FAQs • Ventura, CA • CivicEngage

Why is backflow protection necessary?: Many planned and unforeseen occurrences can cause a pressure drop that may lead to a backflow or back siphonage incident. This includes firefighting efforts, main breaks and repairs. If a pressure drop occurs in the water distribution systems, any connection to a non-potable water source could be siphoned back into the customer’s drinking water piping, polluting the water within the home, and even into the water mains in the street, polluting the public water system. The only way to prevent such incidents from occurring and to maintain safe drinking water is to use backflow prevention devices and to make sure that they are correctly installed and adequately maintained.

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Backflow & Cross-Connection

1. Why did I receive a notice from Ventura County Environmental Health Division?: Ventura County Environmental Health (VCEH) is the primary health agency responsible for ensuring that the water purveyor operates the public potable water system free of actual or potential sanitary hazards, including unprotected cross connections. Ventura Water is the water purveyor responsible for ensuring that the consumer has properly installed and tested the backflow assembly. Ventura Water works in conjunction with VCEH to implement a cross-connection control program and conduct enforcement of backflow and cross-connection requirements. You may receive multiple notices from the County of Ventura reminding you to test your backflow device.

2. My property recently went through a change of ownership, who do I contact to update owner information for my backflow device?: Please contact the County of Ventura Environmental Health Department (here) to update owner information for your backflow device. Your certified backflow assembly tester may also be able to assist you in updating owner information. We recommend updating owner information to avoid non-compliance and missed notices.

3. Can I view testing records for my backflow device?: Yes, the public may view records on the County of Ventura Citizen Access at https://vcca.ventura.org/

4. Who can test the backflow assembly? Where can I get a list of certified testers?: The City of Ventura requires all backflow assembly testers to be certified with the County of Ventura Environmental Health Department. Residents and business owners can find a list of certified testers here.

5. What is a cross-connection?: Cross-connections are the links through which it is possible for contaminating materials to enter a potable water supply. The contaminant enters the potable water system when the pressure of the polluted source exceeds the pressure of the potable source. The action may be called back siphonage or backflow.

6. What is the legal basis for a local cross connection control program?: The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act sets the overall public health standards for public drinking water systems. The federal government has delegated authority for overseeing drinking water standards in the state to the California Department of Drinking Water. Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations requires every water purveyor to administer a cross connection control program that protects the potable water supply from potential sources of contamination.

7. What is backflow?: Backflow means a physical process by which contaminants can enter the potable water supply.

8. Why is backflow protection necessary?: Many planned and unforeseen occurrences can cause a pressure drop that may lead to a backflow or back siphonage incident. This includes firefighting efforts, main breaks and repairs. If a pressure drop occurs in the water distribution systems, any connection to a non-potable water source could be siphoned back into the customer’s drinking water piping, polluting the water within the home, and even into the water mains in the street, polluting the public water system. The only way to prevent such incidents from occurring and to maintain safe drinking water is to use backflow prevention devices and to make sure that they are correctly installed and adequately maintained.

9. What is a backflow assembly?: A backflow assembly is a device that allows water to flow in one direction but never in the opposite direction. Its sole job is to prevent drinking water from being contaminated due to backflow.

10. What happens if I do not comply with Ventura Water’s backflow & cross-connection requirements?: Non-compliance with Ventura Water’s backflow and cross-connection may result in the issuance of fees and/or termination of water service.