Escondido Backflow Testing, Installation & Repair

The City of Escondido, along with the Valley Center Municipal Water District (VCMWD), has established stringent regulations for cross-connection control and backflow prevention to protect the public drinking water supply. These regulations are based on the California Code of Regulations, Title 17 and Title 22, as well as the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) adopted by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Escondido requires the installation and maintenance of approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) at service connections where potential hazards to the water system exist. The program mandates the installation of backflow prevention devices at service connections where there is a risk of contamination of the potable water supply.

Property owners in Escondido are responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices and for cooperating with inspections conducted by the City’s Utilities Department. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in water service disconnection and penalties. The City of Escondido’s backflow regulations require BPAs in several scenarios, including: Escondido Property Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems that use fertilizers, pesticides, or reclaimed water must be equipped with BPAs to prevent contamination of the potable water supply. Escondido Commercial and Industrial Properties: Facilities involving hazardous materials, chemicals, pressurized systems, or other contaminants must install approved BPAs to safeguard the public water system.

Escondido Property Fire Protection Systems: Fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers and fire hydrants, must be equipped with backflow prevention devices to ensure that stagnant or treated water does not flow back into the drinking water supply. Escondido 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 City of Escondido until compliance is achieved.

To ensure the safety of Escondido’s water supply, the following backflow testing and maintenance protocols are enforced by the City’s Utilities Department: Escondido Annual Backflow Testing: All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester to ensure they are functioning properly to protect the potable water system. Escondido Post-Installation or Repair Backflow Testing: Any new installation, relocation, or repair of a backflow prevention device must be tested immediately after the work is completed to verify that the device is functioning properly. Escondido Backflow Record Keeping: Test results must be submitted to the City’s Utilities Department to maintain compliance. Results can be submitted electronically via the Backflow Test Management System (BTMS) or through the appropriate forms provided by the City. Escondido 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 Escondido. Escondido Certified Backflow Testers: Testing must be conducted by certified backflow testers who are registered with the City’s Utilities Department. Testers must also hold valid certification from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or an equivalent certifying body. Failure to comply with Escondido’s backflow testing and maintenance requirements may result in penalties or suspension of water service until the issue is resolved. Escondido Water Authority Contact Info: City of Escondido – Utilities Department 201 North Broadway Escondido, CA 92025 Tel: (760) 839-4348