North Dakota backflow testing rules

Who sets the rules in North Dakota

NDAC 33.1-17-01-19 prohibits cross connections except where, as approved by the authority having jurisdiction, suitable protective devices are installed, tested and maintained.

Under DEQ's required Containment Program, public water systems must survey for cross connections in publicly owned buildings and property (city hall, fire station) and protect them with the proper backflow device or assembly.

Under NDAC 62-03.1-01-01, the North Dakota State Plumbing Board adopts the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code as the 2018 North Dakota Plumbing Code.

Sources: NDAC 33.1-17-01-19 requires water suppliers to control cross connections; Cross connections prohibited unless protective devices are installed, tested and maintained; State Plumbing Board adopts the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code

Is an annual test required?

The City of Beach's cross connection ordinance (Ordinance 393) requires every backflow prevention assembly to be tested at installation and annually after that by a certified tester.

Source: City of Beach: test at installation and every year

Which properties need a backflow preventer

DEQ's Comprehensive Program, which surveys all potential cross connections such as car washes, restaurants and apartment buildings, is voluntary for public water systems.

DEQ says commercial and residential facilities must protect the potable water supply under the local plumbing code; where there is no local code, the North Dakota Plumbing Code applies.

The City of Beach's ordinance subjects commercial, industrial and multi-family service connections to a cross connection survey, with an assembly required within 120 days of finding one.

The City of Beach's ordinance requires all fire sprinkler lines to have at least an approved double check valve assembly.

The City of Minot requires a backflow prevention device whenever a hydrant is used for purposes other than fire suppression, flushing or flow testing.

Sources: Comprehensive program covering businesses is voluntary; City of Beach: commercial, industrial and multi-family connections surveyed; Minot: backflow device required for non-fire hydrant use

Who may do the test

DEQ states that backflow prevention assemblies must be tested by a certified tester.

DEQ states that backflow prevention devices and assemblies must be installed by a licensed plumber.

The North Dakota State Plumbing Board's FAQ answers yes when asked whether hooking up backflow preventers to the main water supply needs a plumbing license.

The City of Beach's ordinance defines a certified tester as someone holding a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification from ASSE or ABPA.

Sources: Testing by a certified tester; Plumbing license needed to connect backflow preventers; City of Beach: ASSE or ABPA tester certification

How the test report is filed

DEQ asks public water systems to submit their backflow program templates and annual reports to DEQ-MF-Inspection@nd.gov.

Under the City of Beach's ordinance, the testing company or technician submits test reports to the water system, and the customer keeps copies for at least three years.

Sources: Water systems send programs and annual reports to DEQ; City of Beach: tester submits reports; customer keeps 3 years

Finding a tester

DEQ tells water systems without their own certified tester to find one on the North Dakota State Plumbing Board's list of certified backflow assembly testers.

The North Dakota State Plumbing Board publishes a list of Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers that can be filtered by location.

Sources: DEQ points to the State Plumbing Board's tester list; State Plumbing Board lists certified testers by area