Backflow Protection

Ensuring the Quality of Our Water

The sprinkler system that waters your grass is a potential risk to water quality. Why? A cross-connection occurs when a drinking water system is connected to another source, such as an irrigation system, without proper backflow prevention. This allows contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides, or bacteria to flow back into the drinking water system, posing a serious health risk. Both fire suppression systems and irrigation systems are direct connections to the water supply and must be properly safeguarded to prevent contamination. A quick explanation of cross-connection and backflow protection can be found here.

Examples of Backflow Prevention Devices:

Gorgoza Mutual Water Company’s backflow policy states that all systems must be protected against backflow. Backflow prevention is a required safety measure that must be installed and tested regularly to ensure proper function. Now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (which sets national drinking water standards) and the Utah Division of Drinking Water (which enforces state-level regulations) have established and are requiring enforcement of backflow prevention measures for all irrigation systems.

All Gorgoza Mutual Water Co. connections must be in compliance by December 30, 2026

How do you ensure you are compliant?

  • All irrigation systems must be equipped with a Reduced Pressure Principal Backflow Assembly (RP), the most effective backflow prevention for irrigation systems. Please be aware that regulations may differ between single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, and businesses. For properties with a single-family home, we will assume the presence of an irrigation system.
  • Your RP assembly must be tested annually. Certified testers will ensure the RP is functioning properly and will provide documentation for proof of annual testing.
  • Here is a list of Landscape Irrigation and Backflow Prevention Device Installers.
  • If you do not have an irrigation system or choose to remove it, please contact us to discuss the necessary documentation for exemption.

If your irrigation system does not have a properly installed and tested RP backflow prevention device by December 30, 2026, the following consequences may apply:

  • Water service disruption until compliance is verified.
  • Increased health risks due to potential contamination of the public water supply.

To avoid these issues, Gorgoza Mutual Water Co is mandating that your irrigation system is compliant before the deadline. Please provide documentation of installation and annual testing to gmwc@gorgozawater.com no later than December 30, 2026.

For more details on compliance requirements, visit gorgozawater.com, refer to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, or contact our office at 435-649-7948.

We appreciate your cooperation in safeguarding our community’s water supply.