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JEA is required to protect its potable water supply form the possibility of contamination. JEA will eliminate or control existing cross connections in the JEA jurisdiction, both actual and potential, between the customers’ plumbing fixtures, piping, and the public water supply.
Backflow is often initiated by accident or unexpected circumstances. Backflow can be partially controlled by good design, proper maintenance, and following the guidelines of the JEA Cross Connection Control Program.
The customer’s responsibility starts at the point of delivery from the public potable water system and includes all their water systems. The customer is required, at their own expense, to install, operate, test, and maintain approved backflow prevention assemblies. Installation of backflow preventers shall be installed by certified plumbers and tested by JEA Qualified Vendors. The JEA Qualified Vendors shall submit the test results to JEA on behalf of the customer. In the event of accidental pollution or contamination of the public or consumers’ potable water system due to backflow on or from customer’s premise, the owner shall promptly take steps to confine further spread of pollution or contamination and shall immediately notify JEA of the hazard.
JEA and JEA contracted vendors shall have free access to the premises of any user of its water supply for the purpose of inspecting, and/or testing the backflow device installed or to inspect the premise to determine if there are any cross connections. Devices shall be installed so that they are easily accessible for inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair.
In most cases, a cross-connection to the public water supply is eliminated by the presence of an approved backflow preventer. The following details the types of backflow prevention required on residential services.
If an in-ground irrigation system was installed prior to May 4, 2014, a DCVA may be used until January 2024 when every residential irrigation connection is mandated to be protected by a Reduced Pressure Zone Device.
DVCA
AirGap
Reduced Pressure Zone Backflow Assembly
1 DCVA is allowed in residential irrigation if the connection was established prior to May 4, 2014. (currently under review for RP requirement in JEA jurisdiction)2 RP is required if backpressure may exist, a pump is utilized, or chemicals are added to the residential irrigation system3 Residential dual check devices can be added if there is a customer agreement signed stating that no cross connection will be created from the reclaim system to the potable water system, or they are managed by a third party where the customer is prohibited from tampering with the facility’s potable water system, auxiliary water system, or reclaimed water system. Residential dual checks must be replaced every 5 years
Any device, equipment or situation not covered by this cross-connection control policy that may constitute a potential hazard will be examined for appropriate treatment by JEA's authorized agent.
Customers are responsible for testing devices at any premise where backflow preventers are required to be installed at their expense. Tests must be conducted by JEA Qualified Vendors The test results will be reported to JEA by the JEA Qualified Vendor. No test reports can be accepted from customers. Tests should be done according to the schedule code. The residential schedule codes are listed in the tables below. The minimum frequency for residential testing is once every two years.
*Reclaim customer notifications and the tester worklist will be sent in the month corresponding to the SA group that needs testing. Only an initial courtesy notification will be sent to customers before testing begins by the contracted tester.