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Backflow/Cross Connection Protection

May contain: hydrant

A ‘cross-connection’ results when a drinking water (potable) supply pipeline is improperly (erroneously) connected with another source of contaminated water or liquid.  Common examples would be a garden hose attached to a faucet with the other end submerged in a swimming pool, or a spa, or a service sink filled with dirty water, or a bucket filled with a household cleaner or paint or some other contaminated (harmful) liquid.  The potential for the contaminated source to enter (back-siphon) into the potable water supply must be precluded.

Under the “Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986”, and “Title 17 of the California Code of Regulation”, the San Antonio Water Company is authorized to enforce a cross-connection control program up to and including authority to stop water service if the water user (shareholder) fails to comply with the requirements of this program.

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If a cross connection protection device is needed at a location, the owner is required by law to conduct an annual test on the device.  San Antonio Water Company will send a reminder letter to individuals who have a cross connection device.
Included in the letter will be a list of qualified testers and the test form.