El Paso Water's cross-connection control program
By taking steps to control cross-connections and prevent the possibility of backflow, you will help to protect the public water supply.
A backflow is the unwanted flow from a domestic, industrial or commercial piping system into the potable water distribution system.
To prevent backflow at the point of cross-connection, customers must install a backflow prevention assembly. EPWater allows the installation of one of five types of devices, depending on the assessed hazard and type of installation:
- Air gap
- Reduced pressure principle assembly
- Reduced pressure principle detector assembly
- Double check assembly
- Pressure vacuum breaker
The installation of a BPA device must be performed by a licensed plumber.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has established regulations to contain hazards of non-return devices at the service connection. TCEQ’s website contains a cross-connection resource page with valuable information.
Backflow prevention assembly inspection, testing
EPWater inspects all BPAs when they are installed. Once installed, all BPAs must be tested annually by a TCEQ licensed tester, and an original copy of that report must be provided to EPWater.
All containment backflow prevention assemblies within the jurisdiction of EPWater must be tested for proper operation by private sector certified backflow prevention technicians at the time of installation, repair or relocation and at least on an annual schedule.
In addition, containment backflow prevention assemblies installed on new services must be tested by certified backflow prevention technicians for proper operation immediately upon installation and before water service is turned on at the premises.
Cross-connection control regulations and manual
EPWater’s cross-connection control requirements may be found in our Rules and Regulations, Section V – Protection of Water Supply.
Cross-Connection Manual
Approval of backflow prevention assembly
All backflow prevention assemblies that are installed for containment cross-connection control must be approved by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research. The manual that came with a backflow prevention assembly should indicate that it has been tested and approved by this foundation.
Contact information
For any questions concerning approval of a specific backflow prevention assembly or on testing requirements, please contact 915-594-5440.
Cross-connection FAQ