Cross Connection Control Program

Cross-Connection Control Program & Backflow Prevention

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires all public water systems to maintain a cross-connection control program that protects the distribution system delivering drinking water to your home or business.

A cross-connection control program includes:

· An inspection of the customer’s private plumbing to identify and prevent cross-connections and potential contamination, including contamination from high lead levels in the plumbing.

· Installation and testing of backflow- prevention assemblies, where required.

· Rules to prevent cross-connections and unacceptable plumbing practices—ordinances, regulations, service agreements, and a plumbing code.

Backflow refers to the reverse flow of non-potable water, or other substances, through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or customer’s potable water system.

What is a backflow prevention assembly? A backflow prevention assembly is a means or mechanism to prevent backflow. The basic means for preventing backflow is an air gap, which either eliminates a cross-connection or provides barrier from backflow. The basic mechanism for preventing backflow is a mechanical backflow preventer, which provides a physical barrier to backflow. The principal types of backflow preventers are the reduced-pressure principle assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly and the double check valve assembly.

You can register to be a backflow tester by completing the following application.

2023 Backflow Tester Registration Application (PDF)

Customer Service Inspections (CSI) – The City shall perform or have performed a customer service inspection prior to providing continuous water service to all new construction, on any existing service when the water purveyor has reason to believe that cross-connections or other contaminant hazards exists, or after any material improvement, correction, or addition to the private water distribution facilities. Inspectors must certify that there are no cross-connections, which are actual or potential connections between a potable and a non-potable water supply, and no lead in the pipes and solder. Click the following file for a list of customer service inspectors licensed by the TCEQ.

CSI Inspector List - 2023 (PDF)

How can I find out more information about backflow?

For more information about backflow and cross-connection control, visit tceq.texas.gov/goto/cc or abpa.org

Questions about The City of Pasadena’s Backflow and Cross Connection Program please contact:

Juan Fierros Backflow Compliance Manager jfierros@pasadenatx.gov 713.475.4932