At TVWD, we’re dedicated to providing you with safe, clean water every day.
One of the ways we keep the water supply protected is through our Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program, which helps prevent contaminants from entering the water system and affecting the water you drink and use.
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection occurs when there’s an actual or potential link between the public water supply and a source of water contamination, such as irrigation systems, fire sprinklers, swimming pools, or private wells. If not properly managed, contaminants could potentially flow backward into the public water system.
How Can Backflow Happen?
Backflow occurs when water flows backward into the water supply, instead of flowing outward as it should. This can happen if there’s a drop in water pressure, like from a broken water main or a fire hydrant being used. Another occurrence is when pressure within a piping system is higher than the supply pressure coming in, caused by things like pumps, water heating equipment, or elevated piping. This can allow harmful substances like fertilizers, pesticides, or even bacteria from your lawn to flow back into your property’s plumbing and into the public water system.
Prevention Measures
To prevent this, backflow prevention assemblies are required to ensure water flows in the right direction and keeps your water supply safe. Backflow prevention assemblies are typically installed at the connection point between a water supply and the actual or potential point of cross connection.
A Real-World Example: Sprinkler System
Imagine you have a sprinkler system connected to your home plumbing. If your system isn’t equipped with a backflow prevention assembly at the point where the sprinkler system connects to your plumbing, an unprotected cross connection is created.
During normal use, water flows from your home’s water supply into the sprinkler system.
Now imagine there’s a sudden drop in water pressure, like from a fire hydrant being used near your home. Contaminated water from your sprinkler system could flow backward into your home's clean water supply.
Without a working backflow prevention device in place at the cross connection, contaminated water could spread through your home’s pipes and potentially contaminate the entire neighborhood’s water supply.
TVWD’s Cross Connection Control Program
To protect public health, TVWD’s Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program works by identifying cross connection points, then working with property owners to make sure proper backflow protection assemblies are installed and annually tested in compliance with state law.
Why It Matters
This program protects everyone. It ensures the integrity of the community’s water system, reduces contamination risks, and helps TVWD meet state and federal regulations for safe drinking water. For you as a customer, it means peace of mind, knowing that your water is safe and protected from harmful substances.
TVWD’s Gold Plan: Ensuring Peace of Mind
To make backflow prevention easier, TVWD offers residential customers our Gold Plan subscription. For a fixed yearly fee, the Gold Plan covers inspection, testing, and maintenance of your backflow prevention assembly. This means no more worrying about scheduling annual testing. Signing up for the Gold Plan helps keep you compliant and maintains your property’s water safety without hassle.
Your Participation Makes a Difference
Visit our Backflow Prevention web pages, email backflow [at] tvwd.org (backflow[at]tvwd[dot]org) or call (503) 848-3000 for more details about our backflow prevention program. Your participation in the program plays a key role in safeguarding our water.
Together, we can keep our water clean, safe, and protected for all.
As the newest Senior Water Quality Inspector in the Water Resources Division, Kahlil (Kal) brings extensive experience from Backflow Management Inc., where he trained water operators and supported cross-connection control programs.
“Every day, we play a vital role in protecting public health by ensuring the water delivered to our community stays safe and clean,” says Kal. “It's a responsibility we take seriously, and it's rewarding to see the impact of our work."
Dave, a Water Quality Inspector with the Water Resources Division since 2016, brings a versatile skill set to the team. He has 16 years of utility background experience at Hawaiian Electric Co. and a degree from the University of Hawaii.
"Our program is about more than inspections; it's about collaboration and education,” says Dave. “Working with customers and contractors to prevent backflow is not just technical—it's about building trust and ensuring everyone understands the importance of protecting our water supply."