Kansas backflow testing rules
WaterOne requires commercial, dedicated commercial irrigation, fire line and large multi-family backflow assemblies to be tested by a certified tester after installation and annually. Utility rule, not a state rule.
Is an annual test required?
City rule on required yearly testing of prevention devices.
Sources: Local example (WaterOne, Johnson County): test after installation and annually thereafter; Manhattan, KS: yearly testing by a certified testing provider
Which properties need a backflow preventer
WaterOne list of connections: commercial properties, dedicated commercial irrigation lines, fire lines, multi-family units of four stories or more, and others it designates.
Local rule at WaterOne; it recommends following any state or local laws that require more.
City of Manhattan requires every irrigation system to have a backflow preventer and requires yearly testing by a certified provider. City rule, not state.
Sources: WaterOne: connections requiring a backflow assembly; WaterOne does not require annual testing of residential irrigation assemblies; Manhattan, KS: all irrigation systems need a backflow preventer, tested yearly
Who may do the test
WaterOne publishes a PDF of approved backflow testers (monthly), meaning tester approval is by the utility, not by a state licence. Roster not scraped.
WaterOne installation requirements.
Sources: WaterOne keeps its own approved tester list; WaterOne requires a qualified (certified) tester, test on installation then annually
How the test report is filed
WaterOne notifies owners when an assembly is due and testers submit through its online form; reports must be submitted to the utility.
City of Manhattan Public Works takes test results from testing providers.
Sources: WaterOne: annual test reports submitted online to the utility; Manhattan: testers submit results to the City
If a test is missed
WaterOne states its Rules and Regulations together with state statute allow suspension of water to a risky premise.
Source: WaterOne may suspend water to a premise posing a health risk, citing its rules and state statute
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Kansas?
WaterOne requires commercial, dedicated commercial irrigation, fire line and large multi-family backflow assemblies to be tested by a certified tester after installation and annually. Utility rule, not a state rule.