In Texas, while plumbing inspections are performed, the plumbing inspector may also conduct the Customer Service Inspection (CSI). However, this is not always the case. The plumbing inspector's primary role is to ensure that the plumbing is installed according to the adopted plumbing code—either the Uniform or International Plumbing Codes. While both codes include backflow prevention, their standards may not fully meet the requirements set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
EPA laws and TCEQ rules place the responsibility for protecting the public water supply on the public water system. This means that even if a plumbing inspection is compliant, it might still fall short of meeting the water purveyor’s requirements unless the local jurisdiction has amended the plumbing code to align with TCEQ standards. Therefore, a separate CSI may be needed to ensure compliance with TCEQ rules. If any non-compliance issues are found during the CSI, they must be addressed before service can be provided. Often, the Certificate of Occupancy is not issued until the CSI is completed.
In many instances, the water supply is not provided by the city conducting the plumbing inspections, but by a separate water supply company. In such cases, it is crucial for the water supply company to ensure that a CSI is performed as required by TCEQ.
For many commercial and high-hazard facilities—such as hospitals, manufacturing plants, and chemical plants—periodic re-inspections may be necessary. These re-inspections check for alterations that could risk the public water supply and the safety of those within the facility. The water purveyor determines the frequency of these periodic CSIs, typically based on the degree of hazard associated with the facility type.
Understanding these nuances helps ensure that public water systems remain safe and compliant with all relevant regulations.
Please reach out to us at info@hactexas.com or 972.823.8800 for questions or Cross-Connection Control program support.
The 2-hr TCEQ Resiliency Overview self-paced course is now available. Register here. This course has been approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to fulfill 2 credit hours for new license and license renewal in the following operator license area(s): -Water Operator License
-Wastewater Operator License
