Cross Connection Control / Water Protection Program

The Cross Connection/Water Protection Program administers local, state and federal regulations to protect health and safety of the public water supply. Our program works to prevent cross connections by ensuring safeguards are in place to protect the public water system from contamination hazards. We also work to prevent unauthorized use or damage to fire hydrants to ensure constant fire suppression capabilities.

News

Lake Water Protection Program: The City of Austin recently revised rules for boats, marinas and shore facilities to ensure that sewage is managed appropriately and the City’s water supply is protected. The rules address permit requirements and other requirements related to boat sewage and sanitation facilities.
Water Wells Program: In 2012, the City adopted rules regulating water wells. These include registration requirements that apply in conjunction with the drilling of water wells, the installation of water well pumps and other closely related activities.

Special Program Areas

Backflow Prevention

The heart of our program is preventing backflows, events in which the flow of water is reversed and non-potable water or other substances are forcibly siphoned into the drinking water system. Austin Water administers a backflow prevention program in conjunction with federal, state and local codes to ensure that backflow prevention devices are installed and maintained where backflow may be a risk. Our program has minimum requirements for backflow prevention assembly (BPA) installation, testing, maintenance, and reporting.

Auxiliary Water Sources

Austin Water administers City, state and federal rules and regulations applying to auxiliary water sources (e.g., reclaimed water or well water) used with public water system service as these sources may not meet drinking water standards. Auxiliary water is any water, except drinking water, or a mixture of water and anything else from any source that is pressurized for use, treatment, or disposal on or available to a site served by Austin Water.

Temporary Water Service

There are strict rules regarding the use of any public or private fire hydrant and the Austin Water Utility provides tap permits for temporary fire hydrant meters for customers needing water for construction purposes. Typically, the meter will be installed on a designated fire hydrant or vehicle owned by the customer. Contact Austin Water's Taps office for applications and more information.

Private Fire Hydrants

Facilities with privately-owned fire hydrants are responsible for ensuring that they will work as designed for fire suppression. This involves meeting important testing and maintenance requirements.