News Flash

Covington Water District extends our sincere thanks to Commissioner Tal Weberg for over a decade of service on our Board. Since 2014, Tal has contributed a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and long-term stewardship of district resources. His practical experience, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to serving our constituents has made a lasting impact on our district. We are grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in his next chapter.

We are also pleased to welcome Kevin Broom, who will begin his term as Commissioner on January 1, 2026. A lifelong Covington area resident and licensed geologist with more than two decades of experience in program management, Kevin brings valuable technical expertise and a strong commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable water service. We look forward to working with Kevin as he helps guide the district’s future through collaborative leadership and environmental stewardship.

Please join us in thanking Tal for his service and welcoming Kevin to the Board.

Understanding Cross Connection

A cross connection is any actual or potential physical link between a public water supply—or a customer's plumbing—and a source of non‑potable water (liquid, solid, or gas) that could enter and contaminate the safe drinking water through backflow. To protect public health, Cross Connection Control requires installing certified backflow prevention devices wherever such a connection exists.

What Is the Cross Connection Control Program?

Under WAC 246‑290‑490, public water purveyors like Covington Water District must:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive cross-connection control program. 
• Eliminate or control all actual or potential cross connections with lawful authority, including local code enforcement. 

Covington's program requires:

• Registering every backflow prevention assembly installed at potential cross connections. 
• Annual testing by a certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) to ensure proper operation. 

This protects the public water supply and keeps systems compliant with state regulations. 

Types of Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Depending on the hazard level and presence of interconnections, different assemblies are required:

• Auxiliary Water Systems
  • If there's no connection to the District’s system, install Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVAs). 
  • If an actual interconnection exists, use Reduced Pressure Backflow Assemblies (RPBAs). 
• Fire Sprinklers & Irrigation Systems These typically require approved backflow prevention per District policies (specifics per system size and design). 
• Air Gaps In high-risk scenarios, a physical air gap may be required instead of mechanical devices. 

Utilities must evaluate each premise to determine suitable devices based on hazard assessment. 

Annual Testing & Compliance

To remain in good standing:

• All backflow devices must pass annual testing by a Washington-certified BAT. 
• Test reports must be submitted by July 31st each year (testing window: Jan 1–July 31). 
• Failure or missed testing may result in fines or service termination. 

Purveyor and Customer Responsibilities

Why It Matters

• Human Health Protection: Prevents contamination by backflow of hazardous or non-potable substances.
• Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with Safe Drinking Water Act, state WACs, and District policies. 
• Service Reliability: Maintains water quality consistency and safeguards the infrastructure.

Need Help? Contact Us!

The District thanks you for supporting this public health initiative. For questions or assistance, contact the Cross Connection Specialist at (253) 631-0565 or customer.service@covingtonwater.com