Why Backflow Testing in San Diego is Required & How to Stay Compliant

Protecting your clean water supply as well as those around you is crucial. That is why you need to understand San Diego backflow compliance regulations. Can you imagine if your system caused a massive issue that affected thousands of people throughout San Diego? 

Backflow testing is more than just a good practice. It’s a law that is designed to protect the property owner and the other people impacted by your systems. If your home or property has a backflow prevention device, it is your responsibility to have that device tested regularly and ensure it is functioning as it should. If you fail to do so, it can endanger the water supply, but it also might lead to you paying some pretty hefty fines. How do you stay ahead of it? Learn more here! 

What is Backflow, and Why Does it Matter? 

Backflow is caused when water flows in the opposite direction it is supposed to. Even with clean water, this can potentially bring contaminants into the line and the water. Things like fertilizers, pesticides, and harmful bacteria can infiltrate the lines and make their way into the public water supply. Keep in mind this does not just affect your property, but can affect the entire connected public water supply.

Backflow can happen for a number of different reasons. It’s often caused by issues like pressure changes, heavy system use, water main breaks, and more. In San Diego, certain property owners are required to install backflow prevention devices, particularly on any site that might have a cross connection. The concept is designed to protect public water customers and therefore the health of the entire city. The city requirements include specific types of plumbing systems, such as commercial and industrial facilities. It also includes some residential setups. The device is there to safeguard and ensure dirty water doesn’t get pulled back into a clean water system. 

It’s all about safety and public health. And if your backflow prevention device fails, it could be a major issue. That’s why testing is so important. 

Why is Backflow Testing Required in San Diego? 

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San Diego enforces a backflow testing policy as an added measure to protect public health. The water safety of the city is overseen by the public utilities department. This department mandates that all backflow prevention devices are tested annually to remain in compliance. They must be tested by a certified testing professional. 

Why the testing requirements? 

• Protect public health and safety
• Minimize contamination risks
• Ensure device functionality

Over time, these devices can be compromised without property owners even realizing it. Since the backflow prevention devices are required in certain scenarios, it makes sense to also require testing to ensure they are working properly and do not need repair. 

With this annual testing approach, if there is an issue it can typically be addressed early to prevent any backflow problems so that you remain in compliance. Devices that fail the testing process are required to be replaced or repaired. Proof of the testing, the repairs, and a successful retest are required to be submitted for compliance purposes. 

Property owners who fail to comply with testing requirements or any follow-up requirements can receive citations and fines or lose access to water service until the issue is corrected. 

Who Needs Backflow Testing?

Backflow testing is only required for properties that have backflow devices. It is important to be aware of whether your property has such a device or you are required to have such a device on your property. 

Any property with a backflow device must be tested annually. Even if you are not required to have a backflow prevention device, if the property has one, testing is mandatory for compliance. Common properties include: 

• Irrigation systems
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial sites
• Restaurants
• Car washes
• Medical facilities
• Buildings with fire suppression systems
• Any plumbing with cross-connection hazards

This is not an all-inclusive list, but it does give some of the most common locations that are likely to have such a device due to the nature of their operations. As a property owner, it is your responsibility to be aware and know whether you are impacted by the requirements for a device or the need for compliance because of an existing device. 

Staying Compliant in San Diego

Awareness and understanding the regulations for backflow prevention devices will go a long way to ensuring you stay compliant. If you do have a backflow prevention device on your property, partner up with a qualified testing provider to ensure you stay within regulations on annual testing requirements. 

Being proactive will help you stay compliant. Here are some helpful steps to follow: 

1. Know Due Dates: the city typically sends out annual notices and reminders about testing due dates, but you should keep your own records and proactively schedule annual testing to avoid trying to fit it in at the last minute or having issues scheduling testing. 
2. Hire Someone Certified: use a testing provider who is certified and approved by the city of San Diego. They require the use of certified backflow testers and the city has a list of approved providers available. Results can be submitted electronically. 
3. Fix Things Promptly: if an issue is discovered in the testing, you need to take action right away. You will have a limited window to complete necessary repairs and complete a retest. Be aware some repairs require permits or inspections, so you want to work with a qualified contractor. 
4. Documentation: documentation is crucial so save copies of your testing, test results, receipts, and any repair records. If there is ever a dispute or the city requires verification, having your paperwork might just save you more stress or inconvenience. 

Annual testing is not overly complicated but it is required, so just be aware and follow the ordinances to avoid service interruption or fines and backlash. Hiring a backflow preventer company that is certified and also holds a C-36 license is your best choice. These codes are held to a much higher standard than just traditional backflow testing. 

Maintain San Diego Backflow Compliance with 1 Affordable Backflow

If you need to plan for or schedule your San Diego backflow testing, we can help! 1 Affordable Backflow offers certified testing services to ensure you stay compliant. We can also provide repairs should we discover any issues during the testing process. 
Contact us today to schedule your testing.