
- Lakewood Post-Installation or Repair Backflow Testing: Any new installation, relocation, or repair of a backflow device requires immediate testing to confirm correct operation.
- Lakewood Backflow Record Keeping: Test results must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency to maintain compliance records.
- Lakewood Approved Backflow Devices: Only backflow prevention assemblies listed by recognized testing agencies are permitted for residential and commercial properties in Compton. The University of Southern California’s Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC-FCCCHR) provides a comprehensive list of approved devices.
- Lakewood 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 Lakewood backflow testing requirements can result in water service termination until compliance is achieved.
Additionally, the City of Lakewood backflow installation guidelines outline the follwoing 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 Lakewood CA may result in the city discontinuing water service until compliance is achieved.
The City of Lakewood requires the installation of specific backflow prevention devices 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 City.
These devices must be approved by the City of Lakewood 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 the property.
Proper testing and maintenance of backflow devices are essential for compliance with local regulations and for safeguarding community health in Lakewood CA.
The City of Lakewood has the following requirements for testing, 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 City within the required timeframe.
- Non-Compliance: Untested or failed backflow devices may trigger enforcement actions, including service interruption.
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Lakewood CA property owners are responsible for ensuring that backflow prevention devices are properly installed, tested annually, and maintained in good working order. Non-compliance with City of Lakewood backflow regulations can lead to penalties, including the interruption of water service:
Responsibilities of Lakewood Property Owners;
- Backflow Installation: Ensuring proper device installation by a licensed plumber using approved assemblies.
- Annual Backflow Testing: Hiring a certified tester to complete the mandatory annual testing.
- Submission of Backflow Test Reports: Ensuring test reports are submitted on time to the city.
- Backflow Maintenance and Repair: Ensuring the device is maintained in working condition. If repairs are necessary, the device must be retested immediately.
- Backflow Compliance During Construction: Developers and contractors must include appropriate backflow prevention measures in all project designs and plans where cross-connection potential exists.
- Understand that non-compliance of backflow regulations in Lakewood CA may result in disconnection of water services or fines.
The City of Lakewood conducts thorough cross-connection inspections to monitor potential risks in both residential and commercial settings. 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. The City of Lakewood 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 City of Lakewood's cross-connection and backflow regulations are built upon a combination of local municipal code, state plumbing regulations, and county public health enforcement. These include:
- Lakewood Municipal Code – Chapter 13.12: Cross-Connection Control Program establishes authority, device requirements, inspection rights, and enforcement tools.
- 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 City 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 questions or assistance with cross-connection control or backflow testing in the City of Lakewood, contact:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division
- Phone: (626) 430-5200
- Email: eh@ph.lacounty.gov
- Website: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
City of Lakewood Public Works Department
- Phone: (562) 866-9771
- Email: backflow@lakewoodcity.org
- Website: Lakewood - Backflow Prevention Testing
For further guidance or assistance with backflow prevention compliance, contact the City of Lakewood Public Works Department for resources and support.
Here is a outline of special circumstances pertaining to backflow assembly installation, testing and repair in Lakewood CA which require special attention:
- Irrigation Systems: All systems connected to City water must include appropriate backflow protection, especially those using fertilizers or pesticides.
- Fire Suppression Systems: Require device installation depending on connection type and risk classification.
- Multi-Family and Commercial Developments: Typically classified as higher risk and subject to additional oversight.
- Emergency Protocols: If a cross-connection is suspected, the City may require immediate shutdown, inspection, or remediation.
Lakewood, located in the southeastern region of Los Angeles County, is a master-planned suburban city widely recognized for its historical significance in post-World War II housing development, its well-maintained neighborhoods, and its commitment to public services and family-friendly living. With a population of approximately 80,000, Lakewood represents a quintessential model of mid-20th century suburban planning—offering residents a stable, welcoming environment with easy access to the broader Los Angeles and Orange County metropolitan areas.
Incorporated in 1954, Lakewood holds a unique place in American urban history. It is often cited as the prototype of the modern American suburb, thanks to the rapid development of over 17,000 homes in the early 1950s by the Lakewood Park Company. Dubbed “The City That Built Itself,” Lakewood was among the first cities in the nation to adopt a “contract city” model, where municipal services were outsourced rather than built entirely in-house—a governance innovation that has since been adopted by numerous other cities.
Today, Lakewood retains its identity as a quiet, residential community with a strong emphasis on parks, schools, and civic pride. The city’s tree-lined neighborhoods, cul-de-sacs, and well-kept homes continue to reflect the original vision of Lakewood’s planners. Residents are drawn to the area for its safe environment, stable property values, and excellent access to regional employment centers.
A key feature of the city is the Lakewood Center, one of the nation’s first regional shopping malls and still a major retail destination today. Originally opened in 1951 as an outdoor mall, the center has evolved into a modern commercial complex anchored by national retailers, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It serves as a commercial and social hub for the city and surrounding communities.
Lakewood is also known for its strong network of public parks and recreational facilities. The Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Department oversees more than a dozen parks, including Mayfair Park, the city’s largest and most active green space, offering swimming pools, sports fields, playgrounds, and community programs. Other notable parks include Rynerson Park, with access to trails and the San Gabriel River, and Bolivar Park, a popular site for local events and family gatherings.
The city promotes active civic life through annual events such as the Pan American Festival, a celebration of cultural diversity with music, dance, and food from throughout the Americas, and Summer Concerts in the Park, which bring together residents for music and community building. These events foster Lakewood’s reputation as a close-knit, civically engaged community.
Lakewood’s public education system is served primarily by the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and the Bellflower Unified School District (BUSD), both of which operate well-regarded elementary, middle, and high schools in and around the city. Schools such as Lakewood High School and Stephen Foster Elementary are central to neighborhood identity and youth development. Higher education options nearby include Long Beach City College and Cerritos College, as well as California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
.Public safety and local government services are delivered through a blend of municipal and contracted arrangements. Law enforcement is provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and fire protection services are handled by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, under the city’s long-standing “contract city” model. This approach has enabled Lakewood to deliver high-quality services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Strategically situated near several major freeways—including the 605, 91, and 710—Lakewood enjoys excellent connectivity to job centers, ports, and airports across Southern California. Despite its central location, the city retains a calm, residential atmosphere with minimal industrial footprint, reinforcing its character as a commuter-friendly suburb.
Lakewood’s ongoing priorities include infrastructure renewal, park upgrades, small business support, and sustainability initiatives aimed at improving stormwater capture and reducing the urban heat island effect. City leadership also actively engages with residents through town halls, neighborhood watch programs, and online forums to maintain transparency and responsiveness.
Municipal Office Contact Info:
Lakewood City Hall
Address: 5050 Clark Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90712
Phone: (562) 866-9771
