Oxnard Water Backflow Preventer Program

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What is backflow?

The term backflow means any unwanted flow of used or non-potable water or substance from any domestic, industrial or institutional piping system into the pure, potable water distribution system. The direction of flow under these conditions is in the reverse direction from that intended by the system. Backflow may be caused by numerous specific conditions, but basically the reverse pressure gradient may be due to either a loss of pressure in the supply main called back siphonage or by the flow from a consumer's pressurized system through an unprotected cross-connection, which is called back-pressure. Thus the term backflow covers both a back siphonage condition and a back-pressure condition. A reversal of flow in a public water distribution main or in the consumer's system can be created by any change of system pressure wherein the pressure at the supply point becomes lower than the pressure at the point of use. When this happens, in an unprotected situation, the water at the point of use will be siphoned back into the system, thus potentially polluting or contaminating the remainder of the consumer's system. It is also possible that the contaminated or polluted water could continue to backflow into the public water distribution system. The point at which it is possible for a non-potable substance to come in contact with the potable drinking water system is called a cross-connection.

Select here for a backflow demonstration.

Examples of Cross-Connection

A cross-connection occurs when a drinking water supply pipe connects to a non-drinking water supply source or pipe. An example of this is a connection with a residential home. You may not think of your home as having hazards to a water supply, but if you have a hose that has a submerged end in a kiddie pool or a carwash bucket, then you've created a cross-connection. If a public water distribution main broke, the potential exists for a suction event to occur. This means that water in your kiddie pool or carwash bucket could be drawn into the water system. Once there, the contamination could spread quickly to thousands of people. This is a very serious concern of all water utilities. We can treat water, but we need to continue to protect it once it's in hundreds of miles of water pipes, storage tanks and people's homes.

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Backflow prevention assemblies (cross-connection control devices that prevent water from moving backwards into the water system through combinations of check valves or hydraulic breaks) can reduce the risk of cross-connection and protect our consumers from widespread contamination.

Backflow Prevention Assembly Program

The City of Oxnard inspects over 4000 backflow prevention assemblies a year in Oxnard. Inspections are made during normal working hours and the owner shall allow his/her property to be inspected for possible cross-contaminations. Backflow prevention devices are certified minimally on an annual basis (usually on the anniversary date of installation). If it fails the certification it will need to be repaired promptly. Some common problems that occur with backflow prevention assemblies are damaged rubber discs and worn seats.

Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program Evaluation

The Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program Evaluation consisted of an independent evaluation of the Water Division’s existing backflow prevention program so that the Division could better address potential contamination events. The evaluation and associated recommendations considered a variety of issues from staffing and proposed growth of the Program, to Program expenses and funding. The steps taken as part of the evaluation, including the recommended modifications, are outlined in the evaluation.

Backflow Prevention Assembly Certified Testers

The following businesses are licensed in the City of Oxnard and certified by the Ventura County Environmental Health Department as Backflow Prevention Assembly testers:

A to Z Plumbing
(805) 486-3896 Camarillo

Accurate Backflow Testing
(805) 497-2415 Thousand Oaks
(800) 660-2205 Thousand Oaks

Anderson Systems
David Gonzales
(805) 683-6133 Oxnard

American Fire Protection
(805) 484-0511 Camarillo
(800) 273-1552 Camarillo

Automatic Sprinkler Controls
(818) 994-1159 Van Nuys

B.A.V.C.O.
(800) 458-3492 Camarillo

Camarillo Plumbing & Paint
(805) 482-8963 Camarillo

Crowder Backflow Services
(805) 639-0123 Ventura

Custom Lawn Service Inc.
(805) 647-5077 Ventura

E.Z. Backflow & Plumbing
Bob Zitlau
(805) 527-7079 Oxnard

Economy Plumbing
(805) 648-2525 Ventura

Enviro Quest
George Baron
(805) 984-2744 Oxnard

Hydro Pure
(805) 933-1386 Saticoy

Integrated Fire & Safety
(805) 648-5906 Ventura

John Rowland Plumbing
(805) 644-9833 Ventura
(805) 646-1112 Ojai

Mike Kimble Plumbing
(805) 644-4180 Ventura

Mulcahey Plumbing & Backflow Service
(805) 496-8540 Thousand Oaks
(800) 640-FLOW (3569) Thousand Oaks

Nunn Better Plumbing
(805) 388-1234 Camarillo

Oxnard Plumbing
(805) 486-7374 Oxnard

Pacific Landscape Services
(805) 484-0085 Camarillo

Precision Plumbing
(805) 529-4748 Moorpark

Same Day Backflow Testing
(805) 581-5825 Oxnard

Smith Pipe & Supply
(805) 485-5469 Oxnard

Note: This list is provided for informational use only. No endorsement is intended. If repairs to backflow prevention assemblies are necessary, the services of a licensed contractor may be required.

What to do in case of a leak?

Please call one of the above certified testers.