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Backflow Tests

The Mammoth Community Water District (MCWD) is required to administer a Backflow (Cross-Connection Control) program. The primary objective is to protect the drininking water distribution system from the backflow of liquids, gases, or other substances from a customer's connection.

The program requires backflow prevention assemblies to be installed and annually tested where cross-connection can occur. The most common potential hazards in the MCWD distribution system that require backflow protection include: irrigation systems, fire suppression systems, pools, spas, boilers, and hydronic systems. 

What is a backflow prevention assembly? 

Backflow prevention assemblies are devices designed to prevent water from flowing back into the public water delivery system.

Do backflow prevention assemblies need to be tested? 

Yes, backflow prevention assembly testing is required, at minimum, on an annual basis by a certified tester. A list of certified testers can be found below. Costs for testing varies based on many factors. Some testers charge per test, some charge an hourly rate. Each tester/business determines their own pricing. You might expect to see prices in a general range of $85-$200 per assembly (estimate as of March 2023). If your assembly fails or needs repairs, expect additional charges.

When is a backflow prevention assembly required? 

Any location where there is actual or potential uncontrolled cross-connections. Common examples of potential cross-connections locations include:

  •      Irrigation systems (residential, commercial and public)
  •      Fire Sprinkler Systems
  •      Swimming pools and spas
  •      Hydronic systems (common example in Mammoth: radiant heating)
  •      Hose Bibs
Who are the mandating authorities and why do I have to install a Backflow (Cross-Connection Control) Assembly? 
If I do not use my irrigation system, do I still have to have my device tested? 

MCWD may grant a waiver from the annual testing requirement if the property owner decides not to utilize their irrigation system during that calendar year. The property owner must contact MCWD to request a waiver. A site inspection may be required. When property owners decide to irrigate, a completed test report with a passing result must be submitted to MCWD staff prior to using the irrigation system.

 

  Backflow Test Report Form:

Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report - Blank

 

 Certified Approved Testers:

NamePhone (t text msg ok)Company(*local)Email
Erik Westfall760-937-0805 tA&D Plumbing*aanddplumping@gmail.com
Phil Watts760-937-3589 tPhil Watts Landscape*phiwatts@gmail.com
Colleen Clark760-382-9765 tColleen Clark*colleen@rrhomeservices.com
Corbin Swafford909-580-0644AnnualBackflowTest.Comcorbinswafford@hotmail.com
Matt Graef760-914-7108Matt Graef* 
James Gray760-382-1975 tGrasshopper Inc.*jjgray@schat.net
Brent Bailey775-742-5471 tJohnson Controls Fire Protection LPbrent.bailey@jci.com
Andrew Crow 510-559-2653Andrew Crow*andrewkcrow84@gmail.com
Jason Volentine775-843-3558JB Fire Systems 

Contact:
Cross-Connection Control Specialist
Cecil Bundesen
cbundesen@mcwd.dst.ca.us
760-934-2596 x 232