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."
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.
For a list of certified backflow testers, please click here.
Ventura County Backflow Test Apps links for certified tester report submission:
Information for Backflow Testers:
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.
To submit an application to become a registered backflow tester, please visit our new website.
- Ventura County Citizen Access - Testers and Water Purveyors
- USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research
General Information and Public Resources:
- Backflow Testers Certified in Ventura County - PDF
- Cross-Connection Ordinance
- Cross Connections in the Home - PDF
- Backflow Preventers for Irrigation Systems - PDF
- How to Use the Cross-Connection Portal
- Frequently Asked Questions Page