Cross Connection Control – City of Sumner

Cross-Connection Control is the City of Sumner’s frontline defense against drinking water contamination. A cross-connection happens when a non-drinking water source- like a garden hose, irrigation system, or industrial equipment- connects to the clean water supply. Without proper safeguards, this can allow pollutants or harmful substances to flow backward into the water system.

One backflow event can impact the entire water supply. If contaminants enter the system, they can spread quickly and affect homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses.

Whether you’re a property owner, business, or part of a water utility, Cross Connection Control is a shared responsibility. It ensures that when you turn on the tap, that the water is safe, clean, and reliable – for everyone in your community.

Our Program Goals

Protect Public Health and Safety
We work to keep your drinking water clean and safe. By identifying and preventing cross-connections, we help ensure contaminants never enter the water system.
Meet State and Federal Regulations
Our program follows all required laws and standards for drinking water protection. We take compliance seriously to maintain the community’s trust and meet the highest safety expectations.
Increase Community Awareness
We provide information and resources to help residents, businesses, contractors, and property owners understand how to prevent cross-connections. Everyone plays a role in protecting our water.
Test and Inspect Backflow Prevention Assemblies
Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested regularly. We track testing and inspections to make sure they are working properly.

Program Authority

A municipal cross connection program is required by the Washington State Department of Health and statutory authority for these programs is provided in the Washington Administrative Code. Additional information can be found by clicking on the links below.

A Word About Devices

All Backflow Prevention Devices to be used in the City of Sumner must be from the list of approved backflow prevention assemblies list found on the Washington State Department of Health Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention webpage linked above. Common devices used include:

Device	Description	Examples
RPBA – Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly	Uses two independent check valves and a pressure relief valve to create a reduced pressure zone between them. Used in situations where there is a high health hazard.	Commercial irrigation, Medical Facilities, Chemical and Industrial Plants, Morgues and Mortuaries, Wastewater Treatment Plants, Any Location Connected to the Public Water system such as a well, and Certain Fire Suppression.
DCVA – Double Check Valve Assembly	Has two independent acting check valves, shut off valves, and test cocks. Used in situations where there is a low health hazard.	Fire Sprinklers systems, Lawn and garden irrigation, commercial and industrial uses (pools, hot tubs, carbonation or boiler equipment), and Residential applications (like well connection), or to protect from hot tub or spa.
PVBA / SVBA – Pressure or Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker	PVBA has a check valve and air inlet valve. SVB is suitable for indoors with a design that closes the air inlet before the check valve opens. Used for systems with multiple zones supplied by the public water system and includes high hazard facilities.	Wastewater Treatment Plants, Morgues and Mortuaries, Hospitals Medical centers and Veterinary clinics, Laboratories, Chemical and Metal plating plants.
AG – Air Gap Preventer	Physical separation between water flows back into a safe water supply. Used where there is a high health hazard.	Agricultural operations (farms, dairies, and marijuana production), Beverage bottling plants, Car washes, Chemical plants, Commercial laundries and dry cleaners, Food processing plants, Hospitals, medical centers, and clinics, Laboratories, Metal plating industries, Mortuaries, Petroleum processing or storage plants, Piers and docks, Radioactive material processing plants or nuclear reactors, Wastewater treatment plants.

Premises with specific cross connections – Agricultural operations farms, dairies, marijuana production. Carwashes and commercial laundry, food processing plants, beverage bottling plants and breweries, Premises with an unapproved auxiliary water supply, and commercial buildings exceeding three stories.

Forms and Submissions

Please Submit All Updated BAT Test cards, New BAT Testers, Test Kits, and Location Test Reports in Tokay. If you need any assistance with Tokay, please contact backflows@sumnerwa.gov.

If you are Late for your Backflow Test Report, Please Contact Us.

Contacts

City of Sumner Public Operations Department
Email: backflows@sumnerwa.gov
Phone: (253) 299-5740
Contact: Kyla Rogers
Cross Connection Specialist | Administrative Assistant OPS