North Carolina backflow testing rules

Who sets the rules in North Carolina

15A NCAC 18C .0406(b)(2): service connections must comply with the NC State Building Code, Volume II.

15A NCAC 18C .0406(b)(6): records from January 1, 2020, including inventory of high-hazard devices, plans to address uncontrolled hazards, field-test results, and reviews of new and changing accounts.

Source: NC rule bars cross-connections without proper backflow protection

Is an annual test required?

15A NCAC 18C .0406(b)(6)(C). The rule text read does not say 'annual'; testing frequency is not set in this rule.

Source: Rule requires records of all field test results but does not state a test interval

Which properties need a backflow preventer

15A NCAC 18C .0406(b)(4)(D). Commercial, irrigation, fire and residential lines are not individually named in .0406; the plumbing code governs.

Source: Rule covers connections to the public water system generally; hydrant and tanker filling are named

Who may do the test

15A NCAC 18D operator rules: systems required by .0406(b) to have five or more testable assemblies need an operator holding a Cross-Connection Control certificate. This is a program operator credential, not a statewide tester licence.

NC General Statutes 87-21 describes install, repair or replace backflow preventers for the limited plumbing licence; it speaks to install/repair, not testing.

Sources: NC requires an operator in responsible charge of cross-connection control for larger programs; Limited plumbing contractor licence covers exterior backflow preventers on irrigation and domestic service lines (2 inch

How the test report is filed

15A NCAC 18C .0406(b)(7).

15A NCAC 18C .0406(b)(6)(F).

Source: Backflow incidents reported to DEQ by the next business day