Are you a licensed backflow tester?
CLICK HERE for instructions
Dean WSC Members: Backflow Prevention FAQ
Q: What is a cross-connection?
A: According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), a cross-connection is “a physical connection between drinkable water and a liquid or gas that could make the water unsafe to drink (wherever there is a cross connection, there is a potential threat to public health from the liquid or gas contaminants).” Examples of some common cross-connections are carwashes, mortuaries, chemical plants, fire sprinkler systems, lawn irrigation systems, private wells, dry cleaners, medical facilities, veterinarian clinics, dental offices, and carbonated fountain drink machines.
Q: What is backflow?
A: Backflow is water flowing in the opposite of its intended direction, either from a loss of pressure in the supply lines or an increase in pressure on the customer’s side.
Q: How does backflow occur?
A: Backflow may occur simply because the water distribution system lost pressure. Backflow, reversal of flow from its normal direction, is usually caused by backpressure or back siphonage. Back-pressure when the water pressure within a customer’s plumbing system exceeds the pressure of the water distribution system supplying the water. This back pressure might be caused by a difference in elevation, by a pump in a steam boiler, or by other means. Back siphonage may occur when the water pressure within the distribution system falls below that of the plumbing system it is supplying. This might happen due to a fire department truck pumping water out of the distribution system faster than the water treatment plant equipment can replace it. The water rushing downhill due to a broken water main might create a partial vacuum on some plumbing systems connected in the vicinity of the break. Perhaps, simply flushing the water pipes to clean them may cause this phenomenon.
Q: I have lived in my home with an active sprinkler system for years, why do I have to do this all of the sudden?
A: Dean Water Supply Corp. must adhere to the authority of the TCEQ, and they require the Corporation to have up-to-date recordkeeping and compliance for backflow prevention testing. These requirements are not only a part of the Dean Water Supply Corp. tariff, but are required by state and federal regulations. We must do everything possible to make sure everyone is compliant and that our water quality is clean and protected.
Q: Why do I have to have my backflow prevention assembly tested annually?
A: Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that wear out. Regular testing is required to ensure backflow prevention assemblies are functioning properly and have not been bypassed. A visual check of air gap assemblies is sufficient, while mechanical assemblies must be tested with special equipment.
Q: How often must a backflow prevention assembly be tested?
A: In order to insure the proper operation of a backflow prevention assembly, it must be tested and certified upon installation and at least once every two years for a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) device, or every year for a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly (RPBA) device by a licensed backflow tester.
Q: I have a lawn irrigation system that was installed before backflow prevention devices were mandatory. Do I have to have a device installed or am I “grand-fathered in”?
A: Any hazard must be isolated from the drinking-water supply regardless of when the hazard was first created, or the site constructed. Many customers believe that, if their residence or facility was constructed before the TCEQ’s adoption of regulations for cross-connection control and Dean Water Supply tariff, then they are not subject (i.e., they are “grandfathered”) to the regulations. That is not true. There are no “grandfather” clauses that apply to cross-connection control.
Q: I received a letter about having my backflow prevention assembly tested, what do I do now?
A: Since the backflow prevention assembly is a fixture of your private plumbing system, you as the property owner are responsible for the annual testing and/or repairs of the backflow prevention device. You will need to hire a licensed tester and give the tester your customer number and address from the letter, so the tester can submit the test results to BSI Online.
Q: I received a letter to have my backflow prevention device tested but I am a renter. What do I do now?
A: The letters are addressed of whoever receives the water bill. If you are a renter and you are not responsible for the maintenance plumbing of that property, then you will need to forward the letter to your landlord.
Q: I received a letter to have my backflow prevention device for my lawn sprinkler tested but I do not use my sprinkler system during anytime of the year. Do I still have to have it tested?
A: If you do not use your sprinkler system at any time throughout the year, you can sign and submit an Inactive Irrigation System Certificate to be filed in place of a yearly backflow test. The valves to the inactive system must be turned off on both sides of the backflow prevention device. Dean Water Supply will routinely monitor water usage to determine if customers who have filled the inactive irrigation system certificate are using their sprinkler system. Using the system will void the certificate and the customer will be required to have a backflow test performed immediately or risk disruption of water service.
Q: How can I find a certified backflow prevention tester?
A: Dean Water Supply cannot recommend testers but can recommend customers call their local plumbers for services.
Q: How do I change the contact information for a backflow prevention assembly on my property?
A: To change the contact name, address or telephone number for a backflow prevention assembly, the customer may contact Dean Water Supply.
Q: What if my backflow prevention assembly fails the test?
A: If an assembly fails the test, the property owner must have it repaired or replaced and retested by a certified tester.
Q: What happens if I don’t have my assembly tested?
A: If a water customer decides not to have their “in use” backflow prevention assembly tested, water services could be shut off to the property until the device has been tested and submitted to Dean Water Supply.
Q: I have several backflow prevention assemblies with different due dates: How do I get them tested at the same time?
A: Contact the office at (903) 597-2817, and our staff will help with coordinating the due dates of the tests.
