El Cajon Backflow Testing, Installation & Repair

The Helix Water District (HWD), which serves El Cajon, has established comprehensive standards for cross-connection control and backflow prevention to safeguard its potable water system. These regulations are based on the California Code of Regulations, Title 17 and Title 22, and are enforced in accordance with the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) adopted by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The Helix Water District requires the installation and ongoing maintenance of approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) at service connections where potential hazards to public health are identified. The program mandates the installation of backflow prevention devices at service connections where there is a risk of contaminating the public water supply. Property owners in El Cajon are responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices, as well as cooperating with inspections conducted by the Helix Water District. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in water service disconnection and financial penalties. The Helix Water District’s backflow regulations require BPAs in the following scenarios: El Cajon Property Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems that use fertilizers, pesticides, or reclaimed water must be equipped with backflow prevention assemblies to prevent contamination of the potable water supply. El Cajon Commercial and Industrial Properties: Facilities involving hazardous materials, chemicals, or pressurized systems must install approved BPAs to protect the potable water system. El Cajon Property Fire Protection Systems: Fire suppression systems, including sprinklers and hydrants, must have backflow prevention devices to ensure that treated or stagnant water does not flow back into the drinking water supply. El Cajon Property Auxiliary Water Sources: Properties using private wells, cisterns, or rainwater harvesting systems must install backflow prevention assemblies to prevent cross-contamination with the public water system. Failure to install a required backflow prevention assembly can result in water service being disconnected by the Helix Water District until compliance is achieved. To ensure the continued safety and reliability of El Cajon’s water supply, the following backflow testing and maintenance protocols are enforced by the Helix Water District: El Cajon Annual Backflow Testing: All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester to ensure they are functioning correctly and protecting the public water system.

El Cajon Post-Installation or Repair Backflow Testing: Any new installation, relocation, or repair of a backflow prevention device requires immediate testing to verify its proper operation.

El Cajon Backflow Record Keeping: Test results must be submitted to the Helix Water District to maintain compliance. These results can be submitted electronically via the Backflow Test Management System (BTMS) or through the appropriate forms provided by the District. El Cajon Approved Backflow Devices: Only backflow prevention assemblies that are approved by recognized testing agencies, such as the University of Southern California’s Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC-FCCCHR), are authorized for use in El Cajon. El Cajon Certified Backflow Testers: Testing must be performed by certified backflow testers who are registered with the Helix Water District. These testers must hold certification from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or equivalent certifying bodies. Failure to comply with El Cajon’s backflow testing and maintenance requirements may result in penalties or suspension of water service until compliance is achieved.

El Cajon Water Authority Contact Info: Helix Water District 7811 University Avenue La Mesa, CA 91942 Tel: (619) 466-0585