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Cross-Connection Control Recognition Award

Public water systems that protect their distribution system from contamination may be eligible for this annual award. Criteria for this award program, how to qualify for this award, and the link to the application form.

Each year public water systems that are maintaining an exceptional Cross-Connection Control Program, protecting their distribution system from contamination, may be recognized by the TCEQ. This award heralds the effort, dedication and contribution public water suppliers make to the state and to protecting the public health.

Public Drinking Water Recognition Application Form

Criteria

To be recognized for having an outstanding Cross-Connection Control Program, a PWS must meet these criteria:

  1. Has successfully developed and implemented a cross-connection control program that includes these components:
    1. A plumbing ordinance, plumbing regulations, or service agreement that prohibits cross connections and other unacceptable practices, and has provisions for enforcement as required in 30 TAC 290.46(i) .
    2. Customer Service Inspections (CSI) on new construction, when material improvements have been made to existing private facilities, or any time the PWS has reason to believe that either a cross connection or another potential contaminant hazard exists, as required in 30 TAC 290.46(j) . 30 TAC 290.46 (i) .
    3. Have adequate backflow prevention on identified sources of actual or potential contamination as required in Title 30 Texas Administrative Code 290.44(h) .
    4. Backflow prevention assemblies are tested upon installation and annually dependent on the degree of hazard as required by Title 30 Texas Administrative Code 290.44(h) .
    5. A mechanism for tracking backflow prevention assembly locations, test dates, tester licenses, and due dates.
    6. Records (A current Backflow Prevention Assembly test and maintenance report(s) and/or a CSI) for each commercial/industrial site and for each residential site that has a contamination hazard such as an irrigation system.
  2. During the 12 months prior to nomination, your PWS has:
    1. Ensured proper cross-connection control at all connected sites including the water and wastewater treatment facilities (chemical dosing sites, waste lines, potable water supply lines, hose bibs, etc.).
    2. Received no cross-connection control-related violations.
    3. No microbiological record violations and has not triggered a Level 1 or Level 2 Assessment.
    4. No active enforcement actions.
    5. An active customer education program that educates customers on cross-connection control and backflow prevention.
  3. The PWS has not received this award in the last two years.

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How can my PWS become eligible for this award?

  • To demonstrate that all the award criteria have been met and the successful implementation of a cross-connection control program, please provide the following in the application package:
    • a copy of the adopted plumbing ordinance, plumbing regulations, or service agreement which lends authority to the program to require CSIs, require backflow prevention, and require testing of the backflow prevention assemblies. This document must also have provisions for enforcement in cases where a site is not in compliance.
    • A detailed description of the tracking mechanism used to track sites requiring CSIs, backflow prevention, testing dates, current inspector/tester licenses, and due dates.
    • a list of all backflow prevention assemblies installed to provide protection from health hazards, with the dates of the annual tests of these assemblies.
    • If alternate forms are used, a copy of the TCEQ approval letter to use this alternate form.
    • a copy of the backflow prevention assembly test and maintenance report form.
    • a copy of the CSI certificate.
    • A detailed description of the enforcement method used (notification letters, fines, etc.).
  • To demonstrate that a customer education program has been in place for the previous 12 months, include an accurate description of that program along with any outreach materials (Power point presentations, pamphlets, fliers, etc.) and the last event the education program was used.

Previous Award Recipients

For technical questions regarding cross-connection control and backflow prevention, please contact the TCEQ Cross Connection Control Program.

For more information, call our main Water Supply Division line, 512-239-4691, and ask for the Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program Coordinator. You may also e-mail your question or comment to ptrs@tceq.texas.gov. Please include "Cross-Connection/Backflow Prevention" in the subject line of your e-mail.

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