What type of backflow prevention assemblies are allowed in irrigation systems?
For those irrigation systems connected to the JCSA potable water system, the appropriate protection is a Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) backflow prevention assembly. A Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) may be used for service protection if the JCSA potable water service is the sole source of supply to the premises or property, if it is used strictly for irrigation, and there is no means or potential for backpressure (IE: PVB’s protect against backsiphonage only). Any irrigation system that has a means to introduce chemicals into the JCSA potable water system shall always be protected against backflow by a RP backflow preventer. Approved backflow prevention devices and assemblies are those that meet AWWA standards, and are approved by ASSE and the USC-FCCC (University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research). *** Please note that Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA) are not allowed in irrigation systems. Irrigation systems are considered as a “
