Cross-Connection Control Specialist and Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Services for Cross-Connection Control Program Support

Zone 7 Water Agency desires to hire a qualified and reliable consultant with Cross-Connection Specialist and Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certifications to support implementation of the Agency’s Cross-Connection Control Program (CCCP). The selected Consultant will conduct annual and as-needed testing, repairs, and/or replacements, of backflow devices. New devices may need to be installed as needed. Additionally, the Consultant will perform state-required hazard assessment of new or significantly modified backflow devices. The Consultant will also assist in revising the CCCP Implementation Plan as needed and develop new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CCCP related tasks such as backflow testing and incident response.

The selected Consultant shall have at least five years of cross-connection control experience in California and have performed hazard assessments and backflow prevention assembly testing that meet the requirements of California’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). Additionally, the Consultant must hold valid Cross-Connection Control Specialist and Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certifications from certifying organizations recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), such as the American Water Works Association California-Nevada Section (CA/NV AWWA).

Proposals must be submitted through the E-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/zone7water , no later than 1 p.m. on August 25, 2026.

On December 19, 2023, the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). The CCCPH became effective on July 1, 2024, and replaced Title 17, the original statute governing cross-connection controls, on January 1, 2025. The purpose of the CCCPH is the protection of public health through the establishment of standards to protect the public water system’s potable distribution system through the prevention of any potential backflow or back-siphonage of water from end-user sources back into the potable distribution system. The Agency falls under the CCCPH definition of a Public Water System and is subject to the CCCPH requirements. In order to provide a safe and reliable supply of water for the Tri-Valley area, the Agency submitted a plan in compliance with all the elements to the SWRCB on July 1, 2025. This plan may require revisions if requested by the SWRCB.

The Agency currently has twenty air gaps and ninety-one backflow prevention assemblies in its water system. The Agency owns all backflow prevention devices within its facilities. The Agency’s retail customers are responsible for managing their own cross-connection control programs. The Agency has water supply contracts with its direct customers that allow access and testing of all backflow prevention devices.