Backflow Prevention

The District is dedicated to providing the water needs of our customers through service, reliability, quality, and value.

The District is required to protect the potable water system from contamination due to backflow, back siphonage, or cross-connection of contaminants through the water service connection and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requires an active program of cross-connection control, which will prevent the contamination of all potable water supply systems.

Backflow is the unwanted reversal of flow in a water system. The passages through which backflow may occur are called cross-connections. A cross-connection is an actual or potential connection between a potable water supply and any non-potable source or substance. If backflow is not prevented, the potential exists to allow contaminants into the potable water system, risking public health and pollution. Any site in the system with a backflow assembly is to be tested at least once a year by a certified backflow tester to certify that the backflow assembly is working properly.

The Board of Directors approved the District’s Backflow Prevention Control Program on September 23, 1993, and an update on May 11, 2015.

Metro Water District Backflow Prevention Control Program – 2015

If you are a District customer and are responsible for having the backflow assembly tested, here is a list of certified testers: Certified Backflow Testers List

If you have any questions, contact Larry Tanner at (520)575-8100.