Eastern Municipal Water District took over the former City of Perris water system and now serves the whole city, so EMWD's cross connection control program sets the backflow rules for every Perris address. EMWD notes single-family homes generally don't need a device. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Perris.
Backflow in Perris
EMWD already served most of Perris before it took over the City's Downtown and North Perris water and sewer systems, and it is now the water provider citywide. That means one set of backflow rules for every address in Perris. EMWD's program includes customer site surveys and inspection and testing of new backflow devices, and test and maintenance reports go to Backflow@emwd.org. EMWD says single-family homes are not generally required to have a device, so assemblies in Perris are mostly on commercial and industrial services, landscape meters and fire lines.
What to do now
- Read EMWD's request. Note the device location, the due date and how it wants the report sent.
- Look at the assembly. Check for water at the relief port, drips at test cocks and cracks in the body.
- Control a leak. Close the shutoff on your side of the meter; EMWD's outage and trouble line is 800-698-0400 for problems on its side.
- Find old reports. They list the make, model, size and serial number.
- Book a certified tester. Ask the plumber you're connected with about certification and whether they will email the report to EMWD.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Relief valve dumping water | Fouled first check or worn relief diaphragm |
| Test fails on the second check | Debris, scale or a tired spring |
| Low flow to sprinklers | Partly closed shutoff or clogged check |
| Leak at the bonnet or a test cock | Worn O-ring or seal |
| Body cracked | Impact damage or freezing |
What affects cost
- Test only versus rebuild and retest
- Reduced pressure, double check or vacuum breaker
- Pipe size and whether it's a fire or detector assembly
- Replacement of a cracked or obsolete unit
- Permits through the City of Perris Development Services Building division, which uses an online Accela portal and can be reached at (951) 943-5003
Hardness also plays a part. EMWD's 2023 report lists its Perris Valley wells, which serve a limited area along Perris Boulevard near the Ramona Expressway, at about 20 grains per gallon, far harder than the 4.7 average from the Mills plant. Scale from very hard water is one reason check valves stop sealing, so devices in that area may need cleaning more often.
Backflow Testing questions in Perris
Does an ordinary single-family house need a backflow preventer?
How do I find out which water provider serves my address?
What happens if my assembly fails its test?
What is the difference between a reduced pressure assembly and a double check?
More plumbing services in Perris
Backflow Testing nearby
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