Water Resources Division staff uses his gauge to test a backflow prevention assembly
Commonly Used Residential Backflow Prevention Devices
Air Gap: Used mainly on tanks and faucets, it is a gap between the pipe and the container.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker: It has an air inlet valve that will drop to draw in air thus preventing customers' water from entering Santa Ana’s water mains.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker: Used mainly on lawn irrigation systems. It has a one way check and a spring loaded air inlet valve that closes when there is any pressure drop within a water line.
Cross Connection Control (CCC) Program
Cross connections are dangerous if no protective measures are taken. Cross connections may happen when a water supply line is connected to equipment or systems containing a non-potable (unsafe to drink) substance, like a hose submerged in polluted water, a heating boiler with treatment chemical added to prevent internal corrosion, an underground lawn sprinkler system or fountain that has a direct connection with your home’s water system for filling.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for preventing contaminants from entering into your water system as well as the public water distribution system by properly installing and maintaining backflow prevention devices. These devices protect you and your community from a possible contamination event. Backflow devices help further safeguard our potable water system.