Our program works to prevent cross connections by ensuring safeguards are in place to protect the public water system from contamination hazards. We also work to prevent unauthorized use or damage to fire hydrants so ensure constant fire suppression capabilities.
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Special Program Areas
Backflow Prevention The heart of our water protection program is preventing backflows, or water flow reversals where non-potable water or other substances is forcibly siphoned into the drinking water system. Austin Water Utility administers a backflow prevention program in conjunction with federal, state and local codes to ensure that backflow prevention devices are installed and maintained where backflow may be a risk. Our program has minimum requirements for backflow prevention assembly (BPA) installation, testing, maintenance, and reporting.
Auxiliary Water Sources Austin Water Utility administers City, state and federal rules and regulations applying to auxiliary water sources (e.g., reclaimed water) used with public water system service as these sources may not meet drinking water standards. Auxiliary water is any water, except drinking water, or a mixture of water and anything else from any source that is pressurized for use, treatment, or disposal on or available to a site served by Austin Water Utility.
Private Fire Hydrants Facilities with privately-owned fire hydrants are responsible for ensuring that they will work as designed for fire suppression. There are strict rules regarding fire hyrdrant use as well as testing and maintenance.
Temporary Water Service The Austin Water Utility provides tap permits for temporary fire hydrant meters for customers needing water for construction purposes. The meter will be installed on a designated fire hydrant or vehicle owned by the customer.
- Temporary Water Service Application (Fire Hydrant Permit Application): Adobe PDF
