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What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is a connection between the potable drinking water supply and a possible source of contamination or pollution. Under the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established national standards for safe drinking water. Each state is required to enforce the various regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act and how it relates to its state laws.
To meet these new provisions, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on January 1, 1996, enacted a new state law which requires the public water suppliers to implement and enforce the Cross Connection Control Program requirements located in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Chapter 290 of the Rules and Regulations for Public Water Suppliers.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow in a potable water distribution system. Water that is always under pressure can only flow in one direction. Then how can water flow in reverse? Water will always flow towards the point of lowest pressure. If a water main were to break or if the fire department opened several fire hydrants to help fight a fire, the pressure in the water main could drop. The demand upstream could cause a reversal in Cross connections and the possibility of backflow need to be recognized so they do not occur. A garden hose submerged in a hot tub, swimming pool, car radiator or attached to an insect/fertilizer sprayer could siphon the liquid back into the water main. Backflow prevention devices are designed to protect the public water system from these types of concerns.
Annual Test of Backflow Prevention Devices
Because backflow prevention devices can degrade over time the device must be tested annually to ensure it is in working order. If you recently received a letter from Liberty City Water Supply Corporation stating a device has not been tested in the last year and are unsure of the status of our records you may contact us for more information.
Liberty City Water Supply Corporation has chosen to partner with VEPO, LLC as administrator of the Cross Connection Program. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Liberty City Water Supply Corporation at 903-984-9593.
If you have received a letter from Liberty City Water Supply Corporation that a backflow prevention device is due for testing please click here for a list of registered testers. You may contact any tester not on this list to have the backflow prevention device tested as long as the tester registers with VEPO before testing the device.
Backflow prevention assemblies on fire protection sprinkler systems are required by the State Fire Marshal to be tested and repaired by a full-time employee of a fire protection sprinkler company that is registered with the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Becoming a Registered Tester
Click Here to Learn How to Become a Registered Tester
Upon submission and approval of the registration with VEPO, Inc., the tester will be added to the approved Cross Connection Tester List which is furnished to all establishments requiring testing of their backflow devices.
