The City of Orange has established guidelines for backflow prevention and cross-connection control to protect the public water supply.
Orange 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 these regulations can lead to penalties, civil liabilities and the interruption of water service.
Backflow Test Pros is 100% dedicated to ensuring your business meets local water authority annual backflow testing and repair requirements so you can avoid civil penalties and ensure your water is not turned off for noncompliance.
Schedule in advance to ensure the most convenient backflow testing time slot and ensure water authority certification
Save time and avoid the headache of finding your city backflow prevention test certification letter
Avoid costly disruptions to your business operations with the Backflow Test Pros backflow repair coverage
Document your backflow prevention test status with automated same day water authority certification
With Backflow Test Pros' Managed Backflow Testing & Maintenance service, there is no need for City of Orange businesses and homeowners to spend hours going over county and local water utility regulations, ordinances, requirements, deadlines, fees, guidelines, reporting schedules and forms.
Everything is Done for You to simply the backflow maintenance process and ensure compliance with local regulations.
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 City of Orange Water Authority, state water board regulations and backflow prevention certification bodies.
With state-of-the-art diagnostics, timely repairs, and proactive maintenance, we help commercial and residential customers in the City of Orange and across Southern California avoid costly civil liabilities, penalties and water service disruptions.
Leading national brands and local businesses in the City of Orange 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 City of Orange 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.
The City of Orange has adopted rigorous standards for cross-connection and backflow prevention to protect its potable water system. Governed by Chapter 13.36 of the Orange Municipal Code. Orange’s program is implemented and enforced in cooperation with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) and follows the best practices of the California Plumbing Code, the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.
The City of Orange enforces comprehensive 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.
City of Orange property owners are responsible for installing backflow prevention assemblies as required by the city's regulations. Installations must adhere to the city's standards, including specific device types and installation procedures.
- Install city-approved backflow devices when directed by Orange Public Works or OCHCA.
- Arrange for annual backflow testing and maintain detailed records of compliance.
- Promptly address device failures or test result deficiencies.
- Allow site access for inspections and water system evaluations.
- Understand that non-compliance may result in disconnection of water services or fines.
Failure to install the required backflow prevention assemblies may result in the city discontinuing water service until compliance is achieved.
Backflow devices must be tested immediately after installation by a certified backflow tester and are required to be tested at least annually to ensure proper operation. All testing must be performed by professionals certified by the Orange County Health Care Agency. Completed test reports must be submitted to the OCHCA within the required timeframe. Untested or failed devices may trigger enforcement actions, including service interruption.
Orange CA property owners are also 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.
Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties, including water service discontinuation.
The City of Orange enforces backflow prevention regulations to protect its public water supply from contamination. The City of Orange's regulations, as implemented and enforced in cooperation with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), are designed to eliminate the risk of backflow, which can occur when water reverses direction and draws contaminants into the potable water system. The city's comprehensive cross-connection and backflow prevention program protects the public water system by implementing:
Backflow Prevention: To prevent the reverse flow of water that could introduce pollutants or contaminants into the public water system.
Cross-Connection Control: To eliminate or safeguard against connections between potable and non-potable water systems, ensuring the safety of drinking water.
The City of Orange mandates the installation of appropriate backflow prevention devices based on hazard level and water system configuration.
Orange's water system is managed by the City's Water Division, which enforces backflow prevention measures in accordance with:
- California Code of Regulations Title 17: Outlines the requirements for backflow prevention and cross-connection control.
- Orange Municipal Code Chapter 13.36: Provides detailed guidelines for implementing cross-connection control programs.
City of Orange regulations require the installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) in specific scenarios, including:
- City of Orange Property Irrigation Systems: To prevent contaminants from entering the potable water supply through irrigation lines.
- City of Orange 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.
- City of Orange Property Fire Protection Systems: To prevent stagnant water from fire suppression systems from flowing back into the drinking water supply.
- City of Orange 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 Orange until compliance is achieved.
To ensure the continued effectiveness of backflow prevention assemblies, the following backflow testing and maintenance protocols are required in the City of Orange:
- City of Orange Backflow Installation Responsibility: Orange CA property owners are responsible for installing backflow prevention assemblies as required by the city's regulations.
- City of Orange Backflow Compliance: Backflow installations in Orange CA must adhere to the city's standards, including specific device types and installation procedures.
- City of Orange Annual Backflow Testing: All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least once a year by a certified tester.
- City of Orange Post-Installation or Repair Backflow Testing: Any new installation, relocation, or repair of a backflow device requires immediate testing to confirm correct operation.
- City of Orange Backflow Record Keeping: Test results must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency to maintain compliance records.
- City of Orange Approved Backflow Devices: Only backflow prevention assemblies listed by recognized testing agencies are permitted. The USC-FCCCHR provides a comprehensive list of approved devices.
- City of Orange Certified Backflow Testers: Testing must be conducted by individuals certified by the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA). A directory of certified testers is available on the County's official website.
Failure to comply with City of Orange backflow testing requirements can result in water service termination until compliance is achieved.
Common approved devices for the City of Orange include:
- Double Check Valve Assembly (DC): Used in low- to medium-hazard conditions, such as commercial irrigation systems without chemical injection.
- Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP): Required for high-hazard environments, such as chemical facilities or medical buildings.
- Air Gap Separation (AG): The highest level of protection, typically used in industrial or critical scenarios.
Devices must be on the approved list from the USC Foundation and installed per the California Plumbing Code and local requirements.
The appropriate device is determined based on the degree of hazard present at any City of Orange property.
The City of Orange implements strict Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention regulations and ordinances require that all backflow prevention devices must be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly. Tests must be conducted by a certified backflow prevention tester.
- Initial Backflow Test: Backflow devices 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 Orange County Health Care Agency.
- Backflow Test Reports: Completed test reports must be submitted to the OCHCA within the required timeframe.
- Non-Compliance: Untested or failed devices may trigger enforcement actions, including service interruption.
The City of Orange 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.
The following are the list of backflow prevention related responsibilities for City of Orange property owners:
- Install city-approved backflow devices when directed by Orange Public Works or OCHCA.
- Arrange for annual backflow testing and maintain detailed records of compliance.
- Promptly address device failures or test result deficiencies.
- Allow site access for inspections and water system evaluations.
- Understand that non-compliance may result in disconnection of water services or fines.
The Orange County Health Care Agency– Environmental Health Division oversees cross connection requirements for the City of Orange and may conduct routine inspections of commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties to verify compliance with cross-connection and backflow prevention regulations. Inspections may be prompted by construction, renovation, or reported issues with backflow devices.
Below are the backflow inspection and installation guidelines for the City of Orange:
The City of Orange, in coordination with OCHCA, 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 OCHCA or 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 Orange 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 Orange’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:
- Orange Municipal Code – Chapter 13.36: Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control which establishes authority, device requirements, inspection rights, and enforcement tools.
- California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5 of the California Code of Regulations) which dictates backflow device installation, hazard classification, and device specifications.
- Title 17, California Code of Regulations which defines cross-connection control program responsibilities for public water systems.
- USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control which lists approved backflow prevention assemblies and testing protocols.
- AWWA Manual M14 which is referenced for installation practices, hazard assessments, and maintenance recommendations.
For questions or assistance with cross-connection control or backflow testing in the City of Orange, contact:
Orange County Health Care Agency – Environmental Health Division
- Phone: (714) 433-6280
- Email: OCBackFlowTests@ochca.com
- Website: Orange County Health Care Agency
For further guidance or assistance with backflow prevention compliance, Orange CA homeowners and businesses may contact the Orange County Health Care Agency – Environmental Health Division for resources and support.
Here is a outline of special circumstances pertaining to backflow assembly installation, testing and repair in Orange 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.
The City of Orange, located in central Orange County, is a distinctive and historically rich municipality known for its preserved early 20th-century architecture, vibrant civic life, and strong sense of community identity. With a population of approximately 140,000, Orange offers a rare combination of small-town charm and urban accessibility, positioning it as a cultural and economic anchor within the heart of Southern California.
Founded in 1869 and incorporated in 1888, Orange was one of the earliest planned communities in the region. Unlike many Southern California cities that have modernized over their historic cores, Orange is famous for preserving its Old Towne District, a 1-square-mile area centered around Plaza Square Park, which contains the largest concentration of original buildings from the early 20th century in the western United States. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Towne serves as the city’s historical and cultural heart, featuring antique shops, restaurants, breweries, cafes, and period-specific architectural landmarks.
The Orange Circle (as Plaza Square is affectionately called) hosts a variety of beloved community events, including the Orange International Street Fair, a multicultural festival drawing thousands of visitors annually, and Tree Lighting Ceremonies, parades, and classic car shows that reinforce the city’s deep civic traditions.
Orange is also a center of academic life and research, home to Chapman University, a prestigious private institution with nationally ranked programs in film, law, business, and the arts. The university has expanded its footprint in the downtown core, restoring historic buildings and contributing to the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the city. Public performances, lectures, and exhibitions at Musco Center for the Arts and Hilbert Museum of California Art further connect the university with the broader community.
The city’s economy is diverse, built on education, healthcare, retail, and professional services. Major employers include Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), St. Joseph Hospital, UC Irvine Health, and the Orange Unified School District (OUSD). Orange also benefits from its proximity to business centers in Anaheim, Irvine, and Santa Ana, with efficient freeway access via the SR-55, SR-57, and SR-22 highways.
Residential life in Orange is defined by well-established neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and a strong emphasis on architectural preservation. Areas such as Orange Park Acres, known for its equestrian properties and rural feel; Cowan Heights and Santiago Hills, with hillside homes and scenic vistas; and El Modena, with its blend of history and community parks, offer a range of lifestyle options. The city has also seen growth in mixed-use developments and transit-oriented housing near transportation hubs and shopping centers.
Parks and recreation are central to Orange’s quality of life. The city operates over 20 parks, including Santiago Oaks Regional Park, a gateway to the Santa Ana Mountains, offering hiking, biking, and equestrian trails; Grijalva Park, with its multi-use sports complex and community center; and Hart Park, which includes a historic amphitheater, aquatic center, and event space. These parks are complemented by community programming in arts, fitness, and youth sports.
Orange is served by the Orange Unified School District, which operates several award-winning schools such as Villa Park High School, El Modena High School, and Orange High School. In addition to Chapman University, residents benefit from proximity to Santiago Canyon College and a range of higher education institutions within commuting distance.
Civic services in Orange are supported by modern infrastructure and a responsive local government headquartered at Orange City Hall. The city maintains its own police and fire departments, and provides a high level of municipal service delivery. Public engagement is fostered through neighborhood councils, historic preservation committees, and a full calendar of community events and celebrations.
The city’s retail and dining scene is robust, with destination centers such as The Outlets at Orange, offering outlet shopping and entertainment, and Orange Town & Country, a local favorite for groceries, dining, and specialty shops. Restaurants in Old Towne range from gourmet dining to long-standing soda fountains and diners, reflecting the city’s layered culinary identity.
