Kentucky backflow testing rules
Kentucky's drinking water rule 401 KAR 8:020 prohibits cross-connections and requires every public water system to determine where a cross-connection exists and eliminate it immediately.
Who sets the rules in Kentucky
Under 401 KAR 8:020, automatic devices such as a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer or a vacuum breaker may be approved in place of an air gap, and the cabinet can require both where the hazard calls for it.
Source: Water systems must find and eliminate cross-connections (401 KAR 8:020)
Is an annual test required?
The Kentucky State Plumbing Code, 815 KAR 20:120, requires periodic inspection of every backflow preventer, testing of reduced pressure principle backflow preventers at least once a year, and records of each inspection.
Louisville Water Company requires annual testing of every containment backflow prevention device by a certified technician, with results sent to its cross-connection control office.
Kentucky American Water says it is the customer's responsibility to have any required backflow prevention device tested in accordance with state requirements and kept in operable condition.
The City of Bardstown requires customers with main containment backflow preventers to have a certified technician test the device every year, and sends reminder letters.
Sources: RP assemblies tested at least yearly (plumbing code); Louisville Water: annual test of containment devices; Kentucky American Water: tested per state requirements; Bardstown: annual test by a certified technician
Which properties need a backflow preventer
Under the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, 815 KAR 20:120, every potable water opening, outlet or connection except one serving a residential unit must be protected against backflow.
Kentucky rule 815 KAR 20:050 requires a plumbing permit to add a backflow prevention device to an existing water service.
Louisville Water Company can extend the test deadline for a winterized irrigation service until it is turned on in spring, and turning the irrigation meter off suspends the annual test requirement.
Kentucky American Water tells customers to install approved backflow prevention devices on lawn irrigation systems and fire sprinkler services, and says a residential dual-check device might be allowed in low hazard situations.
Sources: Non-residential outlets need backflow protection; Plumbing permit to add a backflow device; Louisville Water: winterized irrigation can wait for spring; Kentucky American Water: irrigation and fire sprinkler services
Who may do the test
Louisville Water Company defines a certified backflow tester as someone who holds a certificate for testing backflow preventers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Source: Louisville Water: tester must hold a Kentucky certificate
How the test report is filed
Louisville Water Company requires testers to send copies of passing test reports to its cross-connection control office within 10 days, by email, fax or mail.
In Case No. 2022-00425 the Kentucky Public Service Commission denied Kentucky American Water's proposed cross-connection tariff change, under which testers would have filed results through a vendor for a $12.95 processing fee, noting the existing tariff lets customers choose their own tester.
Sources: Louisville Water: passing reports within 10 days; PSC denied a vendor fee for Kentucky American Water test reports
If a test is missed
Louisville Water Company sends 30 Day and 14 Day Testing Letters when a device is due; the customer is responsible for testing and for making sure the contractor submits the report, and the 14 Day letter warns that failure to comply will result in further action.
Kentucky American Water says failure to comply can lead to disconnection of water service after repeated requests from its Cross Connection Department.
Sources: Louisville Water: reminder letters, then further action; Kentucky American Water: disconnection after repeated requests
Finding a tester
The City of Bardstown publishes a list of local companies and individuals certified to perform the annual backflow test.
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Kentucky?
For reduced pressure assemblies, yes: the Kentucky State Plumbing Code (815 KAR 20:120) requires them to be tested at least once a year, and all backflow preventers must be inspected periodically. Some utilities, such as Louisville Water, require annual tests of every containment device.