Santa Fe Springs Backflow Testing, Installation & Repair

1. Scope & Authority

The City of Santa Fe Springs enforces backflow prevention measures to protect its potable water system from contamination. These measures are implemented under the authority of the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, and the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 53, which establishes the Cross-Connection Control Program. The program is administered by the City's Public Works Department to ensure compliance and safeguard public health.

2. Responsibilities of Property Owners

Installation & Maintenance: Property owners must install and maintain approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) at service connections where potential hazards are identified. The City requires that BPAs meet the standards set forth in the Cross-Connection Control Program.

Annual Testing: BPAs must be tested at least once per year by a certified backflow prevention tester. Test results must be submitted to the City for record-keeping and compliance verification.

Repairs & Replacements: If a BPA fails the annual test, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. Repairs can only be performed by a licensed plumber or certified backflow prevention tester.

3. Scenarios Requiring Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs)

The City of Santa Fe Springs requires BPAs in various scenarios to protect the public water supply: Irrigation Systems: To prevent contaminants from entering the potable water supply through irrigation lines.

Commercial and Industrial Properties: Facilities with potential cross-connections, such as those involving chemicals or pressurized systems, are required to install appropriate BPAs.

Fire Protection Systems: To prevent stagnant water from fire suppression systems from flowing back into the drinking water supply.

Auxiliary Water Sources: Properties with alternative water sources like wells or cisterns must install backflow prevention devices to prevent cross-contamination.

4. Testing & Maintenance Requirements

Annual Testing: All BPAs must be tested annually by a certified backflow prevention tester to ensure they are functioning correctly. Test results must be submitted to the City for record-keeping and compliance verification.

Test Report Submission: Test results must be submitted to the City within the specified time frame. The City may provide a designated backflow data management system or approved reporting forms for this purpose.

Repairs & Replacements: If a BPA fails the test, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. Repairs can only be performed by a licensed plumber or certified backflow prevention tester.

5. Approved Devices & Certified Testers

Approved Devices: Only backflow prevention assemblies that are approved by recognized standards agencies, such as the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research at USC, may be installed.

Certified Testers: Testing must be conducted by individuals certified by the City or a recognized certifying body. A directory of certified testers is available upon request from the City.

6. Enforcement & Penalties

Non-Compliance: Failure to install, test, and maintain the required BPAs may result in the disconnection of water service. Water service will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected to the satisfaction of the City.

Penalties: Late submission of test reports may result in penalties, including late fees or other enforcement actions as determined by the City. Santa Fe Springs Water Authority Contact Info: Santa Fe Springs Public Works Department 11710 Telegraph Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 Tel: (562) 868-0511