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Cross-Connection Control / Backflow Prevention

The Town of Estes Park Water Division is committed to providing high-quality, safe drinking water to residents and visitors of Estes Park. Recognizing that health and well-being are important and directly related to good water, water quality is monitored closely from the time water first enters the treatment plants to the time it exits a water faucet. It is for these reasons the Water Division has implemented the Cross-Connection and Backflow Control Program.
 
Following is a list of certified cross-connection control technicians recognized by the State of Colorado to test, inspect and repair backflow devices. These companies have provided the Town of Estes Park Water Division with current copies of certificates, test equipment calibration certifications, and certificates of liability insurance. The Town of Estes Park provides this list for convenience and does not imply endorsement or assurance of the quality of service. As with any business transaction, always ask questions upfront and be informed.
                                     
Company / Technician Name Contact Number
AJ's Backflow Testing 970-352-3090
Call Mike Plumbing and Heating 970-443-8826
Curtis-Straub Plumbing and Heating/Daniel Ertl 970-586-1758
Ertl Mechanical / Karl Ertl 970-586-0265
Estes Park Plumbers 970-586-3698
Estes Valley Cross Connection 970-980-8626
Everest Mechanical 970-586-0970
Fire Inspection Services 303-432-8370
Freedom Fire Protection, LLC 303-827-2060
JD's Service Company LLC 970-586-4937
Lind's Plumbing and Heating Inc 970-221-1735
Mountain Valley Plumbing 970-586-1085
Schwab Plumbing 303-586-2810
Total Fire protection West 970-613-1370
 
Once the work has been completed on a backflow device, be sure to obtain a copy of the test results and keep it on file for three years. The technician should submit a copy to BSI Online. If a CCN number is needed please email bsionline@backflow.com or call 1-800-414-4990. If a copy of the test results is not submitted, a second notice will be sent out stating that the required test work still needs to be completed.
 
The State of Colorado has deemed it necessary to shut off water service if backflow assemblies have not been tested within 90 days of their due date. 
 
Please keep in mind that work performed on fire suppression systems by a contractor requires specialized knowledge, certification, and registration with the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety. In this case, please be sure that any contractor utilized has the proper qualifications.
 
For more information please contact 970-577-3632 or backflow@estes.org.

 

What is a cross-connection?

A cross connection is a connection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source, where a contaminant potentially could enter the drinking water supply. Cross connections should be protected by a valve called a backflow prevention assembly (BPA).

What is backflow?

Backflow is the reverse flow of water, other liquids or gas into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any unintended source. An unfortunate example of backflow occurred in 1979 in Virginia when a routine visit by an extermination company connected highly toxic insecticide chemicals barrels up to the water lines in a homeowner’s residence. The local water company was working on a water main line break and flushed their hydrants to clear the repaired mainline. The chemicals were back siphoned into the house and into the city’s water main. Testing of the supply lines showed levels five times higher than safe for consumption for six days after the incident.

What is a backflow prevention assembly (BPA)?

A backflow prevention assembly is a device that allows the water to flow only in one direction and prevents a pipe or device connected to the water supply line to allow water to flow back into the municipal supply system.

What types of BPA does the Town of Estes Park require?

In general, the Town requires Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) type backflow prevention assemblies at all commercial, industrial, non-single-family-residential service connections and on irrigation lines. There are some exceptions to this requirement.

What are the requirements for installing BPAs?

The Town regulations require BPAs to be installed after the service connection (water meter) and before any plumbing branches. This is known as “containment” protection and protects the town’s water supply line from potential contaminants found in a commercial, industrial or multi-family residential facility.

Who does the annual testing of the BPAs?

BPAs must be tested by a certified backflow assembly testing technician, who holds a current certification from either the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) or the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE).

What if the failed BPA is not repaired and retested or replaced?

Failure to comply with this requirement could result in removing the cross-connection or suspending water service until compliance is achieved.

I have an irrigation system, hot tub, or other potential hazard installed at my private residence, am I required by the Utilities Department to install a BPA?
At this time, the CDPHE does not require the Town to monitor single-family residences.  In most cases, residential hazards are protected upon installation by the plumbing code. If you know you have an unprotected hazard at your single-family residence, you are strongly encouraged to protect it with a BPA and keep it up to date with annual testing for your own protection within your private plumbing system.

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