Maryland backflow testing rules
COMAR 26.04.01.32 (Maryland Department of the Environment): suppliers of community water systems submit a cross-connection control plan to the Approving Authority and carry it out once approved. The water supplier runs the local program.
Who sets the rules in Maryland
COMAR 26.04.01.32B.
COMAR 26.04.01.01B(2).
COMAR 09.20.01.01: the State Board of Plumbing adopts the most recent International Plumbing Code and International Residential Code as the State Plumbing Code. The backflow sections of those codes were not read.
Sources: Community water systems must have an approved cross-connection control plan; The Approving Authority is the Secretary of the Environment; Maryland's State Plumbing Code is the International Plumbing Code and International Residential Code
Who may do the test
Business Occupations and Professions Article 12-306(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.
COMAR 09.20.04.02F(1): installing, testing or certifying a device also requires a master or journey plumber licence from the Board.
COMAR 09.20.04.02F(2).
Business Occupations and Professions Article 12-306(c)(3).
Sources: Only certified master or journey plumbers may certify installation and testing; The backflow certificate alone does not allow testing without a plumbing licence
If a test is missed
COMAR 26.04.01.34A: applies to violations of the chapter, which includes the cross-connection plan rule (.32). No customer fine for a missed test was found.
Source: Violations of the drinking water chapter carry Environment Article penalties
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Maryland?
COMAR 26.04.01.32 (Maryland Department of the Environment): suppliers of community water systems submit a cross-connection control plan to the Approving Authority and carry it out once approved. The water supplier runs the local program.