Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

City of Fair Oaks Ranch Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross connection is a connection between a potable drinking water supply and a possible source of contamination or pollution. Under the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established national standards for safe drinking water. Each state is required to enforce the various regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act and how it relates to its state laws.

To meet these provisions, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enacted a state law which requires all public water suppliers to implement and enforce the Cross-Connection Control Program requirements located in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 290 of the Rules and Regulations for Public Water Suppliers.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is defined as the undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases or other substances into the City’s water system. These situations can introduce pollutants and contaminants into a public or private water supply when a change in pressure is experienced. These pollutants and contaminants can present health hazards to the residents that utilize the potable water supply. Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to protect the public water system from these types of concerns.

Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies

All backflow protection assemblies must be tested upon installation, repair, relocation, or replacement. Since backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical devices that will degrade over time, all backflow assemblies should be tested periodically to ensure they are in working order.

Effective October 1, 2019, all Fair Oaks Ranch Utility customers must have their assemblies tested on a frequency based on the type of hazard the assembly protects against. Backflow prevention assemblies which are installed to provide protection against health hazards must be tested annually (this includes assemblies installed on residential irrigation systems that sit on properties with a septic tank/OSSF). Assemblies installed to provide protection against non-health hazards must be tested every three (3) years (this includes assemblies installed on residential irrigation systems that sit on properties without a septic tank/OSSF).

*Please note: Newer homes with irrigation systems installed in the two (2) years prior to October 1, 2019 shall follow their appropriate testing frequency from the date the assembly was last tested.

The City of Fair Oaks Ranch has chosen to partner with Vepo, LLC to allow for the online submission of Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Reports. All testing information will be entered directly by the tester into the online password protected system provided by Vepo, LLC. Paper test reports cannot be directly submitted to the City.

For additional information: Utility Customer FAQ

Finding or Becoming a Registered Tester 

All Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers (BAPTs) are required to register with Vepo, LLC. Upon registration and verification of license, insurance, and test for accuracy reports, the tester will be added to the approved list of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers.

Please Note: Backflow prevention assemblies on fire protection sprinkler systems are required by the State Fire Marshall to be tested and/or repaired by a BPAT who is a full-time employee of a fire protection sprinkler company that is licensed with the State Fire Marshall's Office.

Click here to find a BPAT registered to work in the City of Fair Oaks Ranch.

Click here to download a Quick Start Guide on how to become a registered BPAT.

Questions? Please call the City’s Environmental Program Manager at (210) 698-0900.