We Help Protect Your Drinking Water.

The Cross Connection Department is responsible for testing residential, commercial, and industrial backflow devices within the District, in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and state law. The Safe Drinking Water Act and state law require homes with irrigation systems to have backflow prevention devices. The law also requires that First Utility District test these devices once a year. The fee for the test is $50, which is the average amount required to cover our costs for administering the program.

Do I Need a Backflow Prevention Device?

If you have a lawn sprinkler system, yes, you are required to install one. Backflow Prevention Devices prevent water system contamination by keeping water from running back into the system if there’s a drop in pressure or a back pressure situation.

What Would Cause a Pressure Drop? 

One example would be when fire department activates hydrants. The change in water pressure could cause water in a sprinkler system to flow backward into the home’s water supply. Fertilizer or bacteria could contaminate the water system for not just the one home but for the surrounding neighborhood. In some communities, there have been serious issues because of backflow—including e. coli contamination.

Other Common Questions About Our Program:

1. Can I use a company of my choice to test my backflow prevention device? No; the state’s minimum requirement is that First Utility District test backflow prevention devices in our district once a year.
2. Where can I install my backflow preventer? This provides a helpful overview!
3. Why do I pay a $50 fee for my test? The $50 fee not only covers testing of your backflow prevention device but also covers the average cost of administering the program.
4. Who can repair my backflow preventer if it fails? A state-certified tester must test and certify a failed backflow preventer. Once the device fails, the device may be repaired by anyone, as long as the device is tested and certified by a state-certified tester. State-certified testers can be found here.

Meter Reading

First Utility District utilizes automated meter readings (AMR) throughout the District, which allows readings to be captured electronically.  The conversion provides highly accurate readings, is safer for our employees, and reduces the waiting period between reading and billing cycles.

Helpful Resources

Need additional resources? You can find a full list of Approved Backflow Preventers, details regarding First Utility District’s Cross Connection program in the Cross Connections Manual, and more information about Irrigation Backflow Requirements!