Cross Connection Program

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

An April, 2021 communication was sent to explain the Cross-Connection Control Program which requires that all commercial businesses, apartments, and churches install backflow prevention devices on all water connections to their property.

The purpose of the backflow prevention devices is to protect the City of Yerington’s water distribution system against the possibility of contamination or pollution from the customer’s private internal water system. The backflow prevention devices ensure that water does not flow back into the City of Yerington’s water distribution system causing a cross contamination.

Once the backflow prevention devices have been installed, an annual inspection report is required to be sent to City Hall.  In addition, the Public Works department will perform a site inspection once the report has been received.

Failure to install the devices within the required timeframe could result in the water being turned off until remedied. 

This program is mandated by both the federal and state governments. The City of Yerington was required to have this program in place by 1998. The Yerington City Council approved of the program but did not implement or adopt to the City Code. The requirements of the Cross-Connection Control Program comply with Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 445A.67185 through NAC 445A.67255 for Public Water Systems.

The City of Yerington adopted the Yerington – Backflow and Cross-Connection Policy 2021 at the September 27, 2021 City Council meeting.  A copy of the policy (also available in Spanish) can be found on the City website under Public Works / Cross Connection.  You can also request a paper copy be mailed to you by contacting Angela Moore at City Hall:  angelam@yerington.net or backflow@yerington.net. 

GRANT PROGRAM:

To assist with the expense of complying with this mandate, the Yerington City Council passed a motion to establish a Backflow Prevention Device Grant Program, not to exceed $150,000 funded from ARPA* funds. 

The purpose of the program is to assist commercial property owners with installation of backflow prevention device(s) for the safety and integrity of Yerington’s Water System.  Qualified recipients will receive 50% of expenditures (with a cap of $8,000) specifically for the installation and inspection of new (not replacement) backflow prevention devices at each water connection.  Devices must be installed by a certified, licensed (in the City of Yerington) contractor. 

The grant program includes everyone on the City of Yerington’s water system and not just within city limits.