New York backflow testing rules
10 NYCRR Section 5-1.31(a) (State Sanitary Code) requires each supplier of water to run a service protection (containment) program: a protective device matched to the hazard at each service connection, plan approval, and testing by a certified tester. Rules are floors; local plumbing codes and each water supplier can require more.
Who sets the rules in New York
Source: Every New York water supplier must run a containment program
Is an annual test required?
10 NYCRR 5-1.31(a)(3): every protective device is inspected and tested by a certified backflow prevention device tester at initial installation, after each repair, and annually after that.
Source: Protective devices are tested when installed, after each repair and every year
Which properties need a backflow preventer
10 NYCRR 5-1.31(a)(1): the water supplier requires a protective device matched to the degree of hazard of each service connection, and users must send installation plans for approval. Section 5-1.31(e) also requires internal protection inside premises under the state building code and local plumbing codes.
Department of Health policy PWS 12 (a 1994 technical reference): single and dual family homes are generally treated as non-hazardous and do not need containment. Homes with a well or other auxiliary supply, some irrigation systems, or uses such as boiler chemicals are the exceptions. Local rules may be stricter.
PWS 12: a lawn sprinkler needs at least a vacuum breaker; a double check valve assembly where pumps or elevated piping can cause backpressure; an RPZ where chemicals are injected. The double check or RPZ is tested under 10 NYCRR 5-1.31(a)(3).
Sources: The device required depends on the hazard at the service connection; Most one and two family homes do not need a containment device
Who may do the test
10 NYCRR 5-1.31(f): everyone who tests protective devices must hold a certification under subdivision (b) of the rule. A tester whose certification has lapsed may not test until it is renewed.
Source: Only a certified backflow prevention device tester may test
How the test report is filed
10 NYCRR 5-1.31(a)(3): records of each test are made available to, reviewed by and kept by the supplier of water.
Department of Health FAQ: the original report goes to the property owner and copies go to the water supplier and the local health department, with one kept by the tester, within 30 days of the test. The Department's form is DOH-1013; approved equivalents such as New York City's GEN 215B are accepted.
Sources: Test records go to the water supplier, which reviews and keeps them; The tester sends the report within 30 days
If a test is missed
PWS 12: the supplier of water may deny or terminate water service where a customer fails to provide backflow test results on time, or where an assembly has been tampered with, bypassed or removed.
Source: Water service can be ended if test results are not provided
Finding a tester
The New York State Department of Health list shows each certified tester's county, city, certification number and expiration date, by county or statewide (it includes testers living out of state). It has no phone numbers; the Department gives contact details on request.
Source: The Department of Health publishes a statewide list of certified testers
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in New York?
Yes. Under 10 NYCRR 5-1.31(a)(3), every protective device is tested by a certified tester when installed, after each repair and every year after that.