The City of Norco has a well-established and robust backflow prevention program that helps ensure the safety of its public water supply.
Norco 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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1. Scope & Authority
The City of Norco’s Public Works / Water Utility enforces a Cross‑Connection Control / Backflow Prevention Program to protect the public potable water supply from contamination by backflow or cross‑connections. This program is implemented under Norco’s municipal code (Chapter 14.04 – Water System, including Cross‑Connection Control) and supports the City’s obligation to maintain a safe water distribution system. The Director of Public Works (or designee) is charged with authority to require backflow protection and enforce compliance.
2. Responsibilities of Property Owners
Installation & Maintenance: The property owner must install and maintain approved backflow prevention devices on their plumbing or service connection when the City determines a hazard exists. The device must be sized, located, and installed in a way that ensures accessibility for inspection, testing, and maintenance.
Annual Testing: Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least once per year by a certified tester. Devices must also be tested immediately after installation, relocation, or repair. Test results must be submitted to the City as proof of compliance.
Repairs & Replacements: When a device fails, the property owner must repair or replace it promptly. Any repaired or replaced device must be retested, and only if it passes may it be placed back into service.
3. Scenarios Requiring Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs)
Norco requires backflow protection in various situations, including when a property has an auxiliary water supply (such as non‑potable or recycled water), when substances dangerous to health are handled on site, when internal cross-connections cannot be eliminated, or when plumbing arrangements are complex and not fully accessible for inspection. The City classifies hazards and determines the required level of protection (e.g. single check, double check, reduced pressure principle, or air gap) based on site conditions.
4. Testing & Maintenance Requirements
Mandatory Testing Events: Every backflow prevention assembly must be tested at least annually by a certified tester. Testing is also mandatory upon installation, after repair, or if the device is moved or modified.
Certified Testers: Only individuals who are certified by the relevant authority (e.g. Riverside County or otherwise accepted by the City) are permitted to conduct tests. The tester must provide proof of certification, use properly calibrated equipment, and adhere to accepted testing procedures.
Submission of Test Reports: Testers must submit the original test certificates to the City as evidence of compliance. The City retains records of tests and repairs for at least three years. Failure to submit results or perform required testing as scheduled can lead to enforcement actions.
Repairs / Replacements: If a backflow device fails, the owner must repair or replace it immediately, and the new or repaired device must be retested and pass before being returned to service.
5. Approved Devices & Certified Testers
Approved Devices: The City specifies acceptable backflow prevention devices suitable to the degree of hazard. Options include single check valves, double check assemblies, reduced pressure principle devices, and air gap separation. In higher hazard situations, reduced pressure assemblies or air gaps may be required. The property owner may choose a safer (higher protection) device than minimally required.
Certified Testers: Testing, inspection, maintenance, and repairs must be performed by certified backflow prevention assembly testers. Only those with valid certification are authorized to submit test certificates to the City. Testers must maintain their credentials, operate calibrated equipment, and adhere to recognized testing methods.
6. Enforcement & Penalties
Non‑Compliance: If a property fails to install, test, maintain, or submit required documentation for backflow devices, it constitutes a violation of the cross‑connection control program. The City may issue written notice ordering compliance.
Water Service Interruption & Restoration: The City is authorized to discontinue water service to premises that do not comply with backflow requirements. Service will not be restored until all devices are properly installed, tested, repaired (if necessary), and documented to the City’s satisfaction.
Penalties: Additional penalties may be imposed for late submission of test reports, ignoring compliance notices, tampering with or bypassing backflow devices, or repeat infractions. The City may also refuse new water service connections or building approvals until full compliance with the cross‑connection control program is achieved.
Norco Water Authority Contact Info:
City of Norco Utilities / Norco Water Department
2870 Clark Avenue
Norco, CA 92860
Tel: 951-270‑5654
