Backflow prevention / cross-connection approval: Los Angeles restaurant guide
LA County Public Health (Cross-Connection program) / LADWP Confirm with the city
What it is
Commercial kitchens with equipment that could contaminate the drinking water (soda systems, dishwashers, boilers, irrigation) need approved backflow prevention, reviewed by the County's cross-connection plan check and tested annually.
When a restaurant needs it
When installing or modifying water service, beverage systems, or other cross-connection hazards.
How to apply
Your plumber/engineer submits the cross-connection plan check to ccwpcp@ph.lacounty.gov; after installation a certified tester tests the device and files results.
Documents you’ll need
- Plumbing plans showing backflow assemblies
- Device make/model
- Certified tester's report after installation
Good to know
Your water purveyor in the City of LA is LADWP; confirm with the County cross-connection program (626) 430-5290 which assemblies your equipment requires.
Official source
LA County EH — electronic plan submittal (Cross Connection Plan Check) · EH fee schedule FY 2026-27 (cross connection)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.