How Do I File for an Exemption from Backflow Prevention Regulations?

Exemptions are rare—but not impossible. Most water purveyors in Orange County require a backflow prevention device whenever there’s a credible cross-connection hazard, as mandated by California Title 17 and local service rules.

What you can sometimes obtain is a conditional waiver, variance, deferral, or a reduced protection determination based on a documented low-risk scenario.

Below is a practical, step-by-step guide from Atlas Backflow Services on how to approach an exemption request—and what our backflow maintenance Orange County technicians recommend to improve your chances.

As of Monday, October 06, 2025 UTC, requirements are actively enforced and vary by purveyor. Always verify with your specific water supplier.

What “Exemption” Really Means in Orange County

Agencies may use different terms:

• Exemption/Waiver: A formal approval to forgo a device, usually temporary or conditional.

• Variance: Permission to use an alternative protection method or device type.

• Deferral: A time-limited delay to install the device (e.g., during construction).

• Grandfathering: Continued operation of an older setup until a triggering event occurs (ownership change, tenant improvement, hazard change).

In practice, true full exemptions are rare. Most outcomes are either a variance (e.g., RP to DCVA in proven low-hazard situations) or a deferral with conditions.

Our backflow maintenance Orange County technicians recommend planning for a device unless your site has a strong, documented case.

Who Decides? Start With Your Water Purveyor

Backflow decisions are made by the water purveyor—not the contractor, building department, or the fire marshal alone.

In Orange County, this could be your city utility or a district such as Irvine Ranch Water District, Santa Margarita Water District, Moulton Niguel Water District, Mesa Water District, City of Anaheim Public Utilities, City of Santa Ana, Golden State Water, or Yorba Linda Water District, among others.

Each has its own:

• Cross-connection control policy

• Device lists and installation standards

• Forms for waivers/variances and annual testing

Before you file, our backflow maintenance Orange County technicians recommend confirming your exact purveyor and downloading their latest forms and service rules.

Step-by-Step: How to File for a Backflow Exemption or Variance

1. Clarify Your Service and Hazard

2. Identify the service type (domestic, irrigation, fire, process water).

3. Inventory any chemicals, boilers, carbonators, reclaimed water adjacency, medical/dental equipment, or fertilizer injection.

4. Note pipe sizes, flow demands, and potential for backpressure.

5. If any high-health hazard exists, expect an RP or air gap to be required.

6. Study the Rules

7. Review your purveyor’s cross-connection control manual, approved device list, and submittal requirements.

8. Understand state standards (California Title 17) and industry references (USC FCCCHR Manual, AWWA M14).

9. Our backflow maintenance Orange County technicians recommend taking notes on what your purveyor considers “high hazard” versus “non-health hazard.”

10. Request a Pre-Application Call or Site Meeting

11. Ask for a preliminary review with the purveyor’s cross-connection specialist.

12. Present your service description and why you believe a waiver or variance is justified.

13. Clarify whether they allow internal isolation in lieu of containment (many do not).

14. Build a Strong Submittal Packet

    
    

    Typical documents include:

15. Site plan showing service entrance, proposed device location(s), drains, and access clearances

16. Plumbing/piping schematics and fixture inventory

17. Operational description (what the water serves, any additives, closed-loop details)

18. Photos of the existing setup and surroundings

19. Hazard analysis and mitigation plan (e.g., dedicated air gaps, physical separation, backflow at points-of-use)

20. Maintenance and monitoring plan (testing, logs, training)

21. Any supporting letters (e.g., from fire authority for sprinkler additives/no additives)

22. File the Request and Pay Any Fees

23. Use the purveyor’s official waiver/variance form.

24. Submit all required attachments in the format they prefer (PDFs, plan sheets).

25. Keep copies and track submittal dates; some agencies have response SLAs.

26. Prepare for a Site Survey

27. The purveyor may conduct a cross-connection survey.

28. Be ready to provide access and answer detailed questions about processes and equipment.

29. Our backflow maintenance Orange County technicians recommend having SDS sheets and manufacturer data on hand for any treatment chemicals or equipment.

30. Receive the Determination (and Conditions)

    
    

    Possible outcomes:

31. Approval with conditions (e.g., point-of-use devices, monitoring, signage, annual re-evaluation)

32. Alternate device type allowed (variance)

33. Temporary deferral with a compliance deadline

34. Denial, with a requirement to install a specific assembly

35. Maintain Compliance Ongoing

36. If approved, follow all conditions strictly—missed monitoring or documentation can void your waiver.

37. Keep records readily available for inspections and renewals.

What Strengthens Your Case

• Documented low hazard: No chemicals, no potential for backpressure, no cross-connection points.

• Physical separation: Air gaps or non-potable systems physically isolated from potable piping.

• Point-of-use protection: For specific fixtures or equipment, if the purveyor allows it.

• Operational controls: Written policies, staff training, shutoff/lockout procedures.

• Proactive maintenance: Routine checks, logs, and third-party inspections. Our backflow maintenance Orange County technicians recommend including a maintenance schedule to demonstrate stewardship.

When Exemptions Are Unlikely

• Chemical injection in irrigation or process lines

• Restaurants with carbonated beverage systems or food processing

• Medical/dental facilities, labs, or industrial processes

• Boilers and cooling towers with chemical treatment

• Multi-tenant commercial or high-occupancy buildings

• Any situation the purveyor classifies as a health hazard

  
  

  In these cases, an RP or air gap is typically non-negotiable. Our backflow maintenance Orange County technicians recommend focusing on optimized device selection and placement rather than pursuing a waiver.

Smart Alternatives to a Full Exemption

• Device relocation or enclosure: Improve aesthetics, freeze/UV protection, and drainage for RPs.

• Choosing the right assembly: DCVA for non-health hazards; RP only when required; detector assemblies for fire lines.

• Hydraulic optimization: Proper sizing to limit pressure loss; consider booster pumps where needed.

• Internal isolation plus containment (if allowed): Some purveyors may permit layered protection in lieu of an RP at the meter—but many still require containment. Always confirm first.

How Atlas Backflow Services Can Help

• Pre-screen and strategy: We assess your site and identify any path to a waiver, variance, or optimized device solution.

• Packet preparation: Plans, photos, hazard write-ups, and maintenance plans that align with local policy.

• Agency coordination: We talk directly with your purveyor’s cross-connection team to prevent missteps.

• Testing and maintenance: If a device is required, we handle installation, annual testing, repairs, and reporting.

From start to finish,our backflow maintenance Orange County technicians recommenddocumenting everything and engaging the purveyor early. That approach saves time and maximizes your odds—whether you win a limited exemption or secure the most practical, code-compliant alternative.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Contact Atlas Backflow Services for a no-pressure review of your property. We’ll confirm your purveyor, evaluate hazards, assemble the right paperwork, and advocate for the best outcome. If a device is required, we’ll design and maintain a solution that protects your water, pressure, and budget—fully compliant and inspection-ready.