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Cross-Connections & Backflow Prevention
By taking steps to control cross-connections and prevent the possibility of backflow, you will help to protect the public water supply.
Backflow is the unwanted flow from a domestic, industrial or commercial piping system into the potable water distribution system.
All water utilities, including JCSUD, are required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to obtain a completed Customer Service Inspection (CSI) Certificate before designating and transferring the account to "permanent" status for continuous water service.
The Customer Service Certification requires an on-site inspection must be performed by a Water Supply Protection Specialist (WSPS), Certified Water Operator with a Customer Service Inspection (CSI) license, or a Licensed Plumbing Inspector. The Inspector must complete the JCSUD approved form. The form is to certify the identification and prevention of cross-connections, potential contaminant hazards, and illegal lead materials as per Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC) 290.46(j)(4).
The inspection is to assure the protection of the potable water system from potential contamination from the customer's side of the meter. The inspection is not a plumbing inspection of the private water distribution system. It does not nullify the customer's responsibility to install and maintain all plumbing in accordance with approved local, state, and national plumbing codes.
Absent the certificate, water service is designated as "temporary" and is subject to disconnection.
JCSUD staff can assist you in completing the CSI. The cost for JCSUD to perform the inspection is $75 and can be assessed to the customer's account.
For further assistance or making an appointment with a JCSUD licensed CSI inspector, please contact the CSI/Backflow Clerk.
All water utilities, including JCSUD, are required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to maintain a cross-connection control program that protects the distribution system delivering drinking water to your home or business. JCSUD goes to great lengths to prevent contamination.
Under regulations set forth by the TCEQ and the Uniform Plumbing Code, JCSUD is required to check for any possible cross-contamination.
Cross-contamination can come from several things, such as water troughs, swimming pools, and lawn sprinkler systems.
Backflow into a potable-water system can be prevented by using a backflow-preventer, or an air gap, which is a physical separation between the water supply and a potential source of pollution. Licensed professionals and your public water system are responsible for determining the type of backflow-prevention assembly required based on the degree of hazard.
A TCEQ licensed tester completes backflow prevention assembly testing.
TCEQ Consumer's Guide to Backflow Prevention