Customers – Backflow & Cross-Connection Control

Additional Information

Backflow prevention assemblies

A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical valve arrangement designed to prevent the reversal of the flow of water once it has passed through the valve.

Like any mechanical device, a backflow prevention assembly requires maintenance and annual testing. There are different types of backflow prevention assemblies required for different uses and different degrees of hazard.

There are no exemptions or grandfathering in of backflow prevention assembly requirements.

Approved backflow prevention assemblies

Backflow prevention assemblies installed within Lakehurst Water's distribution system must be approved by the University of Southern California's Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, otherwise known as being USC-approved.

Check with your backflow prevention assembly manufacturer or the product specification sheets to verify that the assembly is USC-approved. You must also confirm the assembly is approved in the orientation for which it is being installed (horizontal, vertical, etc.).

Types of backflow prevention assemblies

Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP)

An RP is required for most commercial, industrial and some multi-family applications. They can also be used on irrigation systems where a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) cannot be used.

Installation requirements:
•  Install a minimum of 12 inches off the floor and 12 inches away from a wall.
•  If the assembly is installed higher than 5 feet off the ground, a platform is required for access and maintenance.
•  Adequate drainage is required, as there is a potential for discharge from the unit.
•  Protect from freezing.

Double Check Valve Assembly (DC)

A DC is required for fire lines without antifreeze or chemical additives and some residential
applications. They are not allowed for irrigation systems.

Installation requirements:
•  Install a minimum of 12 inches off the floor and 12 inches away from a wall.
•  If the assembly is installed higher than 5 feet off the ground, a platform is required for access and maintenance.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)

PVBS are for use on irrigation systems. They have specific installation requirements and are limited in their use.

Installation requirements:
•  Must be installed a minimum of 12 inches above the highest point of use and 12 inches away from a wall.
•  Cannot be subjected to continuous backpressure.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

AVBS are generally used as point-of-use devices for a specific, internal plumbing process. Lakehurst Water & Sanitation District does not allow AVBS for any type of containment or irrigation uses. Irrigation systems must be protected with either a reduced pressure principle assembly (RP) or a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) depending on installation requirements.

Irrigation backflows

The irrigation backflow testing season is from May to September. Irrigation backflow prevention assemblies must be tested by a certified backflow assembly tester as the water is turned on to ensure proper backflow prevention is in place to protect our drinking water during the irrigation season. Lakehurst Water & Sanitation District will send out a testing reminder notice 30 days before the annual test is due.

I received a Suspension of Service and Public Health Hazard Notice due to Lakehurst Water & Sanitation District not gaining access to complete a survey.

•  The survey of the water service line is required per state regulation 11.39 to determine if a backflow is necessary to protect the main drinking water supply from hazards on the property.
•  Customer must contact Lakehurst Water & Sanitation district at 303-985-7895 or lakehurststaff@lakehurstwater.org to schedule an appointment so that Lakehurst Water & Sanitation District can complete the survey and to cancel a suspension of service.

I did not receive a backflow letter or notice.

•  Lakehurst sends out two notices to both the service address and the backflow contact on record prior to a disconnection of service within a 60-day time frame. Please complete the form below with the backflow contact information now and every time there is a change in that information.

Backflow Contact Form

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

List of Backflow Testing Companies

Lakehurst Water & Sanitation District does not endorse or recommend the following list of some of the backflow testing companies who perform testing within our district. The list is provided simply as a courtesy to our customers and it is incumbent upon each customer to do their due diligence in selecting a backflow testing contractor. This list may be updated from time to time.
Advanced Backflow 4550 W 90th Ave Westminster, CO 80031 303-427-5556
The AEGIS Life & Fire Safety 1651 Routt Street Lakewood, CO 80215 303-806-7300
American Backflow 11757 W Ken Caryl Ave STE F 307 Littleton, CO 80127 303-806-7300
Backflow Services PO Box 351342 Westminster, CO 80035 303-469-4635
BackflowTech 610 Garrison St Unit W Lakewood, CO 80215 303-986-4601
Cintas Fire Protection 1100 W 120th Ave Westminster, CO 80234 720-897-6666
Custom Alarm Design PO Box 102941 Denver, CO 80250 303-261-6787
Doug's Back-Flow, LLC 3445 Willow Run Ct Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-249-6423
Frontier Fire Protection 9430 E 40th Ave Denver, CO 80238 720-532-1680
Fire Alarm Services, Inc. 4800 W. 60th Ave. Arvada, CO 80003 303-466-8800
Martin Fire Protection, Inc. 11540 Jackson St Thornton, CO 80233 720-205-3869
Metro Mechanical Services 5910 Ingalls St Unit B Arvada, CO 80003 303-940-3800
Mountain Alarm Fire & Security 7276 W Mansfield Ave Lakewood, CO 80235 303-698-2330
Red Rocks Fire Protection 12909 Division St Unit A Littleton, CO 80125 720-733-8050
Rosco Fire & Security Systems 1952 Clark Rd Bailey, CO 80421 303-294-0708
SimplexGrinnell 6240 Smith Road Denver, CO 80216 303-355-0500
Sundance Mechanical 6200 Quay Arvada, CO 80003 303-263-7703
Western States Fire Protection Co 7026 S Tucson Way Centennial, CO 80112 303-792-0022
MTech Mechanical (Installations) 12300 Pecos St Westminster, CO 80234 303-650-4000