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Welcome to our Cross Connection Control Program. 

The object of this page is to help you better understand our program.

Frequently Asked Questions
Rules & Regulations 

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If you are a Coop member and would like your backflow assembly tested by the
Garwood Water Cooperative, please call Bob Chandler at (208) 691-3428.

Cross Connection and Back Flow Device

Any physical arrangement whereby a public water system is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other non-potable water system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture,or other device which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage, or other waste liquid of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water system as a result of backflow. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or change-over devices, or other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because of which, backflow may occur are considered to be cross connections. Example Devices

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Who has to Comply?

Everyone. There is no business or residence that is exempt from complying with the Cross Connection program.

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How To Comply?    (deadline to test your devices is July 1st of each year) 

The Cross Connection Control Program is a relatively easy program to comply with. As the owner of a home, business, or any water connection within the Garwood Water Coop boundaries, you are responsible for adhering to Idaho State code for cross connections.  When Garwood Water Coop says they have a cross connection program, it means that as an Idaho Community Drinking Water System, we enforce the code set forth by our state.

 

If you are unsure what back flow threats may exist on your property, you can call us and we will help you determine if and what device may be needed. Every property of facility will be different.

 

Testable backflow devices must be tested by a certified backflow tester. After you have complied, your backflow tester must submit the signed testing data sheet to our secretary. Once you have complied, all you need to do is have your certified backflow tester revisit your property or facility each year and have your backflow assemblies tested, and the paper work passed on to us. The state code requires all backflow devices to be tested annually by a certified tester. If your property has no backflow needs, then there is nothing more for you to do until you decide to put in a sprinkler system or anything that requires a backflow device.

  • Why does this have to be done annually?
    This has to be done annually because backflow devices just like everything else do fail. The state requires that they be tested annually.
  • ​What if I don't have a sprinkler system?
    For the residences and homeowners in our system, the main compliance will be anti-siphon hose bibs and sprinkler systems. If your house is less than ten years old, chances are you already have anti-siphon hose bibs. If you don't have a sprinkler system, than your next concern will be the hose bibs on your house. If your hose bibs are not anti-siphon, an adapter can be purchased to screw on the end.
  • Who controls the costs involved in having our backflow devices tested?
    Unfortunately, the costs involved in having backflow devices tested rests solely on the shoulders of the testers doing it. Hopefully, with all community water systems completing backflow testing, the prices will stay competitive.
  • What if I refuse to comply?
    The State Administrative Code says this: Discontinuance of water service to any facility where suitable backflow protection has not been provided for a cross connection. Everyone that refuses to comply is only endangering themselves as well as the other patrons of the district.
  • How much does it cost to have backflow devices tested?
    The typical range of cost for having your backflow device tested ranges from $25.00 to $70.00. If your backflow device is need of repair, then you can expect to pay additional costs which will be different for each individual device. All of this will be determined of course by the certified tester that you contact.
  • How do I know if my property complies?
    If you are unsure of whether or not your property complies, you can contact a licensed tester and get a property evaluation, or you can call us and have us evaluate your property. If your property already complies, and you have no testable backflow devices that are needed, then you are basically done with the program until you decide to add something that needs a backflow device such as a sprinkler system.
  • ​For those who already have backflow devices, will we just simply be required to have them tested?"
    Yes. If you already have the proper backflow devices you will just need to have them tested annually by a licensed tester.
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