Westminster's Cross-connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program requires approved assemblies on commercial, industrial, irrigation and fire line services, assesses homes by site hazard, and calls for tests at installation and every year by a certified tester, with results sent to the city. For a test, repair or new assembly, call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Westminster.
Backflow on Westminster water
The City of Westminster runs its own water system, with Standley Lake as its only source and chloramine as the disinfectant. Its cross-connection program requires approved assemblies on commercial, industrial, irrigation and fire line services, and single- and multi-family homes are assessed by site hazard. Homes with a well or a pond, which the city treats as an auxiliary water supply, must install and maintain assemblies. Every assembly is tested when installed and every year after by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester, and results go to the city's Cross-connection Control team at 303-658-2477 or [email protected].
What to do now
- Read the notice. If the city sent a reminder, note the due date and the assembly listed.
- Find the device. On a home, look where the irrigation line leaves the house or in a box in the yard.
- Check for leaks. If it's spraying or dripping, close the irrigation supply valve.
- Gather details. Write down the make, model and size from the body.
- Book a certified tester. Ask whether they'll send results to the Cross-connection Control team.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Steady discharge from the relief port | Fouled or worn first check, or a relief valve problem |
| Water around the base of the device | Freeze crack or loose fitting |
| Weak sprinkler zones in spring | Partly closed shutoff or debris in a check |
| Failed test with no visible leak | Worn rubber or weak springs inside |
| Water heater relief valve drips after a device was added | Thermal expansion in a closed system |
What affects cost
- Test only or repairs. A clean pass is quick; rebuilds add parts and a retest.
- Assembly type. Reduced pressure assemblies take more time than double checks.
- Freeze damage. A split body usually means a new assembly.
- Well or pond connections. Adding a required assembly where none exists is new installation work.
- Permits. The Westminster Building Division permits plumbing modifications and underground water line work through eTRAKiT.
With a median build year of 1987, many Westminster homes around Standley Lake and along US 36 have irrigation from the original build, and those devices are reaching the age where rubber parts give out.
Backflow Testing questions in Westminster
My property has a private well. Where does backflow fit in?
How often does a backflow assembly need to be tested here?
Where do the test results go once the test is done?
Does an ordinary single-family house need annual testing?
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