National City Backflow Testing, Installation & Repair

The Sweetwater Authority (SWA), which serves National City, has established comprehensive cross-connection control and backflow prevention standards to protect its potable water system. These standards 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). The Sweetwater Authority mandates the installation and ongoing maintenance of approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) at service connections where potential hazards are identified. The program requires the installation of approved backflow prevention devices at service connections where there is a potential for contamination of the public water supply. Property owners in National City are responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices and for cooperating with Sweetwater Authority inspections. Non-compliance can result in water service disconnection and penalties. Sweetwater Authority's regulations require the installation of BPAs in several key scenarios, including: National City Property Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems using fertilizers, pesticides, or reclaimed water must have BPAs to prevent contamination of the drinking water supply. National City Commercial and Industrial Properties: Businesses or facilities that involve chemicals, pressurized systems, or any other hazards that could lead to backflow are required to install approved BPAs to prevent contamination of the public water system. National City Property Fire Protection Systems: Fire suppression systems, including sprinklers and hydrants, must have backflow prevention devices to ensure that stagnant or treated water from these systems does not contaminate the potable water supply. National City Property Auxiliary Water Sources: Properties using alternative water sources such as private wells, cisterns, or rainwater harvesting systems must install backflow prevention assemblies to prevent cross-contamination with the public water supply. Failure to install a required backflow prevention assembly can result in water service being disconnected by Sweetwater Authority until the property complies with the regulations. To ensure the continued safety and integrity of National City’s water supply, the following backflow testing and maintenance protocols are enforced by Sweetwater Authority: National City Annual Backflow Testing: All BPAs must be tested at least once a year by a certified backflow tester to ensure proper operation and to prevent contamination of the public water system. National City Post-Installation or Repair Backflow Testing: Any new installation, relocation, or repair of a backflow prevention device must be immediately tested after the work is completed to ensure that the device is functioning correctly. National City Backflow Record Keeping: Test results must be submitted to Sweetwater Authority to maintain compliance records. These results should be submitted via the Backflow Test Management System (BTMS) or through the appropriate forms provided by the Authority. National City Approved Backflow Devices: Only backflow prevention assemblies approved by recognized testing agencies, such as the University of Southern California’s Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC-FCCCHR), may be used in National City. National City Certified Backflow Testers: Testing must be conducted by certified professionals who are registered with Sweetwater Authority. Testers must hold valid certification from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or an equivalent certifying body. Failure to comply with National City’s backflow testing and maintenance requirements may result in penalties or suspension of water service until compliance is achieved. National City Water Authority Contact Info: National City Public Works Department 1243 National City Blvd National City, CA 91950 Tel: (619) 336-4580