Cross Connection Plan – Backflow

Backflow Classifications

Low Hazard Residential:  a connection between the LCWSC system and a single residence or business with only residential type plumbing.  An irrigation system for a residence or business within this classification that does NOT have chemical injection or other high risk hazard is also within this classification.  Businesses may be classified as low hazard residential at the sole discretion of LCWSC, based upon potential cross connections within the business, and are subject to reclassification upon notice.

Low Hazard:  a connection between the LCWSC system and a system that is not cross-connected with a potentially dangerous substance. Some examples include; fire protection, trailer parks, churches, restaurants, and commercial irrigation systems.

High Hazard:  a connection between the LCWSC system and a system that has or may have any material in the water that is dangerous to health. Some examples include; Fire protection with chemical addition, Irrigation systems with chemical addition, Industries with potentially dangerous cross-connections.

Backflow Prevention Devices

All Low Hazard Residential connections will be protected with a residential dual check valve.

All other Low Hazard connections will be protected with an approved double check valve assembly (DCVA).

All High Hazard connections will be protected by an air gap or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow preventer (RP).

Backflow Device Monitoring and Enforcement

Residential dual check valves are installed and tracked by LCWSC.  The installation / inspection date of the most recently installed device is maintained by the billing system for each low hazard connection. Each device will be replaced within 10 years of its installation date.

Double Check Valve Assemblies and Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventers must be installed and maintained by the customer.  Each must be tested upon installation and annually thereafter. Test Results for backflow devices on new water service accounts must be received by the LCWSC within fifteen (15) days of  the new meter installation date or the meter will be locked. Replacement of an existing backflow device requires a new test result to be submitted to LCWSC within fifteen (15) days of the replacement installation.

The LCWSC maintains a database of all testable devices and the five most recent test results. The LCWSC notifies each customer with a testable device sixty (60) days prior to their testing deadline. The LCWSC will mail a certified letter of Non-Compliance notifying the customer(s) who does not meet the deadline. Non-compliant customers are given an added fifteen (15) days from the letter receipt to contact LCWSC backflow admin, have their device tested and acceptable test results returned to LCWSC. If the customer does not contact us or if acceptable test results are not submitted within these fifteen (15) days, the LCWSC will schedule a certified tester of our choosing to perform the required testing and one of our Distribution operators to witness. The LCWSC will include the associated fees on the customer’s next bill. If the customer does not pay the fees in full the LCWSC will then lock the meter.

LCWSC will perform random inspections on ten percent (10%) of the testable devices within our system each year.

Customers with double check valve assemblies or reduced pressure principal backflow preventers will be charged a testable device fee to recover the cost of administration and enforcement, including random inspections.  The testable device fee will be charged per the most recent revision of the LCWSC Rates and Fees.

LCWSC Cross Connection Control Policy and Residential Valve Installation Policy