How Backflow Testing Protects Your Family and Your Neighborhood

If you live in a big city like San Diego, backflow compliance is crucial for protecting not only your family, but your entire community. Whether you’re a business owner or homeowner, your backflow preventer may not always be top of mind. But these devices ensure water doesn’t flow the wrong way–keeping harmful pollutants and contaminants out of the public water system.

In today’s blog, we are diving into our city’s local regulations so you can ensure your setup is safe and compliant.

Backflow Regulations in San Diego

In San Diego, not every residential property is required to have a backflow preventer. But most multi-family, commercial, and industrial properties are required to have a backflow prevention assembly at every meter. Unless you have a dedicated irrigation meter–which requires a preventer regardless of size–the requirements depend on how big each meter is. All 1.5-inch and larger meters require a compliant backflow preventer, which must be maintained through annual testing.

If your backflow device fails to comply with state and federal regulations on an annual basis, you may experience code enforcement actions including fines and water service termination until compliance is met.

Something else to note is that backflow preventers are required to be installed above ground, not buried or tucked away. An accessible and visible device allows your certified tester to access it during annual inspections.

The Importance of a Collective Effort

In San Diego alone, there are approximately 21,000 backflow devices. It’s important to make sure yours is working properly to avoid contaminating your family’s and community’s drinking water. Backflow incidents really do happen, and can have major ramifications for the health of the people and businesses around you. 

Let’s take a look at a few examples. In W. Sacramento, coolant flowed back into water lines after a backflow prevention device failed during maintenance on the building’s cooling system. In Altadena, faulty backflow protection meant snow foam entering the water system. And in Chula Vista, several businesses were drinking and washing their hands in treated sewage water–for two whole years. From a health standpoint alone, backflow protection is crucial for keeping people healthy and safe.

Final Thoughts

We all need to work together to protect the safety of our water, environment, and community. San Diego Backflow Testing is committed to serving this goal and being your trusted partner in backflow testing. 

Here for All Your Backflow Needs

San Diego Backflow Testing is on the City of San Diego Approved List of Backflow Testers. As a local, family-owned business with over 26 years of experience, we do everything from testing and repairs to new installations. When you call, you’ll speak directly with one of our owners, Adam or Jen. Our team handles all paperwork, submits test results to the city, and keeps your system compliant year-round.

To protect your family and the greater San Diego community, we encourage you to schedule your backflow test today. Follow the link here to schedule a test or call 877-363-8378 to speak with us.

Let’s take care of our community together!