The City of San Bernardino has a well-established and robust backflow prevention program that helps ensure the safety of its public water supply.
San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino, via its Municipal Water Department (SBMWD), enforces a Cross‑Connection Control Program to protect the potable water system from contamination by backflow. The program is grounded in the authority of California’s Code of Regulations, Title 17, which governs cross‑connection and backflow prevention statewide. San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services (EHS) supervises certification of testers, administers the Certificate of Competence, and enforces compliance within the county. County ordinance requires that all water suppliers prevent unapproved sources or substances from entering domestic water systems in accordance with Title 17. San Bernardino’s program inspects industrial, commercial, and selected residential properties for hazards; when hazards are found or potential contamination exists, backflow prevention devices are mandated.
2. Responsibilities of Property Owners
Installation & Maintenance: Where the water utility or regulatory authority determines a hazard exists, property owners must install and maintain approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs). Devices must be correctly sized, located for ease of access, and installed in conformance with the City’s standards and sound engineering practice.
Annual Testing: All BPAs must be tested at least once per year by a certified tester. Additional testing is required when a device is newly installed, relocated, repaired, or modified. Test results must be reported to the City’s Cross‑Connection Control Program for recordkeeping and compliance verification.
Repairs & Replacements: If a BPA fails a test, the property owner is responsible for repairing or replacing it. After repair or replacement, the device must be retested, and must pass before being returned to service.
Reporting: Test results — including for installations, replacements, repairs, relocations, and annual tests — must be submitted through the designated reporting system (e.g. Ventura County Citizen Access or the water purveyor's portal).
3. Scenarios Requiring Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs)
Irrigation or landscape systems connected to potable water lines, especially where chemical injection or booster pumps are involved.
Fire protection or sprinkler systems connected to the water supply.
Swimming pools, spas, or other water features that could introduce non‑potable water into the potable system.
Properties with auxiliary or alternate water sources (e.g. wells, cisterns, rainwater reuse) that are not fully isolated.
Commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities with processes that pose contamination risks via cross‑connections or backpressure.
Temporary service connections (e.g. hydrant meters, construction services) when they are tied into potable supply lines.
Any premises designated by the water utility or EHS as a cross-connection risk or hazard, where a protective device is required for safe service.
4. Testing & Maintenance Requirements
Annual Testing / Inspection: Every installed BPA must be tested at least once annually. Testing is also required at the time of initial installation, any relocation, or after any repair or modification.
Certified Testers: Backflow testing must be conducted by individuals holding a valid Certificate of Competence issued by San Bernardino County EHS. The certification process involves passing a written exam covering double check, pressure vacuum breakers, spill‑resistant vacuum breakers, and reduced pressure principle devices, followed by a hands-on practical test.
Submission of Test Reports: Certified testers must submit detailed test reports to the City’s Cross‑Connection department or the water utility for recording purposes. Reports typically include device identification, test results, repairs performed, and tester credentials. In the event of repeated device failure, the regulatory agency may require more frequent testing or replacement.
Repairs / Replacements: Failed BPAs must be repaired or replaced immediately by the property owner or a qualified professional. After repair or replacement, the device must be retested and must demonstrate compliance before being returned to service.
5. Approved Devices & Certified Testers
Approved Devices: Only assemblies meeting recognized industry standards (such as those defined by Title 17 and recognized testing agencies) may be used. Types of assemblies accepted include reduced pressure principle (RP) devices, double check valve assemblies (DC), pressure vacuum breakers (PVB), spill‑resistant vacuum breakers (SVB), or air gaps as appropriate to the hazard. The choice of device must match the risk level of the cross-connection and be approved by the City or inspector.
Certified Testers: Testers must hold the Certificate of Competence from San Bernardino County EHS. They must maintain current certification, follow approved testing protocols, and use properly calibrated test equipment. Only certified testers are permitted to submit valid compliance reports to the City or water utility.
6. Enforcement & Penalties
Non‑Compliance: Failure to install, test, maintain, or report on required BPAs is a violation and may trigger enforcement by the City or County EHS. The utility or regulatory agency may issue notices, demand corrective action, or escalate to penalties.
Water Service Interruption & Restoration: The City may discontinue water service to a property that does not comply with cross‑connection control requirements. Service will not be restored until all required backflow devices are properly installed, tested, repaired if needed, and documented.
Penalties: Late submission of test reports, refusal to respond to notices, tampering, bypassing, or removing backflow protection devices can result in additional penalties, fees, or legal action. The City retains the authority to withhold new service connections, permit approvals, or final inspections until full compliance is achieved.
San Bernardino Water Authority Contact Info:
City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD)
1350 South “E” Street
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Tel: 909-384‑5095
