Backflow Prevention Program
The City of North Richland Hills operates a Backflow Prevention Program as required
by state and federal law. The purpose of the program is to protect the integrity of the
water distribution system as well as the health, safety and general welfare of the people
who use it.
The state and federal requirements are designed to reduce the possibility of contaminates
entering into the water distribution system from actual of potential cross-connections. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cross-Connection Control Manual defines cross-
connection as "Any actual or potential connection between the public water supply and a source
of contamination or pollution."
It is through these cross-connections that potentially allow contaminates to enter into
the water distribution systems. The contaminates enter the water supply when the pressure of
the pollutant source is greater than the pressure of the public's water supply. This act is
called backflow or backsiphonage.
The method of backflow prevention that the City uses is called the "Containment" method.
According to the EPA Cross-Connection Control Manual, containment is defined as "A method of
backflow prevention which requires a backflow prevention
preventer at the water service entrance. This approach utilizes a minimum of backflow devices and
isolates the customer from the water main. It virtually insulates the customer from potentially
contaminating or polluting the public water supply system."
This program is in addition to any requirements that the Planning and Inspections department may have
for backflow prevention devices inside buildings and dwellings.
This program will focus on several main points:
Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers - Testers shall be certified by the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and show proof that certification has been achieved,
as well as show proof that license is maintained and current. Registration with the City is also
required.
Test Gauges - Gauges shall be 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 shall be tested by a certified tester,
however devices installed to protect against high hazard applications shall be 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 Department at (817)427-6457.
