Montana backflow testing rules
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) says the state's cross connection and backflow rules for public water systems are in the Administrative Rules of Montana, Title 17, Chapter 38, Subchapter 3.
Who sets the rules in Montana
Montana DEQ points to ARM 17.38.305 (Cross Connection: Regulatory Requirements) for cross connections on public water supplies.
Montana DEQ lists cross connection control programs under ARM 17.38.310, the section titled Voluntary Cross-Connection Control Programs.
A 2022 Montana DEQ training presentation published by the Department of Public Health and Human Services lists the Uniform Plumbing Code as amended by ARM 24.301.301 among Montana's cross connection regulations.
Missoula Water's cross connection and backflow program has been approved by Montana DEQ.
Sources: Montana's rules are ARM 17.38 Subchapter 3; Plumbing code side: UPC as amended by ARM 24.301.301; Missoula's program is DEQ approved
Is an annual test required?
Montana DEQ describes it as the industry standard to have every backflow prevention assembly tested by a certified tester after installation, after any repair, and at least once a year.
Missoula Water requires backflow prevention assemblies to be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair, and may require more frequent testing.
Sources: DEQ: test after installation, after repairs, and at least once a year; Missoula: test at least annually and after installation or repair
Which properties need a backflow preventer
Missoula Water's protection table covers premises, including single family residences, with underground irrigation systems: an RP is the minimum, or an AVB or PVB with Missoula Water's written approval.
The City of Billings requires approved backflow prevention devices to be installed by certified professionals and tested, and property owners are responsible for installation, initial testing and ongoing maintenance.
Sources: Missoula: underground irrigation, including at single family homes; Billings: owners install, test and maintain approved devices
Who may do the test
Montana DEQ accepts a tester who holds a current certificate from any state's backflow tester certification program.
Montana DEQ also accepts a tester who holds a current certificate from the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) or the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA).
Missoula Water requires assemblies to be tested by a person holding a current certificate from any state certification program or from the American Society of Sanitary Engineers.
Billings requires testers to upload a current ABPA or ASSE certification and test kit information before they can submit tests.
Sources: DEQ accepts a tester certificate from any state program; Missoula: state certificate or ASSE certificate; Billings: testers upload ABPA or ASSE certification
How the test report is filed
Missoula Water mails a notice when an assembly is due for its test; the written notice gives the water user 30 days to have the assembly tested.
Billings Public Works takes backflow test submissions online through SwiftComply, and testers must register for an account before testing.
Sources: Missoula: 30 days to test after notice; Billings: tests are submitted online through SwiftComply
If a test is missed
If a user ignores both Missoula Water notices, a 24 hour shutoff notice follows and Missoula Water may terminate service until the assembly is tested or repaired and the forms are submitted.
Source: Missoula: service can be shut off until the test is done
Finding a tester
Montana DEQ says ASSE and ABPA each keep lists of their certificate holders, which is where it directs people looking for a certified tester.
Missoula Water's backflow page lists certified backflow assembly testers with phone numbers.
Billings Public Works publishes a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester List on its backflow page.
Sources: ASSE and ABPA keep the certificate holder lists; Missoula tester list; Billings certified tester list
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Montana?
Montana DEQ describes annual testing as the industry standard: every assembly tested by a certified tester after installation, after any repair and at least once a year. Local programs set the rules; Missoula Water, for example, requires a test at least every year.