Denver Water Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

Denver Water’s Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program is designed to safeguard the public water supply from potential pollutants and contaminants that could inadvertently enter the system from private properties.

To ensure this protection, all commercial, industrial, domestic, irrigation, and fire line services are required to have an approved backflow prevention assembly in place. For multi- and single-family residences, the need for such assemblies is determined based on the specific site hazards. Additionally, any customer with an auxiliary water source, such as a well or pond, is required to install and maintain a backflow prevention assembly.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment oversees the quality and standards of drinking water. Denver Water’s obligations for cross-connection control and backflow prevention are outlined in the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations (Regulation 11).

Customers are also required to have their backflow prevention assembly tested upon installation and then annually by a certified tester. All test results must be reported to Denver Water’s Cross-Connection Control office, with reports submitted to crossconnectioncontrol@denverwater.org.