April 23, 2025
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Crystal Clear Special Utility
District (CCSUD) Rules and Regulations require that all properties and private water
distribution facilities, for which CCSUD provides water service, have a Customer
Service Inspection (CSI) on file with their water purveyor. This is to ensure compliance
with the state required Minimum Acceptable Operating Practices for Public Drinking
Water Systems. A CSI is required within 30 days from the start of service, or upon a
written request from CCSUD. In order to determine if you have one on file, please
contact the CCSUD Office at 2370 FM 1979, San Marcos, Texas 78666 or call (830)
372-1031.
Changes to the Crystal Clear Special Utility District’s Cross Connection Control Program.
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is a connection between a potable drinking water supply and a possible source of contamination or pollution. Under the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established national standards for safe drinking water. Each state is required to enforce the various regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act and how it relates to its state laws.
In order to meet these provisions, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on January 1, 1996, enacted a state law which requires the public water suppliers to implement and enforce the Cross Connection Control Program requirements located in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Chapter 290 of the Rules and Regulations for Public Water Suppliers.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow in a potable water distribution system. Water that is always under pressure can only flow in one direction. You may ask, then how can water flow in reverse ? Water will always flow towards the point of lowest pressure. If a water main were to break or if the fire department opened several fire hydrants to help fight a fire, the pressure in the water main could drop. The demand upstream could cause a reversal in flow.
Cross connections and the possibility of backflow need to be recognized so they do not occur. A garden hose submerged in a hot tub, swimming pool, car radiator or attached to an insect/fertilizer sprayer could siphon the liquid back into the water main. Water from an irrigation system could also be siphoned back into the public water supply.
Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to protect the public water system from these types of concerns.
Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies
All backflow protection assemblies must be tested upon installation, repair or relocation. Because backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical devices that will degrade over time, all backflow assemblies should be tested annually to ensure they are in working order.
The Crystal Clear Special Utility District has chosen to partner with Vepo, LLC to allow for the online submission of Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Reports. All testing information will be entered directly by the tester into the online password protected system provided by Vepo, LLC. Testers will no longer be able to submit paper test reports directly to the Crystal Clear Special Utility District.
Finding or Becoming a Registered Tester
All Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers (BAPTs) are required to register with Vepo, LLC. Upon registration and verification of license, insurance, and test for accuracy reports, the tester will be added to the approved list of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers.
Note: Backflow prevention assemblies on fire protection sprinkler systems are required by the State Fire Marshall to be tested and/or repaired by a BPAT who is a full-time employee of a fire protection sprinkler company that is licensed with the State Fire Marshall's Office.
Click on a link below to find a BPAT registered to work in your water service company.
https://www.vepollc.com/save_bpats.aspx?wid=1162
Click here to download a Quick Start Guide with information on how to become a registered BPAT.
https://www.vepollc.com/save_bpats/Quick%20Start%20Guide.pdf
***IMPORTANT NOTICE***
It has been brought to CCSUD’s attention that there have been individuals (not associated with CCSUD) offering virtual BPAT/CSI testing. If you encounter one of these individuals, please note that these are not acceptable and CCSUD kindly asks that you report them immediately directly to the CCSUD Office. In addition, if you have already paid for and received a virtual completed test, please contact our office for further instruction during normal business hours. CCSUD Office (830) 372-1031.
