Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Program
In accordance with Arizona Administrative Code R18-04-215 and Global Water Resources Codes of Practice, a public water system shall protect its system from contamination caused by backflow through unprotected cross-connections by requiring the installation and periodic testing of backflow prevention assemblies. Arizona Administrative Code R14-2-405.B.6 requires that any customer’s lines be installed so as to prevent cross-connection or backflow contamination.
Global Water Resources requires backflow prevention assemblies to be installed and/or retrofitted at the service connection of those establishments where there exists a possibility of cross connection contamination caused by backflow through unprotected cross-connections which are not specifically exempted by the subject rules.
In all cases, the need for and the type of backflow prevention assembly will be specified by Global Water Resources and will be located on the customer’s side of the service connection, downstream of the meter. The approved backflow prevention assembly will be installed, owned, tested and maintained by the customer. In accordance with the Arizona Administrative Code R14-2-407, the customer is responsible for maintaining customer owned equipment.
The type of backflow prevention assembly installed will be determined by the relative hazards posed by each customer as determined in the following four categories.
- Category 1 - Non-residential, Commercial and Industrial property service lines.
- Category 2 - Non-exempt single-family and Multi-family residences with common or dual plumbing.
- Category 3 - Dedicated Irrigation service lines.
- Category 4 - Fire Lines.
It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure the inspection and testing of backflow prevention assemblies is conducted by a certified backflow tester. The certified inspector shall submit the test report directly to Global Water Resources. All installed backflow prevention assemblies will be subjected to annual testing to be performed by a certified backflow tester.
**For all new services (commercial or residential) that require a backflow assembly installation, the backflow assembly must be installed within 24 hours of meter installation and the test report must be submitted to Global Water Resources within 24 hours of completing the testing. **
It is important to note, all backflow prevention assemblies must be marked as “Passed” on the test report. “Failed” tests must be reported verbally to the Global Water Resources Compliance Department within 24 hours. Failed assemblies must be repaired or replaced and retested in order to meet compliance with the program. Depending on the relative hazards posed, Global Water Resources may require repairs or replacement be completed immediately in order maintain protection of the system. Non-compliance will result in a discontinuation of water service in accordance with approved Backflow Tariffs filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
In drinking water pipes, whether in a commercial building or a family residence, water pressure can suddenly drop for a number of reasons. Drops in water pressure can occur during high water use in the home (running all water appliances, showering, watering) or high water use in the distribution system (fire fighting, water main break). When these drops of water pressure occur, contaminated water can be siphoned back into your plumbing system through an unprotected cross connection in your home or in the distribution system.