Maine backflow testing rules
10-144 CMR Chapter 226 (Maine CDC Drinking Water Program, Cross Connection Rules, amended 2009) is a floor; each public water system (supplier) may adopt stricter rules.
Who sets the rules in Maine
10-144 CMR Chapter 226, section 3(C): every cross connection is protected with the devices and methods in the Maine State Internal Plumbing Code (02-395 CMR 4).
Source: Maine's Cross Connection Rules set minimum standards and let water systems be stricter
Is an annual test required?
Maine's Cross Connection Rules (10-144 CMR Chapter 226) set no test interval: the owner keeps the device working and has it tested on the schedule set by the plumbing code or the local water supplier.
Example (Portland Water District): double check assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies and pressure vacuum breakers on low hazard connections are tested every year, and reduced pressure assemblies on high hazard connections at least every year.
Sources: The owner keeps the device working and has it tested on the schedule set by code or the water supplier; Portland Water District: most testable devices are tested every year
Which properties need a backflow preventer
10-144 CMR Chapter 226, section 1 (Application and Scope): community systems with low or high hazard connections, and non-community systems with high hazard connections, must run a program.
10-144 CMR Chapter 226, section 2(Z) (residential hazard): extra residential protection is at the supplier's discretion.
Example (Portland Water District): new homes and substantial renovations must install at least a non-testable dual check valve after the meter, which needs no annual test.
Sources: The rules cover community water systems with any low or high hazard connection; Portland Water District: new homes get a non-testable dual check valve
Who may do the test
Example (Portland Water District): a certified tester runs the tests on the District's schedule, arranged and paid for by the owner.
Source: Portland Water District: a certified tester runs the tests, paid for by the owner
How the test report is filed
10-144 CMR Chapter 226, section 7(C): records of tests on testable devices stay on file with the supplier for 5 years and are open to state inspectors.
Example (Portland Water District): owners file the test results with the tester's name and certification and any failures.
Sources: Water suppliers keep test records for five years; Portland Water District: owners file test results with the tester's name and certification
If a test is missed
10-144 CMR Chapter 226, section 9(A): the supplier must discontinue service within the time set in its program and notify the Department and the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Source: An owner who ignores an order to protect the supply has water service discontinued
Finding a tester
Example (Portland Water District): the District keeps a public list of private contractors certified by NEWWA, ABPA or ASSE.
Source: Portland Water District keeps a public list of certified testers
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Maine?
Maine's Cross Connection Rules (10-144 CMR Chapter 226) set no statewide test interval; owners have devices tested on the schedule set by the plumbing code or the local water supplier. For example, the Portland Water District requires most testable assemblies to be tested every year.