Backflow Prevention Program

Up until 2017 the Town of Yountville used an outside contractor to oversee the Town's Cross Connection Control Program. As federal and state regulations continue to change, the Town decided in 2018 that it was time to take the program in house. Taking this program in house assures accuracy and transparency of the program.

The Town of Yountville Utility Operations Division now oversees the Town's Cross Connection Control Program. The Utility Operations Division has multiple operators that are certified in both water treatment and water distribution. These operators are also AWWA Certified Backflow Assembly Testers and AWWA Certified Cross Connection Control Specialists. These drinking water operators work together to protect the Town's drinking water system to the best of their ability and in accordance with the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 17 and Yountville Municipal Code Chapter 13.18.

Any property with a Town of Yountville water system connection is subject to periodic cross connection surveys. Below is a list of examples that would require a property to have backflow protection, this list is not exclusive. Any property deemed to have a cross connection or a potential cross connection will be required to install backflow protection whether it is regarding something from the list below or something additional.

  • Wells
  • Fire Sprinklers
  • Swimming Pools
  • Hot Tubs
  • Fountains
  • Two Stage Solar Heating Systems
  • Irrigation Ponds / Alternate Water Sources
  • In Ground Irrigation Valves
  • Water Softeners
  • Sewage Pump Stations
  • Septic Systems
  • Radiant / Hydronic Heating

Double check valve assemblies (DC) that are installed at commercial properties are considered "existing non-conforming" and must be replaced by a reduced pressure assembly (RP) if they fail annual testing. All designated fire services that are 4 inches or larger are required to be protected by an DCDA assembly with a bypass assembly.

Properties that have only a fountain, only an above ground hot tub, or only an above ground swimming pool that are filled by a hose require an air vacuum breaker (AVB) hose bib on all connections within 50 feet of the unit at a minimum. In ground units and units with an auto fill require (RP) protection.

All backflow prevention assemblies are required to be tested on an annual basis. Tests must be performed by an AWWA Certified Backflow Assembly Tester. A List of Certified Testers (PDF) is available. View the Town of Yountville Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report (PDF).