Backflow Prevention Program

As required by state and federal law, the Town of Addison operates a Backflow Prevention Program to protect the integrity of the water distribution system and the health, safety and general welfare of the people who use it. State and federal requirements are designed to reduce the possibility of contaminates entering into the water distribution system from cross-connections.  A "cross-connection," as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is any "actual or potential connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution."  Contaminates may enter the water supply when the pressure of the pollutant source is greater than the pressure of the public's water supply at any of these cross-connections. This contamination is called backflow or backsiphonage.

Addison uses a method of backflow prevention called "Containment."  This method uses devices that isolate customers from the water main and insulates them from  potentially contaminating or polluting the public water supply system.  The program is over and above the requirements set forth by the Building  Inspections department for buildings and dwellings.   Included are:

• Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers - Testers are certified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and must show proof of certification and current licensure.  Registration with Addison is also required. 
• Test Gauges - Gauges are tested for accuracy annually in accordance with the University of Southern California's Foundation of Cross Connection Control and/or the American Water Works Association Manual of Cross Connection Control. 
• High Hazard Devices - All devices installed are tested by a certified tester.  Devices installed to protect against high hazard applications are tested annually by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester, and approved to be working within normal parameters.

For further information, please contact the Public Works Utilities Division at 972-661-3160.