Cross Connection Control Program

In order to protect our water supply from contaminants, the City of Fernley has elected to move forward with an eco-friendly online cross connection control (backflow preventer) tracking program.  City Ordinance 2013-009 (PDF) requires every water supplier to develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control program for the elimination of existing cross connection and prevention and protection from all future cross connections. 

Backflow preventers may be found at any number of locations on your water systems.  Typically, most commercial customers will have backflow preventers just after the water meter and also on wet fire protection systems.  They may also have lawn irrigation systems which require backflow protection.  Note too, that there may be other water connections throughout commercial or industrial facilities that require backflow protection as well. 

Residential backflow preventers may exist or be required on lawn irrigation systems, wet fire protections systems, hot water heating (boiler) systems, swimming pool fills, water features, etc.  Backflow preventers may also be required if there is another water source on the site such as a well, pond, river, etc.

Backflow preventers are the property of the water customer, and the responsibility lies with the customer for annual testing and maintenance.  The water customer must contract with a licensed tester to perform the required annual tests.  Most local plumbers are certified to test backflow preventers.

The contractor hired to oversee the City of Fernley’s backflow program is Aqua Backflow, Inc., a national firm that specializes in cross connection control management.  Aqua Backflow can be reached at (847)-742-2296 with any questions.   The City of Fernley can be reached at (775)-784-9807.

The City of Fernley’s Cross Connection Control Program is designed to safeguard public health.  We ask for your cooperation with our program, its enforcement, and any requests for information that come from Aqua Backflow or City staff.

 **More background information can be found HERE.

Dave Whalen, Public Works Director, can be contacted at (775) 784-9910 or via email. 

Important forms and links: 

Aqua Backflow Tester Letter

Aqua Backflow Trifold Brochure

Cross Connection Control Program (PDF)

American Water Works Association

Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control

Nevada Administrative Code for Water Quality

***TESTERS PLEASE NOTE***

Within the City of Fernley, please treat all metered water (purple pipe or otherwise) as if it contains potable water.