Backflow testing & repair in Mountain View, CA
Mountain View (Santa Clara County) gets its water from 2 suppliers, and the one on your water bill sets your backflow rules:
- City of Mountain View Water: City of Mountain View tests devices itself; we make minor repairs.
- California Water Service – Los Altos Suburban District: you hire a certified tester. We test, file the results with Cal Water Los Altos, and repair failed devices.
- County
- Santa Clara County
- Water suppliers
- City of Mountain View Water; California Water Service – Los Altos Suburban District
- Annual test
- City of Mountain View: the supplier tests and Cal Water Los Altos: owner hires a certified tester
- Our price
- $199 per device ($25 off for new customers), or from $180/year on a plan
- ZIP codes
- 94040, 94041, 94043
Rules for new and replacement devices in Mountain View
City of Mountain View
- City water staff conduct preventive maintenance on pipelines, valves, pump stations, backflow prevention devices and water meters.
Source: City of Mountain View backflow program (official page).
Cal Water Los Altos
- Only approved, testable backflow prevention assemblies may be installed at the water meter.
- Air gaps must also be inspected every year.
- The assembly installed must be the type Cal Water’s local cross-connection specialist specifies.
Source: Cal Water Los Altos backflow program (official page).
Installing or replacing a device takes a licensed plumbing contractor, usually with a permit. We can refer you to one we trust, test the new device once it’s in, and make minor repairs to existing ones.
Backflow questions from Mountain View property owners
Which water supplier serves Mountain View?
Mountain View is split between City of Mountain View Water and California Water Service – Los Altos Suburban District. Your water bill names your supplier, and its notice sets your backflow rules.
Who tests backflow devices for City of Mountain View customers in Mountain View?
Mountain View’s Water Division handles backflow prevention devices with its own staff, so customers don’t hire a tester for the annual test.
Who tests backflow devices for Cal Water Los Altos customers in Mountain View?
Property owners are responsible for their backflow assemblies, which Cal Water requires to be inspected and tested every year by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester.