Backflow

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Backflow Testing Program 
Federal and state laws require all water providers to meet certain standards to obtain, treat, and deliver water to protect public health.  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires all water providers establish a Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program.  Generally, this includes establishing requirements for the installation of backflow assemblies or devices preventing the backpressure or back-siphonage from unwanted connections that may threaten public health.  All backflow devices or assemblies:

• Must be tested upon installation and at least once annually.  Additional testing may be required depending on the health hazard.
• Must receive a periodic Customer Service Inspection.  The inspections are intended to identify and validate all device locations, their appropriateness, and determine if additional devices are required.

The City of Wylie has established a Backflow Testing Program to help assure that backflow prevention devices adequately protect the City's water system from potential health hazards.  The program requires property owners to maintain backflow prevention devices in good working order and to provide annual test reports as proof of compliance.  Implementation of this program is mandated by the Texas Commission on Enbironmental Quality (TCEQ).

Customers 
Backflow testing is the owner’s responsibility and is paid for by the owner.  

All repairs, replacements, or overhaul assembly installations must be performed by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester and permitted by the City of Wylie.  Click here http://www.sctrackingsolutions.com for an up-to-date list of companies and testers.

Enforcement
Failure of an owner to have the annual backflow testing performed and reported to the City through SCT will result in escalated enforcement measure that may include termination of water service and assessing a processing fee per City ordinance. Property owners may delegate testing activities to tenants, site managers, or property managers; however, the property owner is responsible and will be held accountable for compliance in enforcement proceedings.  Correspondence and enforcement notifications will be addressed to the party receiving the water bill for the address with the non-compliance.

Owners should remind their testing company to adhere to the City's procedures when submitting backflow assembly test reports.

Testers and Testing Companies
Certified backflow prevention assembly tester registration fee: Annual registration fee of $100 for a TCEQ approved tester shall be a nonrefundable fee to show proof of current TCEQ Licensing and that testing equipment is in accordance with current TCEQ regulations.  The annual fee is payable to SC Tracking Solutions.  Please visit the SCT website for registration instructions.

All backflow assembly test reports for existing and replacement backflow devices must be submitted via the SCT Online Backflow Tracking System at http://www.sctrackingsolutions.com, and not through the City.

All testing companies are required to submit test reports within 48 hours of the test date.  Failure to do so will result in enforcement notification to the customer regarding the non-compliant status of their devices.  If not entered online, the ultimate escalation of enforcement could include termination of the customer's water service. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why does the City of Wylie need a Cross-Connection and Backflow Testing Program? The program safeguards our public drinking water and protects the health of our customers by ensuring that any contaminants that could backflow into the public water supply system are isolated within the customer's internal distribution system. 
2. What is backflow? Backflow refers to the reverse flow of non-potable water, or other substances, into the piping of a public water system or customer's potable water system.  Two types of backflow are backpressure and back-siphonage. 
3. What is a backflow prevention assembly?  A backflow prevention assembly is a means or mechanism to prevent backflow.  The basic means for preventing backflow is an air gap, which provides a barrier from backflow.  The principal types of backflow prevention assemblies are reduced-pressure, pressure vacuum breaker and double check valve. 
4. Why do backflow devices need to be tested? Mechanical backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear and fatigue.  Also, backflow preventers and air gaps can be bypassed.  Therefore, all backflow prevention assemblies have to be tested to ensure that they are functioning correctly.  All assemblies have to be tested with properly calibrated gauge equipment. 
5. What type of documentation needs to be submitted to the City as proof that testing has been completed? A licensed tester will input the approved backflow testing report to SCT's database.  SCT will notify the City upon input completion.  If the customer's backflow testing report is not submitted to the SCT database on or by the due date, then SCT will mail a past due notice to the customer.  If the backflow report is not placed into the SCT database two weeks after the due date, SCT will notify the City that the customer's backflow assembly is not in compliance - at which time - the City may disconnect the water service until the customer's backflow device comes into compliance.
6. How can I verify that the testing of my backflow prevention assembly has/has not been completed?  You can email SCT at http://www.sctrackingsolutions.com or call 866-232-0174.

For further inquiries or additional information pertaining to backflow guidelines, visit the SC Tracking website: http://www.sctrackingsolutions.com

Contact
Aron Bressler
City of Wylie
Water Quality Specialist
Phone: 972-516-6154