We hope the following may help answer some of your questions about Tacoma Water's Cross Connection Control Program. If you do not see an answer to your question please contact us at backflow@cityoftacoma.org or call (253)502-8207.
Q Why do I have to test my backflow prevention assembly every year?
A Backflow prevention assemblies are installed to protect your drinking water from potential sources of contamination. The only way to ensure that they are working properly is to have them tested by a certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT). The Uniform Plumbing Code, Section 603, and the Washington Administrative Code, Section 246-290-490 require annual testing of installed backflow prevention assemblies.
Q Who can test backflow prevention assemblies?
A All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested by a State of Washington Certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT). Tacoma Water does provide a list of testers to our customers. This list is not a recommendation and additional testers can be found www.wacertservices.org
Q I have my backflow assembly tested every year as required but my neighbor says that they have never heard of the testing requirement.
A There may be several reasons why your neighbor has not received any test due notices from Tacoma Water. The most common reason is that we do not know about the installation. Many times customers make modifications to their water system and do not take out the required and necessary permits for the work. Taking out a permit ensures that your work is inspected and is installed per the governing codes and most importantly ensures that you, your family, and if applicable your customers are protected. Your neighbor may also have installed a non-testable device. There are very specific installation requirements that must be met for non-testable devices that make them impractical for many customers to use. Tacoma Water conducts frequent inspections of all of our water service connections to ensure that all cross connections are eliminated or isolated from the water system. If you have a specific concern please contact our Water Quality section.
Q I am not using my irrigation system anymore do I still need to test the backflow assembly?
A As long as the irrigation system is physically connected to the water system your backflow prevention assembly must be tested. Tacoma Water will suspend the testing requirement if the customer provides a physical disconnect between the irrigation system and the Public Water Supply by removing the backflow prevention assembly and capping the water supply line. You must contact our Water Quality section to arrange for a verification inspection once the line has been capped.
Q What will happen if I choose not to test my backflow prevention assembly?
A Tacoma Water may take the following enforcement action when backflow prevention assemblies are not tested or maintained as required.
-
We can assess a $100.00 penalty fee for each assembly not tested. The penalty fee will be applied directly to your utility account. Additional penalty fees of $100.00 will be added until testing is satisfactorily completed.
-
We may install a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA) at your water meter at your expense.
-
We may terminate your water service.
Tacoma Water will make every effort to work with the customer to avoid any of these actions from being taken but we must ensure that the drinking water system is protected from any contaminants.