Backflow Prevention Assembly Field Testing & Air-Gap Inspection: A Guide for California Water Utilities

For California public water systems, backflow prevention is not optional. Every unprotected cross-connection between a potable water supply and a potential contamination source represents a direct threat to public health. The Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH), incorporated by reference in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 60301.175, requires all public water systems to maintain a compliant inspection, testing, and maintenance program for every backflow prevention assembly within their service area.

Exodus Water Services provides comprehensive backflow prevention assembly field testing and air-gap inspection services to help California water agencies satisfy these regulatory requirements, with certified testers, digital record-keeping, and seamless coordination with your existing cross-connection control program.

What This Service Includes

The Backflow Prevention Assembly Field Testing & Air-Gap Inspection service covers every stage of the assembly lifecycle, from initial field verification through annual testing and emergency response. Exodus performs all work in accordance with the CCCPH and the University of Southern California (USC) Manual of Cross-Connection Control.

What It Includes

• Field inspection and operational testing of all backflow prevention assembly types, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ), Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB), Spill Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB), and Air-Gap separation
• Certified backflow prevention assembly testers (per CCCPH section 3.4.1) using calibrated differential pressure gauges and approved test procedures
• Annual testing coordination aligned with your system’s test scheduling database, no missed deadlines, no lapsed assemblies
• Air-gap inspection and verification at identified high-hazard connections per your adopted Hazard Assessment and Local Health Department ordinances
• Digital documentation of every test result, including serialized assembly records, test gauge readings, and pass/fail determinations
• Immediate tagging and isolation of failed assemblies, followed by repair coordination or replacement recommendations
• After-hours and emergency response for backflow incidents involving contamination, assembly failure, or suspected cross-connection events, as contracted
• Direct submittal of test results to your CCCP administrator, DDW, or Local Primacy Agency (LPA) as required
• Coordination with property owners, facility managers, and fire protection system contractors to schedule access for testing in commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential settings

Typical Deliverables

• Completed field test report for each backflow prevention assembly (digital and hard copy)
• Annual summary report documenting all tested assemblies, pass rates, failure modes, and corrective actions taken
• Updated assembly inventory reflecting any changes in assembly type, location, hazard classification, or status
• Certified tester affidavits and calibration records for all test equipment used during the reporting period
• Recommendations for assembly replacement, upgrade, or relocation where age, condition, or code changes warrant

Regulatory Framework for California Water Systems

The legal foundation for backflow prevention assembly testing in California rests on several interlocking regulations. Every public water system, from investor-owned utilities to county water districts to mutual water companies, must understand and comply with these requirements or face enforcement action from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Division of Drinking Water (DDW).

From Title 17 to the CCCPH

California’s backflow standards used to sit in Title 17 CCR sections 7583 to 7605. Those sections became inoperative when the CCCPH took effect on July 1, 2024, and were repealed 90 days later. The CCCPH is now incorporated by reference in Title 22 CCR section 60301.175. Under the CCCPH, backflow prevention assemblies must be field tested at least annually by a certified tester (section 3.3.3), and results of all assembly field tests and air-gap inspections must be kept for the previous three calendar years (section 3.5.1(a)(4)). Missed tests and incomplete records are where many programs fall short, as covered in why backflow management is critical for water utilities.

Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH)

The CCCPH is a State Water Resources Control Board document, adopted December 19, 2023 and effective July 1, 2024. It sets the standards for cross-connection control programs, including field testing and air-gap inspection (section 3.3.3), tester certification (section 3.4.1), and recordkeeping (section 3.5.1). Exodus testers work to these requirements.

Health and Safety Code Section 116400 to 116555

California Health and Safety Code provisions grant the SWRCB DDW authority to enforce cross-connection control requirements, including the power to issue compliance orders, assess penalties for violations, and direct water systems to disconnect service where an unprotected cross-connection poses an imminent public health threat.

How Exodus Water Services Delivers

Exodus Water Services brings a complete operational framework to backflow prevention assembly field testing. Our certified testers are equipped with calibrated differential pressure gauges and approved test kits. Every test is performed in accordance with USC-approved procedures and documented through our digital tracking system. For why that testing matters at the system level, see how backflow testing services safeguard water systems.

We handle the full cycle: scheduling with property owners and facility managers, on-site testing, digital documentation, failed-assembly tagging and isolation, and direct submittal of results to your CCCP administrator and regulatory agencies. For emergency situations involving assembly failure or suspected backflow contamination, our team isolates, assesses, and begins corrective action, with after-hours and emergency support provided as contracted.

Learn more about our backflow prevention assembly testing and air-gap inspection services, see all Exodus services, or contact our team.