Backflow Prevention and Certification

Backflow Device

What is a Backflow?

“Water systems depend on water pressure to keep water flowing in the proper direction through pipes and hoses. Backflow is water, and/or other substances, flowing in the opposite direction of the normal and intended course. It is the process by which a cross-connection can introduce contaminants into the water in your home and into the public drinking water system.

Two conditions can cause backflow to happen:

Back Pressure occurs when the pressure in a pipe or hose is greater than the pressure coming in. Back Siphonage occurs when there is a negative pressure in one of the pipes or hoses drawing contaminants into the drinking water supply.” (Source: City of Eagle Water Department)

What is a Cross Connection?

"A cross-connection is an actual or potential connection or

piping arrangement between a drinking water system and

another source that could introduce anything other than the potable water intended to normally supply the system. Cross connections are commonly found between a potable system and an irrigation system, fire suppression systems, commercial kitchen activities and garden hoses—just to name a few. If your property has outside water sources connected to your potable water, you are required by the State of Idaho to have the proper backflow assembly in use and to have it tested annually. Internal assemblies—to protect the customer from potentially hazardous cross connections in their own system." (Source: City of Eagle Water Department)

Preventing Backflow

“To protect your family and our community’s drinking water system, two kinds of backflow assemblies are required for all homes and/or commercial facilities that present any hazard to the City of Eagle’s water system.

External assemblies—to protect the City’s water from cross-connection with any contaminants on the customer’s premises. If your existing device needs to be replaced, please contact the City of Eagle to confirm allowable devices. The type of device is determined by the degree of hazard.” (Source: City of Eagle Water Department)

Your Responsibility as a property owner:

“As a property owner you are responsible for protecting the water on your property. This responsibility starts at the water meter and includes your entire property’s water system. If you have any actual or potential cross connection to the City’s potable water system, you are required to have a backflow prevention device installed and tested annually. All costs associated with the installation, operation, maintenance, and annual testing of your backflow prevention device is your responsibility. Termination of water services is an option of last resort for untested devices. However, properties not in compliance with State of Idaho regulations for successful annual testing shall have water service to their home discontinued until backflow prevention devices are brought into compliance.” 

“Backflow testing must be completed by the State of Idaho certified backflow tester. It is the responsibility of the property owner to confirm their tester is currently certified by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) and that testing reports are submitted to the City in a timely manner.”

(Source: City of Eagle Water Department)

How We Can Help!

Here at Backflow and Sprinkler Service Pro we take backflow prevention and safety very seriously. We want to help protect the well-being of your family by ensuring your devices are working properly and your property is in compliance of State Regulations. We provide annual testing at an affordable rate. Your backflow test is submitted to the city on your behalf, and you will obtain the results from your backflow test as well for your personal records. Having your backflow tested should be a seamless process. 

 We are State of Idaho Certified Backflow Testers and service backflows across the Treasure Valley, and surrounding areas. We service residential and commercial backflow systems.

Information for Residents

THREE TYPES OF CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE BACKFLOW:

• Back Pressure: Back pressure occurs when the pressure in a pipe or hose is greater than the incoming pressure. Connection to a booster pump or private well. 

• Back Siphonage: Back Siphonage occurs when there is negative pressure drawing contaminants into the water supply.

• Cross Connections (Dual Connections): Cross connections occur when two separate water systems are connected together mixing different sources of water (i.e. pressurized irrigation water lines connected to your home's drinking water lines). Through these connections, it is possible to introduce non-potable, used, unclean, contaminated water or other substances into the potable water supply.

HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST BACKFLOW OCCURRENCES

• Back Pressure and Back Siphonage require the installation of an approved backflow assembly to be installed. These assemblies need to be tested annually by a certified backflow assembly tester and the results submitted to the City Water Division. 

• Cross Connections (Dual Connections) ARE NOT ALLOWED within the City of Meridian for residential use and must be removed if currently installed.

DO I NEED A BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY?

DO or CAN you use city water to water your lawn? If your sprinkler system is connected to a potable water supply then you need a backflow device.

DOUBLE-CHECK ASSEMBLIES 

As of May 1st, 2018, Double-Check Assemblies are no longer allowed in lawn sprinkler applications.

All backflow requirements will be enforced by the Idaho State Plumbing Code (ISPC). 

Any double-check backflow assemblies installed prior to the code change will not need to be removed unless they can no longer be repaired. At that time, they will need to be upgraded with a Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention Assembly (RPBP) or a Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly (PVB).

City of Meridian Water 

COMPLIANCE

If you have or need a Backflow Assembly it is required it be tested annually.

ANNUAL TESTING

Backflow Prevention Assemblies must be tested annually and by a Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. Test reports must be submitted to the Meridian Water Division on or before their due date to avoid water service interruption.

FAILED TESTS

When a backflow prevention assembly is defective or fails to pass the field test, the Backflow Assembly Tester shall submit immediately, if possible, but no later than two (2) business days, a failing field test report to the Meridian Water Division. All repairs must be made within 10 business days and a passing assembly test received by the Meridian Water Division to avoid water service interruption. 

(Source: City of Meridian Water Department)

Schedule a Backflow Test

Idaho State Drinking Water regulations (IDAPA 58.01.08.552.6) require that all backflow assemblies are inspected annually. Properties with assemblies that have not been tested, have not been isolated or repaired, or replaced, shall have water service to the failed assembly discontinued.

Certified test results are due no later than June 15th of each year. Failure to comply with the testing requirements by this due date could result in the termination of water services to your home until such time as the test results are received.