Cross Connection Control Program: Backflow Prevention

The City of Moscow is committed to providing quality and cost-efficient service in the production, treatment, testing and delivery of safe drinking water to all of its citizens. Safe and reliable drinking water is a carefully manufactured product. In order to protect the public water supply against contamination and pollution from cross-connections, the Water Department has implemented a Cross-Connection Control Program as required by the "Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems." (IDAPA 58.01.08.552.06)

Cross-Connection Control Program (CCCP)

The CCCP includes:

  • An inspection program to locate cross-connections
  • Authority to require the installation and operation of adequate backflow prevention assemblies
  • A monitoring system to ensure annual testing and inspections of installed assemblies
  • Authority to enforce the provisions of the program

The inspection program started by identifying the cross-connections with  the highest potential danger to public health. Water Department staff continue to identify others which may jeopardize the safety of our drinking water. All new construction projects are evaluated for potential cross-connections during the permitting process and required to provide adequate backflow protection when necessary. All installed backflow prevention assemblies are required to be tested upon installation and annually thereafter to ensure the assembly is in acceptable working order. Testing must be performed by an Idaho Licensed Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT). Assemblies on fire suppression systems  must be tested by BATs certified to work on those systems.

Assembly Testers Licensed in Idaho and Their Contact Information

  • Aqua Lawn, Moscow, ID 208-882-5634
  • Blakes Backflow Service, Palouse, WA 509-432-5887
  • Clearwater Sprinkler Company, Lewiston, ID 208-743-7742
  • Cobblestone Landscaping LLC, Moscow, ID 208-883-2518
  • Goodson Plumbing, Moscow, ID 208-882-5460
  • Hilliard’s Plumbing, Pullman, WA 509-332-5713
  • Keith Jenkins, Lewiston, ID 208-790-2493
  • McCoy Plumbing, Moscow, ID 208-882-2332
  • Raindrop Sprinklers, Moscow, ID 509-872-2255
  • Roto-Rooter, Lewiston, ID 208-746-4282
  • Nick Herres, Pomeroy, WA 509-330-1813
  • Valley Green Sprinklers, Lewiston, ID 208-746-1548
  • Waterworks Irrigation Co., Moscow, ID 208-596-6163

For fire suppression systems:

  • Inland Empire Fire Protection, Spokane, WA 509-534-1097
  • Johnson Controls, Inc, Spokane, WA 509-842-1251
  • Nick Herres, Pomeroy, WA 509-330-1813
  • Patriot Fire Protection, Spokane, WA 509.462.6856
  • Western States Fire Protection, Spokane, WA 509.922.8890

Annual test due dates

All assemblies on underground lawn irrigation and sprinkler systems must be tested within ten business days of spring start-up, and no later than June 30th. All other assemblies must be tested by September 30th. The Public Works Director has the authority to set and modify test due dates.

Notification process

Notifications are mailed out as a reminder to customers with backflow assemblies  approximately four weeks in advance of the due date by which annual testing must be completed. In the case that an assembly is not tested by the due date, subsequent notices are sent which inform the customer that failure to achieve compliance will result in the termination of water service (water will be turned off). Termination of service is an option of last resort. The Water Department will make all reasonable  efforts to contact the affected customer and bring them into compliance with state and local regulations.

Lawn irrigation and sprinkler systems

All underground lawn irrigation systems require the installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly. Failure to comply with these requirements will ultimately result in disruption of water service to the premises. Water Department personnel will be continuing a street side survey to identify all irrigation systems in the City. A notice requiring corrections to bring these systems into compliance will be sent to the owner(s) of record for systems that have inadequate or non-existent backflow protection. A plumbing permit is required before  work can begin and must be purchased at the Building Department. If you are not sure if your irrigation system has a backflow assembly installed, or if you have any other questions about your sprinkler system, contact the Water Department to set up a consultation.

New in 2019!

Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA) can no longer be installed on lawn irrigation systems due to changes to the Idaho Plumbing Code. DCVA are the most common type of assembly current on irrigation systems in Moscow. If a DCVA fails testing but can be repaired, it can remain in place. If it cannot be repaired it must be replaced with either a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA), a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB), or a Spill Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker (SVB). These types of assemblies have different installation requirements and hydraulic demands that need to be addressed. We will gladly assist you in assessing your system and coordination with contractors to make sure that the right equipment is selected. 

A garden hose can create a cross connection!

The end of a garden hose can be connected to or come into contact with many potential contaminants. Never submerge hoses in buckets, pools, tubs or other containers as you fill them with water. A hose bibb vacuum breaker is an inexpensive, easy to install device designed to help  prevent backflow through your hose. They are available at most hardware  stores and home improvement centers.

Contact Information

For questions or for more information regarding backflow prevention, contact Ty Thompson or call 208-883-7111.