Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program

In adherence to Colorado's regulations and Denver Water's Operating Rules, the Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control program protects the public water system from cross-connection contamination by requiring customers to:

• Install containment assemblies (also known as backflow prevention assemblies, containment  devices or backflow prevention devices) on the following water service lines:
  • Commercial property water service lines
  • Dedicated irrigation lines
  • Fire lines
  • Multi-Residential Units (depending on the degree of hazard; please refer to Chapter 5.05 of Denver Water's Engineering Standards)
• Test containment assemblies after initial installation and annually thereafter to make sure they are functioning properly.
• Submit completed test reports to Denver Water's Cross-Connection Control Office.

Affected customers are notified by postal mail of required assembly installation and testing. It is the customer's responsibility to hire a qualified professional to install and test an assembly. Unless otherwise specified, customers should always install a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly. (These assemblies will expel water from time to time and will  require proper drainage according to applicable plumbing code.)

"Passed" test reports must be sent to Denver Water's Cross-Connection Control office within 10 days.

"Failed" tests must be verbally reported to the Cross-Connection Control office within 24 hours and the written reports must be sent within three days. Failed containment assemblies must be repaired or replaced and then retested. Depending on the hazard Denver Water may require repairs/ replacement be done immediately to prevent contamination.

Non-compliance will result in discontinuation of water service to the property.

Cross-Connection Control Office:

• Test reports may be faxed, e-mailed, or mailed to this office. DO NOT send a report to this office without a meter number.
• If you are a tester and need a meter number, please call our office.
• If you need more time to get an assembly tested, please call our office with the following:
  • Reason and the length of time for the extension
  • Meter number
  • Property address
  • Contact name
  • Contact phone number