Cross-Connection Control Device Policy

October 2007

The City/County Utility Commission approved a change in policy that gives water customers with a cross-connection control device (also known as a back-flow or back-siphon assembly) the responsibility for annual testing and maintenance of the device.

Previously, the Utilities Division performed annual testing and maintenance and billed the customer for the cost.  

To assist in the transition, this year the Utility Commission will assign an independent contractor to test back-flow devices, at our expense. Customers with these devices will be told what company is doing the test. Customers will be responsible for the cost of repairs, if any are required, and of re-testing. The repairs do not have to be made by the contractor who the Utility Commission assigned to perform the test.   

Please note: The new policy is intended to improve efficiency and allow customers to seek competitive pricing for their annual testing and maintenance. After this year, customers will be responsible for paying the cost of the annual test.

Testing and maintenance must be performed by a certified tester approved by the department of public works. For a list of the approved certified testers, please see this list of approved certified testers [pdf], or use the link below. The Utility Commission will mail a notice to customers annually when it is time to have their device tested.  

For more information call Tom Hall, Cross Connection Control Supervisor, at 734-1518.   

Certified Backflow Testers [pdf/19kb]

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