The City of Riverside has a well-established and robust backflow prevention program that helps ensure the safety of its public water supply.
Riverside 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 Turn-key Backflow Maintenance includes:
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With state-of-the-art diagnostics, tests, timely repairs, and proactive maintenance, we help commercial and residential customers in Riverside and across Southern California avoid costly civil liabilities, penalties and water service disruptions.
1. Scope & Authority
The City of Riverside, through its Riverside Public Utilities (RPU), enforces a Cross‑Connection Control / Backflow Prevention Program to safeguard its potable water supply from contamination caused by backflow or cross‑connections. RPU’s program aligns with state regulatory requirements (California Administrative Code, Title 17) and incorporates local utility rules (e.g. Utility Water Rule 13) to mandate protection, testing, maintenance, and enforcement of backflow prevention assemblies. The utility conducts hazard evaluations, determines required device types, and retains authority to require compliance as a condition of continued water service.
2. Responsibilities of Property Owners
Installation & Maintenance: When RPU determines that a cross‑connection hazard exists at a service location, the property owner must install and maintain an approved backflow prevention assembly. The device must be properly sized, located for ease of access, and installed in a location that is not city infrastructure and is accessible for testing and maintenance.
Annual Testing: Every installed backflow prevention assembly must be tested at least once per calendar year by a Riverside County certified backflow prevention tester that is approved by the City of Riverside. In addition to the annual test, testing is required immediately after installation, relocation, repair, or modification of the device. The owner is responsible for initiating tests and ensuring compliance.
Repairs & Replacements: If a backflow prevention assembly fails the test, the owner must arrange for prompt repair, overhaul, or replacement. After any work, the device must be retested and must satisfy performance criteria before it may be returned to service.
Recordkeeping & Report Submission: Testers must submit completed test and maintenance reports to Riverside Public Utilities (RPU). Only those testers certified by Riverside County and approved by RPU may submit reports. The owner is responsible for verifying the report is submitted in a timely manner for the device to remain in compliance.
3. Scenarios Requiring Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs)
Riverside requires backflow prevention devices in all conditions that pose a risk of contamination or cross-connection. These include, but are not limited to: irrigation or landscape systems tied to the potable supply; fire protection or sprinkler lines; swimming pools, spas, or other water features; properties with auxiliary or alternate water sources (e.g. wells, cisterns, reclaimed water systems); commercial, industrial, or institutional processes involving hazardous materials; and any premises the utility deems to have cross-connection risk. The specific device type (e.g. double check, reduced pressure, detector assemblies) is selected based on hazard classification established by RPU and applicable standards.
4. Testing & Maintenance Requirements
Mandatory Testing Events: All backflow prevention assemblies must undergo testing at least annually by a certified tester. In addition, testing is mandated at the time of installation, relocation, or after repair/modification of the device.
Certified Testers: Only testers with valid Riverside County certification and acceptance by the City may perform tests and submit results for Riverside. Testers must maintain their credentials, use properly calibrated testing equipment, and follow accepted test protocols.
Submission of Test Reports: Completed test and maintenance reports must be submitted to RPU in the format specified by the utility. The utility may issue reminders or notifications when tests are due. Failure to submit required reports or complete testing may result in enforcement or additional fees.
Repairs / Replacements: If any assembly fails testing, the device must be repaired or replaced without delay. After corrective work, the assembly must be retested and pass before it is put back into service.
5. Approved Devices & Certified Testers
Approved Devices: Only backflow prevention assemblies approved by recognized industry standards and accepted by Riverside Public Utilities may be installed. Acceptable device types include double check valve assemblies (DC), double check detector assemblies (DCDA for fire lines), reduced pressure principle assemblies (RP), reduced pressure detector assemblies (RPDA for fire), pressure vacuum breakers (PVB), and spill‑resistant vacuum breakers (SVB). The selected device must correspond to the hazard level and must be compatible with utility specifications.
Certified Testers: Testing and maintenance may only be conducted by individuals holding Riverside County certification recognized by the City. Certifications must be kept current. Testers must use calibrated equipment, adhere to approved test procedures, and are the only parties permitted to submit valid test reports to RPU.
6. Enforcement & Penalties
Non‑Compliance: Failure to install, test, maintain, or properly submit reports for backflow prevention assemblies constitutes a violation of the cross-connection control program. Riverside Public Utilities may issue notices of noncompliance or demand corrective action.
Water Service Interruption & Restoration: RPU is authorized to discontinue water service to any premises that fails to comply with backflow prevention requirements. Service will not be restored until all backflow devices are properly installed, tested, repaired (if necessary), and documented to the utility’s satisfaction.
Penalties: Additional penalties or fees may be imposed for late test report submissions, failure to act upon compliance notices, tampering with or bypassing backflow devices, or repeat violations. The utility may deny new service connections or refuse final approvals until full compliance with the cross‑connection control program is achieved.
Riverside Water Authority Contact Info:
Riverside Public Utilities
3901 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Tel: 951-782‑0330
