BLACKFLOW PREVENTION PROGRAM

CROSS CONNECTION

 The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires that all water providers have in place a Cross-Connection Control, or backflow prevention, program.  While the Laguna Madre Water District has such a program, we have not been enforcing it to the point we are supposed to.  Now we are being asked to do so.

This backflow prevention program requires that a mechanical device be installed in conjunction with a water meter to prevent a flow of water from the customer’s side of the meter back into the District’s water distribution system.  This is a device that protects the public drinking water distribution system from contamination or pollution due to the backflow contaminants or pollutants through the water service connection.   Not every customer is required to have such a device however.  Only those having swimming pools, irrigation systems, ornamental fountains, restaurants, buildings over 80 feet in height and certain others are required to do so.

Once a device has been installed, TCEQ requires annual inspections to assure it is working properly.  These inspections must be done by a licensed Backflow Prevention Assembly Inspector.  For a list of licensed inspectors call Emiliano Amaro at 943-2626.

By taking steps to control cross connections and prevent the possibility of backflow at your home, you will help to protect the public water supply and ensure that your family continues to enjoy safe drinking water. Garden hoses and irrigation systems are common concerns, but there are other common residential sources of cross connections, too.

Irrigation Systems and Backflow

As a homeowner, you may install and maintain your own irrigation system, but it’s still important to have a suitable backflow prevention assembly (BPA) in place and to be sure that it works properly. Here are a few ways you can do that:

• Hire a licensed irrigator.

• If you install your own system, have a licensed BPA tester confirm that the BPA is installed and operating properly.   For a licensed BPA testers call us or go to our website for a list.

• TCEQ requires you to have a licensed BPA tester check the BPA when it is installed on your irrigation system.

For more information regarding TCEQ's regulations for irrigation systems, please call Emiliano Amaro at our office at 943-2626 or contact TCEQ's Landscape Irrigation Program at 512-239-LAWN.

The Laguna Madre Water District’s role begins with good system maintenance and sound operations. By replacing pipes before they break, taking steps to ensure that system pressures do not fall during periods of high demand, and asking for the cooperation of customers when there is a risk that system pressures could fall below safe levels, we reduce the risks of backflows.

Our program also requires an inspection be performed and that a backflow prevention assembly be installed if necessary at all new construction; existing structures that are having substantial plumbing modifications; whenever there is a reason to suspect that a hazard or a source of contamination may be present.

In such cases the Laguna Madre Water District’s licensed inspector will perform the inspection and notify the customer if a backflow prevention device is needed.

Beginning April 2 we will start notifying those customers that we believe may require a backflow prevention assembly on their system that we will be making an inspection on their connections within 2 weeks to determine if a BPA is needed.  Each customer that requires a BPA will be given 2 weeks to comply with the TCEQ regulations and install a BPA.

Should you have any questions please call Emiliano Amaro our inspector, or the General Manager Gavino Sotelo at 943-2626.