The City of Keller, Texas, has a backflow prevention policy in place.  From their website, here is the applicable information regarding backflow prevention:

The City of Keller operates a Cross Connection Control Program to protect the integrity of the water distribution system and the health, safety and general welfare of the people who use it. The Cross Connection Control Program includes:

• Customer Service Inspection (CSI) of the customer’s private plumbing to identify and prevent cross connections and potential contamination. CSI includes testing for lead to ensure the standards of Safe Drinking Water Act are met
• Required installation and testing of backflow prevention assemblies where appropriate by certified backflow tester

Backflow Testing and CSI Requirements

The City of Keller Public Works Department refers to International Plumbing Code and TCEQ rules for test procedures and installation requirements. Final authority remains with the City of Keller, and each case is considered individually. Inventory of back flow preventer and testing records are maintained by the Public Works Department.

Now let’s take a closer look at these requirements and what they mean to you, the property owner.

What is a cross-connection?

To best explain what a cross-connection is, one must first understand how water is distributed by the City of Keller.  At the city water distribution center in Keller, potable water is sent to homes and businesses by means of water pressure. The water is, in effect, “pushed” through pipes by intense force, or pressure.  Once that water travels to a home or business it is distributed through several pipes, which are connected to the main water pipe.  One connection will go to the bathroom, one to the kitchen, and so on.  Each of these subsidiary pipes are a cross connection, and it is at those joints where the greatest danger of backflow is present.

What is backflow?

Backflow is an actual reversal of flow of the water, and it can happen when there is a sudden drop in water pressure.  That plunge in water pressure can happen for a number of reasons, from a broken water main to several fire hydrants being opened at the same time to fight a fire.  If the pressure drops  too much, the contaminated water in a home can flow backwards towards the city’s water supply, which would obviously be a health concern.

Thus all cities have a cross connection program!

What is a cross connection program?  It consists of several regulations.  All cross connection devices used to prevent backflow, called backflow preventers, must be installed, repaired, and inspected by licensed and certified backflow testers.  Only certified backflow parts may be used on cross connections.  Inspections must be conducted annually at all businesses and select homes.

What are the plumbing codes involved with cross connection:

Notify- Notify the customer we are here for testing

• Identify- Make sure serial number is correct and that we have the right assembly
• Inspect- Make sure there are 4 test ports and 2 Shut off handles
• Observe- Attach test equipment and follow proper testing procedures  for this assembly
• Test Reports- Enter values for the assemblies
• Turn in all test Reports to the local water Purveyor or City

 About City Backflow Testing

City Backflow Testing is licensed with backflow certification in Keller and most other cities in Tarrant County. For the best in backflow, call City Backflow Testing.