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BACKFLOW AND CROSS CONNECTION PREVENTION

A backflow device is required on all residences, businesses, and industries where Forestville Water District (FWD) supplies potable water, including but not limited to:

A secondary water source:

  • Irrigation systems using recycled water or rainwater
  • Well water

Other systems using FWD potable water:

  • Fire suppression systems
  • Process lines
  • Sprinkler supply lines
  • Multi-Stories Dwelling

The importance of a backflow device is to assist preventing backflow and controlling cross-connection. It is to keep unsafe water from mixing with the potable water supply. 

The California Code of Regulation, Title 17, Article 7603, mandates that all backflow prevention devices are tested once a year. This testing process helps ensure a safe drinking water supply for Forestville Water District's residents. 

The annual testing is to be performed by a licensed and certified tester that has been approved by FWD.

Who is responsible for the testing and maintenance of the backflow prevention assembly?

It is the responsibility of the water customer to ensure that the backflow prevention assembly is in proper operating condition at all times. Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually. FWD sends notices to customers reminding them when the annual test is due.

The customer must contact a FWD approved tester to perform the test. If any repair work (including repairs resulting from freeze damage) or maintenance is performed on the assembly, a FWD approved tester must re-test the assembly immediately and submit the test results to FWD.

Oh no, I lost my backflow test form!

No problem, download a blank test form here.

BF TEST FORM.pdf

If your tester has their own test form, that will be accepted as long as they are on the FWD approved tester list.

My backflow has been tested, now what?

The tester will sumbit a copy of the test results to FWD by Dec. 31st of each year. At the beginning of the following new year, FWD reports test results to the Water Board to show all backflow devices within our district boundaries are in compliance to California Code of Regulation, Title 17.