San Marcos Backflow Testing, Installation & Repair

The Vallecitos Water District (VWD), which provides water service to the City of San Marcos, has established detailed standards for cross-connection control and backflow prevention to protect its public water supply. These standards are based on the California Code of Regulations, Title 17 and Title 22, and are enforced under the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) adopted by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). VWD requires the installation and ongoing maintenance of approved backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) at all service connections where cross-connection hazards are identified. The program mandates that backflow prevention devices be installed at service connections where potential hazards to the potable water supply exist. Property owners in San Marcos are responsible for installing, maintaining, and testing backflow prevention devices, as well as complying with inspections conducted by the Vallecitos Water District. Non-compliance can result in water service disconnection and financial penalties. VWD’s regulations require the installation of BPAs in several key scenarios, including: San Marcos Property Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems using fertilizers, pesticides, or chemicals must be equipped with backflow prevention assemblies to prevent contaminants from entering the public water system. San Marcos Commercial and Industrial Properties: Facilities involving chemicals, pressurized systems, or other industrial processes must install approved BPAs to protect the drinking water supply from potential contamination. San Marcos Property Fire Protection Systems: Fire suppression systems, including sprinklers and hydrants, must be protected with backflow prevention devices to ensure that stagnant or chemically treated water does not flow back into the potable water supply. San Marcos Property Auxiliary Water Sources: Properties with private wells, cisterns, or rainwater collection systems must install backflow prevention devices to prevent cross-contamination with the public water system.

Failure to install a required backflow prevention assembly can result in water service disconnection by the Vallecitos Water District until compliance is achieved.

To ensure the continued safety of San Marcos’s water supply, the following backflow testing and maintenance protocols are enforced by VWD: San Marcos Annual Backflow Testing: All BPAs must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester. This testing ensures that the devices are functioning properly to protect the potable water system. San Marcos Post-Installation or Repair Backflow Testing: Any new installation, relocation, or repair of a backflow prevention device must be tested immediately to confirm that it is operating correctly. San Marcos Backflow Record Keeping: Test results must be submitted to the Vallecitos Water District’s Backflow Prevention Program to maintain compliance with local regulations. This can be done via VWD’s Backflow Test Management System (BTMS) or through the appropriate forms. San Marcos Approved Backflow Devices: Only backflow prevention assemblies approved by recognized agencies, such as the University of Southern California’s Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC-FCCCHR), are authorized for use in San Marcos. San Marcos Certified Backflow Testers: Testing must be conducted by individuals certified by the Vallecitos Water District. Testers must hold valid certification from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or equivalent certifying bodies. Failure to comply with San Marcos’s backflow testing and maintenance requirements may result in penalties or suspension of water service until the issue is rectified. San Marcos Water Authority Contact Info: Vallecitos Water District 201 Vallecitos de Oro San Marcos, CA 92069 Tel: (760) 744-0460