Cross-Connection / Backflow Prevention

The District's cross-connection program helps in securing the public water supply from potential sources of contamination and optimizing water quality through identifying and eliminating potential cross-connections.

Backflow prevention is the most significant aspect of the cross-connection program, directed at preventing any introduction of harmful substances to the distribution system. Typically, a backflow prevention assembly device is installed at the water meter to protect the public water supply.

SMWD requires all backflow assemblies to be tested.  This is the responsibility of the water account holder. The backflow test report form can be found below as well as resources and information on backflow assemblies.  A FAQ is provided below to help answer Frequently Asked Questions.

  1. FORMS

Contact Us:          Please report leaking backflow devices to backflow@smwd.com or call the Engineer Counter at (949) 459-6503.

Backflow Device Types

  1. Types of Backflow Preventers
  1. What is a Backflow?
  2. Where is the Backflow Assembly located?
  3. Why Does the Backflow Assembly Need to be Tested?
  4. Who Performs the Backflow Testing?
  5. What Questions should I ask the Backflow Tester?
  6. How Do I Schedule a Backflow Test?
  7. Who Maintains & Tests a Backflow Assembly?
View All FAQs

Detailed Information & Authority to Require Backflow Prevention

Santa Margarita Water District constantly strives to ensure that only water of the highest quality is delivered to the public, exceeding the standards of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Section 7584 of the California Code of Regulations requires that every public water system implement a cross-connection program. Our cross-connection program helps in securing the public water supply from potential sources of contamination/pollution and optimizing water quality through identifying and eliminating/protecting any potential cross-connections.

Backflow prevention is the most significant aspect of the cross-connection program, directed at preventing any introduction of harmful substances to the distribution system. Typically, a backflow prevention assembly device is installed at the water meter to protect the public water supply. Backflow device(s) may also be installed within a customer’s internal water system depending on the degree of hazard, if any, as determined by an internal cross-connection survey.

Internal cross-connection surveys are performed after new commercial construction, tenant improvements, or change of occupancy to ensure any condition that may result in the degradation of water quality is eliminated. Cross-connection surveys are also performed periodically or in response to potential violations of the cross-connection ordinance. Please report leaking or potentially malfunctioning backflow assembly devices to the SMWD.