Cross-Connection Control & Backflow Prevention
A cross-connection is a connection between a drinking water supply and a source of pollution or contamination. The undesirable reversal of flow that may allow entry of pollutants and contaminants into the drinking water supply is called “backflow.”
General Backflow Information
To ensure drinking water supplies are protected from contamination, Cross-Connection Control Program staff inspect commercial facilities, industrial buildings, irrigation systems, and water distribution systems for proper installation and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies. Additionally, staff monitor the installation, repair, and annual testing of over 19,000 backflow prevention assemblies installed on distribution systems operated by public water purveyors throughout the County.
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) to become effective July 1, 2024. The primary objective of the CCCPH is the protection of public health through the establishment of standards intended to ensure a public water system’s (PWS) drinking water distribution system will not be subject to the backflow of liquids, gases, or other substances. The CCCPH and its standards apply to all California PWSs, as defined in California’s Health and Safety Code (CHSC, section 116275 (h)). Compliance with this CCCPH is mandatory for all California PWSs.
Water users are responsible for the annual testing and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies to ensure their proper operation. All backflow tests submitted to this Division are public record available on Ventura County Citizen Access. For a tutorial on how to use this tool, please contact VCEHD staff.
Certified Backflow Tester Information
The VC Environmental Health Division (VCEHD) has made revisions to the Backflow Assembly Testing Program in accordance with the adoption of the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH).
Effective July 1, 2024 all active Ventura County backflow tester certifications have been extended through July 1, 2025.
After July 1, 2025 we will require all backflow testers in Ventura County to have a valid ANSI-accredited organization certification (e.g. AWWA) and a valid registration with VCEHD. The Ventura County hands-on backflow test is no longer required. To register with this Division, please complete the form below. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Ventura County Backflow Test App
To begin the VCEHD backflow tester registration process, complete the application below.
Please note: you will be required to submit a copy of your ANSI-accredited organization certificate (e.g. AWWA, etc.) and a gauge calibration report along with your application. Your certification must be current and your gauge calibration report must be from within the last calendar year or your application will be rejected.
Backflow Tester Registration Form
This application is to be submitted by backflow testers to be registered for backflow test reporting to VCEHD.
Report Change of Backflow Ownership
Backflow Change of Ownership
This is a form to report change of backflow ownership to VCEHD.
"*" indicates required fields
Frequently Asked Questions
A backflow prevention assembly must be tested by registered backflow prevention assembly tester. The complete list of testers registered with VCEHD can be found by following this link.
VCEHD cannot make recommendations for specific backflow prevention assembly testers. All registered testers have demonstrated competency to an independent ANSI-accredited organization recognized by the CA State Water Resources Control Board.
However, if you would like to know who tested your backflow most recently that information can be found on Ventura County Citizen Access or by contacting program staff.
Paper test forms are no longer accepted for annual backflow assembly test reporting.
All test reports are to be submitted digitally through Ventura County Citizen Access or the Ventura County Backflow Test app by your certified backflow tester.
Did you receive a notice for a backflow you are no longer responsible for? Use the “Report Change of Backflow Ownership” form in the tab above.
Did you install a new or replacement backflow prevention assembly? Backflows must be tested upon installation, replacement, repair, or relocation and at a minimum annually thereafter. To report a new installation or a replacement, please have your backflow tested by a registered backflow prevention assembly tester. Backflow testers may submit new and replacement information via Ventura County Citizen Access or the Ventura County Backflow Test app.
Ventura County:
Ventura Community College
Water Science V16 Course – Water Quality Protect and Control
Los Angeles County:
University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research
Backflow Tester Training Course & Cross-Connection Control Specialist Course
Throughout California:
California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA)
With the July 1, 2024 adoption of the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, VCEHD is no longer certifying backflow testers. Backflow testers must be certified by an ANSI-accredited certifying organization recognized by the CA State Water Resources Control Board (e.g. AWWA, etc.).
To obtain a list of certifying organizations, please contact the SWRCB.
To register with VCEHD, you will need to complete the registration application located in the “Certified Backflow Tester Information Tab.” you will need to provide pdf copies of your valid certification and proof of gauge calibration performed within the last 12 months.
Your backflow tester registration will be entered to remain valid as long as your backflow tester certification. To re-register, you will need to resubmit the “Backflow Tester Registration Form” located in the tab above, including a valid certification and a gauge calibration report. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
The VC Environmental Health Division (VCEHD) has made revisions to the Backflow Assembly Testing Program in accordance with the adoption of the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). Due to these changes, the VCEHD will no longer offer or require refresher courses from testers looking to re-register with this Division.
Registered applicants are responsible for maintaining the continuous validity of all necessary licenses and certificates. Failure to keep these credentials current may lead to the invalidation of their VCEHD backflow assembly tester registration.
Contact Us
General Questions
EHDBackflow@ventura.org
(805) 654-2436
Ron Ventura
Program Manager
Ron.Ventura@ventura.org
(805) 654-3519
Kenneth Drake
Program Technician
Kenneth.Drake@ventura.org
(805) 654-3634
