Consumer Services & Outreach
Backflow Prevention Assemblies
Backflow prevention assemblies are installed at a building's water service connection and require annual testing. For definitions and more information, please refer to DC Water's Cross-Connection Control Policy Manual (PDF 1.7 mb) .
Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention Assembly
A reduced pressure backflow prevention assembly protects against backpressure or backsiphonage and is required to meet the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) Standard 1013 or 1047. This assembly can be installed on a connection between a building's water service and DC Water's distribution system.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker
A pressure vacuum breaker assembly protects against backsiphonage and is required to meet the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) Standard 1020. This assembly is typically installed on lawn irrigation systems. Pressure vacuum breaker assemblies cannot be installed on a connection between a building's water service and DC Water's water distribution system.
Double Check Backflow Prevention Assembly
A double check backflow prevention assembly protects against backpressure or backsiphonage and is required to meet the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) Standard 1015 or 1048. This assembly can be installed on a connection between a building's water service and DC Water's distribution system.