Backflow Prevention

A Consumer's Guide to Backflow Prevention in Texas

The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires all public water systems to maintain a cross-connection control program that protects the distribution system delivering drinking water to your home or business. The City of Tomball's cross connection control program (backflow prevention) is managed by Backflow Solutions, Inc (BSI). Through the use of a web-based tracking program called BSI Online, BSI provides a more efficient and cost-effective means of managing the city’s inventory of backflow prevention assemblies.

City of Tomball's cross connection control program includes: 

• An inspection of the customer's private plumbing to identify and prevent cross-connections and potential contamination, including contamination from high lead levels in the plumbing.
• Installation and testing of backflow prevention assemblies, where required.
• Rules to prevent cross-connections and unacceptable plumbing practices: ordinances, regulations, service agreements, and a plumbing code.

Records

The City of Tomball uses a vendor, to keep electronic records of backflow testing information. Backflow test reports and tester licensing and gauge information are entered by testers or testing company representatives online via the Internet in the BSI database. BSI sends testing due and overdue notices to customers with the last tester of record listed on the letter as a convenience. Testing is due on the same date every month and not a year from the last test date.

For an up-to-date list of companies and testers registered to do online entry of test reports through BSI please contact BSI:

Backflow Solutions, Inc.

• BSI Online Portal Link

• Water Customer Support:
  Phone: 888-966-6050
  Email: support@backflow.com
• Testing Company Support: 
  Phone: 800-414-4990
  Email: bsionline@backflow.com

Enforcement

Failure of an owner to have annual backflow testing performed and reported to the City will result in escalated enforcement measures that may include termination of water service per City Ordinance. Property owners may delegate testing activities to tenants, site managers, or property managers; however, the property owner is responsible and will be held accountable for compliance in enforcement proceedings. Correspondence and enforcement notifications will be addressed to the party receiving the water bill for the address with the noncompliance.

How can backflow be prevented?

Backflow into a potable-water system can be prevented by using a backflow prevention assembly or an air gap, which is a physical separation between the water supply and a potential source of pollution. Licensed professionals, as well as your public water system, are responsible for determining the type of backflow prevention assembly required based on the degree of hazard.

Testing backflow prevention assemblies

Because backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical assemblies that can fail, the TCEQ requires testing all backflow prevention assemblies at installation by a TCEQ-licensed tester. Backflow prevention assemblies installed to protect against any health hazard must be tested annually.

City of Tomball Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Worksheet: https://tomballtx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1065/Backflow-Prevention-Worksheet_01_13?bidId=

How can I find out more information about backflow?

For more information about backflow and cross-connection control, visit tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/cross-connection or abpa.org

If you have questions about the City of Tomball's Backflow and Cross Connection Program, please contact: