Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Regarding Water Hardness

For water quality data for non-regulated parameters, such as pH, alkalinity, hardness, and conductivity, are provided on SPU's website at:

https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/services/water/water-quality/analyses

HOW DO WE KNOW HDPE IS SAFE?

                      How do we know High-Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE) is safe to use for Drinking Water?

What is HDPE pipe?

High-Density Polyethylene or HDPE pipe is a commonly produced, flexible plastic pipe made of thermoplastic high-density polyethylene widely used for low-temperature fluid and gas transfer. The strong molecular bond of HDPE pipe materials helps it to be used for high-pressure pipelines. HDPE plastic is one of the most versatile of plastics—used in everything from hard hats to house wraps—it's also widely recycled, in both its rigid form (e.g., containers), and flexible form (e.g., polybags). Polyethylene pipes have a long and distinguished service history for gas, oil, mining, water, and other industries. Due to the low weight and high corrosion resistance of HDPE pipes, the industry is growing tremendously.

What is HDPE made from?

HDPE pipes are made by the polymerization of ethylene, a by-product of oil. Various additives (stabilizers, fillers, plasticizers, softeners, lubricants, colorants, flame retardants, blowing agents, crosslinking agents, ultraviolet degradable additives, etc.) are added to produce the final HDPE pipe and components.

What is the history of HDPE pipe use?

In the year 1953, Karl Ziegler and Erhard Holzkamp discovered high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Solid-wall HDPE pipes began replacing metal pipes in oil and gas systems in the late 1950s. In the early 1960s, gas utilities started replacing failing iron pipes with HDPE pipes, and because of its success, 95% of all new gas distribution systems installed today use HDPE. Soon after, HDPE pipes began to be used in agricultural drainage systems. In the 1980s, HDPE began to replace metal and concrete in stormwater culverts. HDPE is the insulation coating on the overhead telephone and electrical lines. HDPE is the same substance used in bottle caps, reusable water bottles, plastic lumber, patio furniture, hula hoops…the list goes on and on.

Is HDPE pipe considered “Food Safe”?

HDPE pipe is a common industrial plastic that is highly utilized in modern applications. Federal Regulation oversees the use and service of HDPE. The FDA considers HDPE pipe to be “approved food grade - BPA Free” (aka ANSI/NSI 61) and is approved for potable water applications. The molecules of HDPE are more tightly packed and stable than other food-grade plastics, meaning less plastic can leach into your food. The safest food-grade containers/buckets made from HDPE have the #2 symbol stamped on them, which indicates the plastic is considered safe from any BPA leakage. There has been no evidence of any widespread health problems associated with the use of HDPE in food and beverage or drinking water applications.

Will Sunlight affect HDPE pipe?

Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that reduce the tensile properties of plastics with time. Usually, 3-5% carbon black is added to HDPE to make it UV resistant, which turns HDPE pipes black in color. HDPE pipe is installed in the ground, covered with at least 18” of ground cover, and not subjected to UV rays. This UV protection allows HDPE to be used in telephone and electrical wires that are consistently exposed to UV light, without any loss of tensile strength.

Will gasoline or wildfire affect HDPE pipes?

Gasoline does not adversely affect HDPE. The material does not soften or lose strength when exposed to gasoline. However, HDPE pipes will burn if exposed to an outside fuel source (i.e., gasoline). This could happen if there was a large fuel spill adjacent to the pipe. However, the fire would extinguish itself quickly due to the lack of an air supply and the fact that the pipe is buried.

Why did we choose HDPE pipe?

• The durability of HDPE is one of the benefits of HDPE. It has 100+ years of useful life.

• HDPE saves money because it is inexpensive compared to ductile iron pipe or copper. Currently, HDPE is less than half the cost of Ductile Iron Pipe.

• HDPE is superior to metals. It is lighter, flexible, and doesn’t fracture due to freezing.

• HDPE is efficient to produce. It requires less energy to fabricate, transport, and install than metal alternatives.

• HDPE won’t rust or fracture. It is resistant to corrosion and scaling.

• HDPE is rigid enough to hold its form over time, even in a seismically active area, and it is flexible enough to bend around corners and under creeks or streams.

• Installation of HDPE pipe is often “trenchless,” meaning that the new pipe can be pulled through the old pipe, and the road does not have to be “open cut.”

• 20-foot sections are joined using butt fusion, making a longer section of pipe that is effectively seamless.

• The seamless HDPE pipe is essentially leakproof and has a longer life than ductile iron pipe because there are no joints to slip or allow root intrusion.

• HDPE is better for our employees, too. It’s so light, one person can carry a 20- foot section, and it won’t break or hurt someone’s foot if it’s dropped!

• Using flexible HDPE typically means no ugly trenches or damaged driveways, streets, sidewalks, or landscaping. 

• Best of all, replacing old mains with HDPE saves you money! The design, purchase, and installation of HDPE are significantly more affordable than Ductile-Iron pipes. This means your water rates go further.

What about microplastics? Will using HDPE pipe cause me to be exposed to microplastics in my drinking water?

Microplastics are plastic pieces between one micrometer (one-millionth of a meter) and five millimeters in size. Nanoplastics are even smaller than one micrometer. 35% of all microplastics come from synthetic fibers (i.e., fleece) released during clothes-washing. Another 30% comes from car tires. Plastic breaks down over time, especially when exposed to the atmosphere and UV light for long periods of time. HDPE pipe is protected from breakdown by the black carbon that blocks UV light and the fact that the pipe is buried and not exposed to the atmosphere.

Wait, I have heard about plastic pipes before, don’t they break easily?

The polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe material introduced in the 1970s led to an unacceptable leakage rate. This type of pipe was prone to splitting and is not the same as the HDPE plastic pipe we use today.

Is there a situation where HDPE pipe is not a good choice?

HDPE pipes can work satisfactorily in a wide temperature range of -220 F to +180 F. However, the use of HDPE Pipes is not suggested when the fluid temperature exceeds 122 F (50 C).

Would you like more information on Trenchless Installation of HDPE?

Check out these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX5beh0ubGY&ab_channel=TrenchlessSolutions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiEeJ9fBHqc

Information for this FAQ has been collected from these resources:

See https://www.tengyuanpipes.com/

https://whatispiping.com/what-is-hdpe-pipe/

https://www.usplastic.com/

www.wikihow.com/Identify-Food-Grade-Buckets

The Plastics Paradox, Facts for a Brighter Future, Chris DeArmitt, PHD

 

How do I start a new service?

To start a new service, you have three options:

  1. Complete our online form
  2. Email us at info@kcwd90.com
  3. Call the District office at 425-255-9600

We prefer to have the online form filled out so we have your complete information and correct spellings and will set up your account based on the information you provide.

Regarding Current Lead Issue

What is the Pink Residue in my Bathroom?

Please click to open the form

Each year, a few Water District No. 90 customers call to ask about a slimy pink substance that sometimes forms in moist areas around their homes. They most frequently observe it in toilet bowls, on the surfaces in shower stalls, bathtub enclosures, in sinks, and in pet water dishes.

Red or pink-pigmented bacteria known as Serratia marcescens is thought to be the cause of the pink stuff. Serratia bacteria are common inhabitants of our environment and can be found in many places, including human and animal feces, dust, soil, and in surface water. The bacteria will grow in any moist location where phosphorous containing-materials or fatty substances accumulate. Sources of these substances include soap residues in bathing areas, feces in toilets, and soap and food residues in pet water dishes. Serratia can also grow in tap water in locations such as toilets in guest bathrooms where the water is left standing long enough for the chlorine residual disinfectant to dissipate. Serratia marsescens is not known to cause any waterborne diseases.

Once established, the organism usually cannot be eliminated. However, periodic and thorough cleaning of the surfaces where the pink slime occurs, followed by disinfection with chlorine bleach appear to be the best way to control it. Scrub the surfaces where phosphorus and fatty substances, or the bacteria accumulate with a brush and a household cleanser. Then disinfect the surfaces where the slime has formed with a strong chlorine bleach solution. Leave the disinfectant solution on the affected surfaces(s) for 10-20 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it away with clean water.

To control “pink stuff” in toilets, clean the bowl thoroughly and spray chlorine bleach into the bowl and under the bowl rim. Also, add ¼ cup of bleach to the toilet tank. Let the bleach stand for 15-20 minutes. After 15-20 minutes, flush the toilet a couple of times to rinse the disinfectant out of the tank and the bowl.

NOTE:

Bleach should not be left in the toilet tank for prolonged periods; it will damage the rubber valves and seals inside. Whenever a pink film starts to reappear, repeat the cleaning and disinfection process.

If you have further questions, contact our office at 425-255-9600 or email info@kcwd90.com.

FAQ Boil Order

How do I contact the District?

Address:

15606 S.E. 128th Street
Renton, Washington 98059

Office Hours:

Monday through Thursday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Friday available by phone or email 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Office closed for walk-in.

Phone Number: (425) 255-9600

Fax Number: (425) 277-4128

Email: info@KCWD90.COM

How can I turn off the water in an emergency?

All homes should have a shut-off valve located at the residence. However, if your home does not have one, you may (in an emergency), turn the water off at the water meter. Meters are generally located at the front of the property, near the road. The recommended tools to have on hand are a crescent wrench and/or a meter wrench which can be purchased at your local hardware store (approximately $15.00). Firstly, locate the valve (silver dollar-sized, brass-colored with a raised bar in the center). Place the wrench over the raised bar and turn it to the right until the “eyes” on the valve are aligned. Repair leak(s) and reverse the process to re-establish water service to the residence.

Can I turn my water back on myself?

Meters are maintained by the District, but in emergency situations, it is advantageous that the homeowner turn the water on/off. When turning the water back on, reverse the steps in the "How can I turn my water off in an emergency?" FAQ section. Turn the raised bar only ¼ turn counter-clockwise to bring the water back into the system slowly. Then open the valve all the way.

Can my water be shut off in a District emergency and will I be notified?

Yes. In the event that there is a planned shut down, the affected customers will be notified prior to the shut down. For customer convenience, our field crew will leave a door tag with the date and estimated down time. However, in the event of such a shutdown, customers should make sure that they do not operate dishwashers, washing machines and showers during the shut down period. However, there may be critical circumstances which would result in an unplanned shut down (e.g., an accident, main break, etc.). In this situation, there would be no notification to our customers. The main focus would be to repair and/or restore water service as quickly as possible with a minimum impact to our affected customers. Please note that customers can call our main phone number 24-hours-a-day for information and/or to report an emergency.

Does the water contain Fluoride?

Yes. The range of fluoride for all of the District’s water sources is between 0.8 and 1.2 parts per million (ppm). The average is 0.8 ppm. The EPA’s maximum allowable limit is 4.0 ppm.

How do I know the District's water is safe?

The District is committed to providing residents with a safe and reliable supply of high quality drinking water. SPU and private laboratories tests our water regularly using sophisticated equipment and state of the art procedures. We are proud to report that the water provided by the District meets or exceeds established State and Federal standards for appearance, safety and water-quality standards. Each spring the District sends a “Water Quality Report” to every customer. The report details the District’s water quality analysis for the previous year. It also includes additional health information, information for sensitive people, and a detailed list and quantity of all detected compounds.

What do I do if I own a RENTAL PROPERTY in the District?

If you are the owner of a rental, you must have an “Owner Account”. You will need to call the office and we will set one up for you. You will start receiving a duplicate copy of the renter’s bill, which allows you to know if your renter is making their payments.

When you know the date your renter is moving in or out, notify us immediately. We will schedule a meter read to close their account.  This can be done online under the Customer tab and "Start/Stop Service".  You will fill out the "Close an Account" form.

The District's fee is $25.00 to close an account. This fee is to cover field and office expenses involved to close an account.

Please note: We allow 30 days for the renter to pay the final bill before we transfer the balance onto an Owner Account if the balance remains unpaid.

You may call us to verify that the renter paid their final bill before you give back their deposit.  You may also request a final bill prior to giving back their deposit.

Please be advised, unlike any other utilities, Washington State Law requires that the “water service stay with the property” (ref. RCW 57.08.081). This means, if a renter vacates your rental property with an unpaid balance, after 30 days the Owner is ultimately responsible for the water bill.

What should I do if I leave the area for the winter, go on vacation or a temporary job assignment?

If you are planning to be away for an extended period of time, contact the District office to have the water shut off at the meter.

Inside your home, you should, shut off your hot water heater (at the circuit breaker) and open a hot and cold water faucet in the house and one outside faucet to drain the water system and leave faucets open.

To protect outside faucets from freezing, cover them with some type of insulation.

Make sure to let us know if you will be gone for over four (4) months so we can note your account and in some cases, we can put your account under a “non-use” rate. In that situation, we would need to have specific departure and return dates.

When you return, shut off all faucets and turn on the water at the meter. Open faucets one at a time to remove any air in the line. Turn the water back on in the house and check for any leaks by watching the water meter for movement.

What should I do if I plan to move?

If you are a homeowner or a tenant the procedure is the same. Simply go to the "Customer" tab, "Start/Stop Service" and fill out the appropriate form. We will need to know the closing date; new owner/tenant name (if known); and forwarding address information. If you are selling your home and going through escrow, the Escrow Company will usually fax a final bill request to our office. We encourage both the previous and new owner/tenant to call us.

When and where are the Board meetings?

The regularly-scheduled Board meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month, commencing at 4:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. If you have item(s) and/or concerns you would like included on the agenda, please contact the office during normal business hours. Your request must be received at least 48 hours prior to meeting dates.

Where does our drinking water come from?

The District purchases approximately 70% of its water from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). SPU draws its water from the Cedar and Tolt rivers. Additionally, 30% of our water is produced from our own well. The water you normally consume from KCWD 90 comes from the Cedar River and our well.

What if I have a complaint?

Any complaints or concerns should be directed to our District staff who will work with you in resolving your complaint and/or concerns. Unresolved complaints can be taken to the Board of Commissioners.

How can I pay my water bill?

Acceptable forms of payment are:

  • Check, money order, or cash in the office. 
  • KCWD90 Automatic Payment method a FREE service provided by the District. To download the form, go to the Forms Tab. Or you can fill out the form online under the "Customer" tab, "Online Forms" and "Free Auto-Pay - checking account only"
  • InvoiceCloud (Third Party) Payment Portal. You are able to pay online or over the phone. A $3.95 convenience fee for pay by phone or a $3.45 for online payment is added to your bill. You will need your seven digit account number and last name.  There is a maximum limit of $500 per transaction (including the fee).
  • US Mail directly to our office.
  • Automatic deducted from your checking account.
  • Drop-Box is located at the SE corner of the the District parking lot.

When is my bill due?

Water bills are due on the 15th of the month (or the Monday following the 15th if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday). Late charges are applied on the first business day of the following month. Late fees are 10% of your most current water bill.

What should I expect for an average bill?

There is a bi-monthly base charge for our residential customers of $70.90 as of January 1, 2023. The base charge includes the first 5 hundred cubic feet of water. One hundred cubic feet of water equals 748 gallons. Additional water usage will be billed according to actual consumption per one hundred cubic feet, based on the following schedule: 0-5 ccf's included in base rate, 6-15 ccf's $4.35 per ccf; 16-25 ccf's $5.00 per ccf; 26-35 ccf's $5.65 per ccf; 36+ ccf's $6.30 per ccf.

In June, July, August, and September of each year there is also a summer surcharge applied to all ccf's. As of January 1, 2023, the summer surcharge is $1.25 per ccf. 

How do I pay my water bill if your office is closed?

For your convenience, the District has two payment drop-boxes. One is located at the South East corner of the property and the other is located by the handicap parking spot, near our building entrance. All payments dropped off in the box will be posted to your account the following morning. Please, no cash in the drop box.

What if it is determined that I overpaid my account after I moved?

If you overpaid your water bill account, refunds are processed on approximately the 20th of each month. In the event that you are entitled to a refund, it is important that we have the correct forwarding information available.

When will I receive my water bill?

The District bills customers on a bi-monthly basis. Your bill should arrive during the first week of the month on either odd or even months. If you do not receive your bill, please notify the District office. Payments are due on the 15th of the month; failure to receive your bill is not an excuse for non-payment.

How is there a balance on my account if I just moved in?

Many new homeowners are not aware that water charges (unlike other utilities) are associated with the physical property rather than with the individual incurring the charges. What this means is that property ownership is transferred along with any unpaid balance to the new owner. When the District is notified of a change in ownership, a final bill is prepared. However, if the previous owner and/or tenant does not pay the final bill, the responsibility lies with the new owner.

Why is there a street light charge on my bill?

The purpose of this lighting is generally to enhance the night-time visibility of neighborhood streets and intersections. If street lights have been installed in your area, a street light charge may also be included on your bill or, if applicable, via your Homeowner’s Association. The District is billed by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and those charges are distributed evenly to all of our affected water service customers. The District does not maintain street lights. If you have an outage call PSE at 1-888-225-5773. Be prepared to provide the numbers on the light pole.

Why are PSE Street Light charges on water bills?

This is what we refer to as a "legacy" system. This practice went into effect in the "50's" when not every home was a customer of PSE. At the time, the most effective method to collect all of the funds was through the water Districts, which had connections to nearly everyone.

Leaks are a common cause of higher consumption than normal and higher than expected water bills. They can be along the service line from the meter to the residence or in the house. Your water meter may be your most useful tool in identifying water leaks on your property. Below are some directions on how to use your meter to check for a leak.

  1. Make sure no water is being used inside or outside of your house.
  2. Check your meter. Your meter screen is activated by sunlight or flashlight. The screen will flash between the "Reading" and "Rate" screens.
  3. The "Reading" is all water that has passed through the meter in its lifetime – measured in cubic feet. This is the reading used for billing purposes, except that the District bills in hundred cubic feet (we move the decimal point 2 digits to the left). You can calculate how much water is used in a given period by recording the reading at the beginning of the period and at the end of the period.
  4. The "Rate" is the amount of water (in gal /min) that is passing thru the meter at that moment. The "Rate" can be used for leak detection: if all water in the house is shut off and a rate is observed, this means that water is flowing through the meter. Since all water is shut off, there must be leaking somewhere in your system.
  5. There is a leak indictor faucet icon built into your meter that will either be flashing or on continuously if a leak has been detected. The flashing faucet indicates an intermittent leak occurrence over the past 24 hrs. The solid faucet indicates a continuous leak occurrence over the last 24 hours. Check the last digit on your screen to see if it is incrementing.
  6. After you have determined that you have a leak, the next step is to determine if the leak is inside or outside of your house.
  7. Locate your home's main shut off valve and shut off the water at the valve. Typically, you will find the shut off valve in the basement or garage directly behind an outdoor faucet, or outside below an outdoor faucet.
  8. Again, check the leak indicator or use the meter reading method, making sure not to use any water during this period. If the leak indicator stops moving or there is no change in the meter readings, then you have a leak inside of the house. If the leak indicator continues to move or there is a change in the meter readings, then the leak is outside between the meter and the house.

Costs related to locating and repairing are yours to bear irrespective of the outcome.  King County Water District 90 is not responsible for leaks after the water meter.  Service line and all interior fixtures are property of the homeowner. Therefore costs incurred for leak detection, contractor and/or plumbing charges are the homeowner’s responsibility.

If you have a leak in your main service line (the water line that runs from the meter to your house), you may qualify for a leak adjustment once the line has been repaired or replaced. 

Who is responsible for the leak?

The District's responsibility, as far as the water distribution system is concerned, ends at the water meter. The customer owns the service line from the meter to the residence. Repair of leaks along the service line or in the house are the customer's responsibility.

Will I be notified if I have a leak?

The District makes every effort to notify customers that a leak may be present. District Staff is "flagged" by the "Conintuous Flow Report", provided by Neptune 360, which notifies the District staff that there may be a leak at the customer's location. 

Notification of a potential leak by the District is considered a courtesy, and not a requirement. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to determine if their higher usage is due to a leak.

Can I get an adjustment for my water bill?

Since our community's water supply is limited and using it efficiently is of prime importance, we urge customers to repair all leaks promptly. To support our customers in this endeavor, the District offers a one-time leak adjustment (Review No. 6). Leak adjustments are applied to one billing period (two months).

However, if the same leak extends into a second billing period, a second leak adjustment can be considered. In no instance will a leak period longer than two billing periods (four months) be considered for adjustment.

How long do I have to repair my leak?

To qualify for the leak adjustment, leaks must be repaired within 30 days from the District’s leak notification or 30 days from the time the customer detects the leak.

What type of leak qualifies for an adjustment?

Leak adjustments are for leaks in the service line (from the meter to the house).

Leak adjustments are also available for irrigation/sprinkler systems, running toilets, faucets, water heaters, hoses, or other above-ground or in the home systems and will be considered on a case by case basis.

How often can I get a leak adjustment?

The owner is eligible for a one-time leak adjustment during the life of the user’s service line. A new owner is eligible for a one-time leak adjustment on the same service line even if the previous owner received one.

If a second leak is discovered and the owner replaces the total service line (meter to the house) a second adjustment can be considered once documentation and inspection by the District verifies the replacement.  There is a $50 charge for the inspection.

Please note, consideration to approve additional leak adjustments is on a case-by-case basis and is at the sole discretion of the General Manager.  The District will always send out a field tech to verify the leak has been repaired before issuing any leak adjustment and there will be a $50 charge for this inspection.

How do I qualify for a leak adjustment?

To be eligible for the leak adjustment, a customer's usage must be at least $50 above an average bill.

To initiate the process, the customer must complete the District's Leak Adjustment Request Form. A downloadable version is available the application from our Website in the Document Library > Applications section. Copies of receipt(s) from the plumber or contractor's work and materials used in the repair must be submitted along with the Leak Adjustment Request form.

Once the District office has received the request form, our field staff will verify that work has been completed and is no longer leaking.  There is a $50 charge for this inspection.

How is a leak adjustment calculated?

The leak adjustment is calculated by collecting the previous three-year consumption history (or the number of years of history available up to three years). This billing history is used to calculate an "average water usage" for the same billing period during the previous years.

The average water usage figure is then deducted from the leak water bill usage. Next, the cost of additional water purchased from Seattle Public Utilities is determined. Credit is calculated that is equal to the amount billed, less both the customer’s average consumption and the cost of additional water purchased by the District. The leak adjustment is then applied to the customer’s current bill, and a copy of the adjustment is sent to the customer.

Where do I start?

The first step is to find a plumber or contractor that can help you identify and fix the leak or plan to fix the leak yourself. The District encourages customers to call more than one contractor to get competitive quotes.  The District does have an email on how to use your meter to detect leaks and a list of contractors who help with leak detection/repairs that can be sent to you upon request.

What if I have more questions?

Stop by the office Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call (425) 255-9600, or email us at info@kcwd90.com.

List of Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies

https://fccchr.usc.edu/list.html

Where can I find additional information on the KCWD90 Cross-Connection Program per WAC 246-290-490?

King County Water District No. 90

Cross-Connection Control Program

Per WAC 246-290-490

https://www.kcwd90.com/forms/000161.pdf

What is a cross-connection (a.k.a. backflow)?

A cross-connection is a temporary or permanent connection between a public water system, providing drinking water, and any secondary system containing non-potable (undrinkable) water or other substances.

What causes backflow?

Backflow can be caused by a number of situations such as:

  • Fire fighting: The Fire Department hooking up to a hydrant to fight a fire, creating a dramatic increase in demand and pulling all available water toward the hydrant;
  • Main break: High water withdrawal lowering main pressure (e.g., an open hydrant or main flushing).
  • Reduced pressure: A reduction in water pressure on the suction side of a booster pump.

Why is backflow a problem?

Backflow into a public water system can pollute or contaminate that system; potentially causing that water to become unusable or unsafe to drink. Each water supplier has the responsibility to provide water that is usable and safe to drink under all foreseeable circumstances.

Why do I have to have a backflow device?

A backflow device is required in order to prevent contaminated water from entering the drinking water system.

Examples of customers requiring backflow devices are premises with:

1. Fire sprinklers or private hydrants

2. Mobile home parks and shopping malls

3. Fish and/or decorative ponds

4. Hot tubs and swimming pools (unless there is an air gap)

5. Irrigation systems

6. Service locations with dialysis machines, x-ray equipment or dental equipment;

7. Fire protection systems

How often do I have to have my backflow device tested?

The Washington State Law requires annual testing of your backflow device. In conformance with this State requirement, the District prepares letters to all affected customers and the letters are mailed out on or about May 1. Test results must be returned to the District no later than June 30. Any exceptions should be coordinated directly with the District office.