Backflow Preventer Assemblies (BPA) Property Owner Installation Instructions

Step 1. Inform SCWA.

Contact the Cross Connection Control Program Coordinator, Aaron Wyley, in writing at wyleya@saccounty.gov to inform Sacramento County Water Agency (SCWA) of your decision to procure and install the Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) on your own.

Step 2. Hire a plumber.

Obtain quotes from companies licensed to perform this work. Contract your preferred company to start the permitting, coordination, and installation process, and adhere to Sacramento County Code (SCC) Chapter 6.30.120 Installation Requirements for BPAs.

Step 3. Select a BPA.

Your plumber may help you with this.

Ensure that the BPA you plan on using is listed on Environmental Management Department’s (EMD) approved device list.  See the Meter Location Sheet for BPA size. See notification from SCWA/EMD.

Step 4. Obtain a Permit.

Your plumber should help you with this. Obtain Building Permit from Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection (SCBPI) for Plumbing Projects. For questions, call (916) 875-5296.

a. Go to https://building.saccounty.gov/Pages/default.aspx

b. Click on “On-line Permits”

c. This will open another window for Permit Applications 

Login to begin the application process.

To create an account, click on “New Users:Register HERE”. Follow the registration instructions.

d. Apply to “MISC Plumbing Permit” and fill out proper information. There will be apermit fee.

Step 5. Install BPA and Complete First BPA Inspection.

Ensure that the BPA is installed in compliance with Sacramento County Standard Construction Specifications Section 41, Part 9 (SCS 41-9). SCS 41-9 states that your BPA must:

a. Comply with Standard Drawings 8-7 to install a Fire Protection device, Detail 8-8A to install a 1-inch to 2-inch BPA, 8-8B to install a 3-inch or 4-inch BPA, or 8-8C if you install a 6-inch or larger BPA. See Attachment 1.

b. The first of two inspections must be completed after the pipe and BPA is installed and before the underground pipe is covered with aggregate and/or concrete slab. Contact SCBPI by calling (916) 875-5296 or emailing a Commercial – Plumbing & Mechanical Inspector, munyona@saccounty.gov  or Terry Repstad  to set an appointment for the first inspection.

c. BPA must be located in lawn or planter areas and within 5 feet of the water meter. If conflicts occur and an alternate location is needed, the location must be approved by SCWA.

d. BPA must be tested by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester at the time of installation. This requirement is addressed in Step 6 of these instructions.e.Include an insulated, UV-resistant, protective cover (bag), appropriate for the assembly, and properly placed over the assembly.

Step 6. Test BPA.

The BPA must be tested at the time of installation to verify they work properly.

a. Contact an EMD registered tester from the Certified Backflow Prevention AssemblyTester list from Attachment 2 and have them test the backflow assembly. Oncethey test your assembly, the tester will place a blue-colored test tag on the backflowassembly. This tag will indicate to EMD that your assembly passed the field test.

b. The tester will then electronically submit the test data to the EMD Portal for CrossConnection Users. Have the tester send you a copy of the electronic test report; it includes the dateEMD received the compliance information. Please note it is the responsibility of theOwner/Operator that EMD receives the test reports within 20 days of the field test.

Step 7. Complete Final BPA Inspection.

The BPA must have a final inspection by a Sacramento County Building inspector to close the permit (Step 4).

a. Contact SCBPI by calling (916) 875-5296 or emailing a Commercial – Plumbing & Mechanical Inspector, Andy Munyon or Terry Repstadat to set an appointment for the final inspection.