BACKFLOW PREVENTION

11555 w civic center dr. / (520) 382-2570

MaranaWater@MaranaAZ.gov

WHAT IS BACKFLOW?

Backflow is the undesired reversal of water flow against normal direction, which can cause contaminants to enter into the drinking water supply system. Backflow prevention devices, or assemblies, are used to protect potable drinking water from contaminants and pollutants. There are two causes for backflow: back-pressure and back-siphonage. Having a backflow program protects our water supply.

HOW DO BACKFLOW ASSEMBLIES WORK?

There are several types of backflow assemblies. Marana Water requires a Reduced Pressure Assembly (RPA) because it provides the most protection. These assemblies contain two check valves separated by a reduced pressure zone. When properly operating, the pressure between the check valves is maintained lower than the pressure of the water supply. However, if either of these check valves leaks, water will be released from the relief valve. When this happens, maintenance or replacement of the assembly is required.

WHERE CAN BACKFLOW ASSEMBLIES BE FOUND?

Backflow assemblies are typically found in commercial and industrial buildings, buildings three stories or more, multi-family residences, and homes where there is more than one source of water like untreated well water.

Marana is unique in that there are some neighborhoods in Gladden Farms and Rancho Marana where non-potable irrigation water is provided by the Cortaro-Marana Irrigation District (CMID), which requires a backflow assembly to prevent irrigation water from entering the potable drinking water system. These assemblies require annual testing to ensure the community water system is continually protected.

What are the customer responsibilities for the backflow?

The backflow must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester that is registered with Marana Water. The link below includes all registered testers. Failure to have the test completed could result in disconnection of the potable water until the test is done.

Who is responsible for having the backflow assemblies tested?

The person or company who is listed as the responsible party for the water service with Marana Water is responsible for the annual testing of the assembly by a certified tester. This person is also responsible for maintaining records of maintenance and backflow prevention requirements. All tenants should contact the landlord to see if backflow testing is covered in the lease agreement. Regardless of the rental/owner status of the home,  if the backflow assembly is not tested properly, it could lead to disconnection of the POTABLE water supply until the assembly is in compliance.

Be sure to check the chart below for the timing of each neighborhood's testing. For customers needing to get a backflow assembly test, click the link below for a list of testers certified with Marana Water.

how can i tell if my backflow test passed?

Customers who have contracted with a tester should be notified immediately, by the contractor, if their backflow passed. If there is a question as to the status of the test, please call our office at (520) 382-2570.

What to do when a backflow assembly fails.

If a failing test is received, the assembly should be repaired or replaced within 7 days of the failed test date. Contact a backflow tester to inquire if they provide repair services. The Tester Link above has all testers certified with Marana Water. If replacement is the only solution, a permit is required from Marana Water. The permit can be found by clicking here.

Permits must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the new assembly installation to schedule the required staff inspection. There is a $35 permit fee, and a passing test is required upon installation.

Is a backflow assembly always required?

Yes, for commercial and industrial customers, multi-family residences, and buildings over three stories. Additionally, connections to the system where an alternative water source is present, such as an untreated well water. Installation of a new backflow assembly requires the permit found by clicking here, and payment of the $80 new backflow assembly fee.

Residential disconnection of a backflow assembly.

Homes that are currently receiving non-potable irrigation water from CMID may disconnect from the non-potable system. The disconnection requires removal of 3-5 feet of non-potable irrigation line from the non-potable service. The non-potable service must be locked by CMID personnel. A final inspection is performed by Marana Water. By eliminating a second source of water to the home, the home is eligible to remove the backflow assembly if desired. If the backflow assembly remains installed, annual tests will not be required unless the non-potable service is re-connected. The following conditions MUST be met to complete disconnection from the non-potable system:

• Complete the disconnection permit found here. The process will not start until this permit has been submitted and the $40 inspection fee has been applied to the customer account

  • Indicate the preferred date for lock-off of the non-potable meter on the permit. Marana Water will confirm when the lock-off has been completed.

  • Once the non-potable service has been locked off, removal of the 3-5 feet of irrigation line may begin. This step is the responsibility of the homeowner. When completed, please contact Marana Water at (520) 382-2523 to schedule the inspection.

• If the customer wishes to connect their home irrigation system to the private potable water plumbing system, a permit is required from the Town’s Development Services Department. The permit type would be an “upgrade or new installation.” For more information on obtaining a permit, contact Development Services at (520) 382-2600. Marana Water does notify Development Services of homes requesting disconnection of the non-potable system, and failure to secure a permit could result in a fine.

In the event the customer wishes to reconnect the non-potable irrigation system, the following steps must be taken:

• If the backflow assembly was removed, an assembly must be installed, permitted ($80 fee), tested by a certified backflow tester and inspected by Marana Water personnel prior to CMID reconnect. The assembly will be scheduled for testing on its assigned development group date (this may require the assembly to be tested initially twice in one year) and will require annual testing thereafter.

• All assemblies installed at residences with second source irrigation water must be reduced pressure backflow assemblies (RPA).

• If the assembly was never removed from the home, Marana Water will inspect the original installation ($40 fee) and verify the serial number in the backflow database. A passing test, from a certified and Marana Water approved backflow tester, will be required prior to CMID reconnect. The assembly will be scheduled for testing on its assigned development group date (this may require the assembly to be initially tested twice in one year) and will require annual testing thereafter.

information for BACKFLOW assembly TESTERS

In order to be able to test backflow assemblies in Marana Water service area, we require a short orientation and there is a $30 fee to be added to the list. This fee is due at time of orientation for new testers. For existing testers, this fee will be assessed annually. Failure to pay the fee will result in removal from the certified backflow tester list.

Marana Water is in the process of transitioning to a new backflow testing database system, called SAMS X-Connection. The following link can be used to access the website:  https://crossconnection.njbsoft.com/TucsonUniversalPortal/SAMSLogin2FA.aspx

Registration on the site is required and can be done by clicking on the registration button:

• Please make sure you look at the training module. For the tester training, the real substance starts at the 21 minute mark.

• You will need letter codes to enter tests.  Please coordinate with your customers to get the codes. 

• You can update your backflow certificates and gauge information

Please forward all questions to Backflow@MaranaAz.gov . We will provide training on the new portal beginning in January 2021.