Cross-Connection Control Program

Ensuring Clean, Safe Drinking Water and Regulatory Compliance is Palmdale's top priority.

For years, Palmdale has complied with an important Regulatory Water Safety Compliance Program known as Cross-Connection Control. This web page serves to assist Palmdale Customers with their participation in this important safety program. The city has selected HydroCorp to assist with Coordination, Site Visits, and Data/Compliance Management.

This State Mandated Program focuses on non-residential (commercial) water service connections and onsite visual inspections to identify potentially harmful interconnections to the Palmdale CSD Public Water Supply.

An Important Community-Wide Safety Project

The California Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook requires water suppliers to undertake cross-connection control programs to protect the public water systems from pollution and contamination. This rule includes requirements for developing a written program, hazard assessments, regular testing of backflow prevention assemblies, and public education.

Residential Water Customers

Cross-Connection and Backflow FAQ

PART I: INSPECTIONS / SURVEYS

What is a Cross-Connection?

A cross-connection is an actual or potential connection between the safe drinking water (potable) supply and a source of contamination or pollution. State plumbing codes require approved backflow prevention methods to be installed at every point of potable water connection and use. Cross-Connections must be properly protected or eliminate

I’ve never had an inspection before. Why do I need one now?

A public water supplier may determine that specific residential water service connections shall be inspected (with appropriate notification in advance) for
potential cross-connection hazards.

HydroCorp has been contracted by the Palmdale to assist with their cross-connection control (CCC) program. The CCC program includes two parts: on-site inspections and backflow prevention assembly testing. The HydroCorp inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the water used outside of your home (outside spigots, lawn irrigation systems, secondary sources of water, pools, etc.) to identify cross-connections that could potentially contaminate your drinking water or the public water supply.

If your water provider requires an inspector to enter your home to evaluate other cross-connection and plumbing hazards inside your residence, you will be notified and instructed to schedule an appointment for your inspection.

What is the inspector looking for on hose connection fixtures?

Hose Connection Vacuum Breaker

Residential Cross-Connection Control Survey | Exterior from HydroCorp on Vimeo.

My home has to be inspected, but the house across the street doesn’t have to. Why?

All water customers (residential and nonresidential) connected to the public water supply are required to be inspected for cross-connections. Most programs strive to ensure that all water customers receive an initial inspection during their first 3-5 years of program implementation.

How long does the inspection take?

A typical residential exterior cross-connection inspection takes 5-15 minutes.

Do I have to be present for the inspection?

Interior Inspections: YES – if you received a letter informing you to call and arrange for an appointment, someone over 18 must be home to allow our inspector to enter the home and complete the inspection.

Exterior Inspections: NO – if the inspection is for the exterior of your home only, HydroCorp will not be entering your home and they will only require access to your front and backyard. Some states and local jurisdictions allow for a mail/electronic water use survey to be completed by the homeowner.

Can I request a specific inspection time?

Yes. We just need a name and number so that the inspector can contact you to set up a time that is convenient for you.

Who is responsible for completing the repairs if necessary?

If you are the owner of the home being inspected, you are responsible for any needed repairs. Renters may have to refer to their lease agreements in order to determine whether they are responsible for repairs.

Does your inspector carry identification?

All HydroCorp inspectors wear photo ID badges during inspections and are prepared to provide appropriate documentation verifying their identities.

Is this inspection mandatory?

Yes. If a residential service connection owner is notified of a mandatory inspection, compliance is required. These inspections are conducted in order to ensure compliance with state regulations to maintain the safety of your drinking water.

What happens if I refuse to have the inspection done or to correct any problems it identifies?

Penalties for refusing to cooperate with inspections and/or refusing to make needed repairs are determined by your local water utility. These typically can include termination of water service, a fine, or both.

PART II: BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTING

Why do I need to test my backflow prevention assembly?

Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and do break down from time to time. Regular testing is required in order to ensure that your device remains in proper working order.

How often should I test my backflow prevention assembly?

It is recommended that all testable backflow preventers are tested annually, however Palmdale may require less frequent testing on residential lawn irrigation systems. (Consult your local Cross-Connection Control ordinance.) If you are injecting chemicals into your lawn irrigation system, most state regulations and plumbing codes require the backflow preventer to be tested on an annual basis.

Why doesn’t the City pay for the testing of my backflow preventer?

In most jurisdictions, a lawn irrigation system is not a required component of the water system. Homeowners who choose to install a lawn irrigation system as a convenience are responsible to assure the backflow preventer is properly installed and maintained in accordance with State laws and regulations. It would be unfair for Palmdale to require home owners who choose not to have a lawn irrigation system to absorb the financial burden of maintaining your privately owned system.

PART III: GENERAL RESOURCES

What is an anti-siphon fill valve device and why does mine need adjustment?

The anti-siphon fill valve device is located in the tank of your toilet. This device has a dual purpose: To fill the toilet and prevent backflow. This device must be placed at the proper height in order to insure that water from your toilet does not backflow into your drinking water. Proper placement is typically done during the installation process but can be easily overlooked. This device must be raised or the overflow pipe must be cut down in order to achieve a 1” air gap separation between the “critical level” of the assembly.

Click here to see an installation diagram.

Click here for 3 minute video overview.

Hose connection vacuum breakers:

Residential Cross-Connection Control Survey | Exterior from HydroCorp on Vimeo.

Example: Hose connection vacuum breakers

Example: Integrated vacuum breaker on outside hose spigot.

Avoid these cross-connection hazards:

Example: Hose end in bucket

Example: Hose end in pool

Incorrect continuous pressure installations:

Vacuum breaker should not be subject to continuous pressure like the example here illustrates. (This type of irrigation set up/system would need to be corrected.)

Examples of backflow prevention assemblies:

These require periodic performance testing by a Certified Tester.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly

Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly