Pennsylvania backflow testing rules
25 Pa. Code 109.709(a) (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Safe Drinking Water rules). Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
Who sets the rules in Pennsylvania
25 Pa. Code 109.709(a)(1): the local water supplier decides which devices it accepts. Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
25 Pa. Code 109.709(b): the program description is submitted to DEP for approval. The rule does not require every system to have one; DEP directs it. Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
25 Pa. Code 109.1 (definitions). Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
34 Pa. Code 403.21(a)(6) (Department of Labor and Industry). The IPC backflow testing sections were not read. Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
34 Pa. Code 403.21(a)(6)(ii): those adopted under the Local Health Administration Law, if they meet the UCC minimum. Allegheny County is the second class county. Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
Sources: No one may introduce contaminants into a public water supply through a service connection; Pennsylvania defines a cross-connection to include indirect connections and backsiphonage; The Uniform Construction Code adopts the 2018 International Plumbing Code
Which properties need a backflow preventer
25 Pa. Code 109.709(a)(1): devices must protect against both backsiphonage and backpressure. Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
25 Pa. Code 109.709(b)(4). Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
25 Pa. Code 109.709(b)(5): a program includes public education for residential customers. The rule sets no residential testing duty. Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
25 Pa. Code 109.709(b)(7). Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
Source: The customer must remove cross-connections or provide backflow devices
If a test is missed
25 Pa. Code 109.709(a)(2): after a reasonable period and reasonable notice. Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.
Source: A customer who does not comply can have water service discontinued
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Pennsylvania?
25 Pa. Code 109.709(a) (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Safe Drinking Water rules). Read from the Cornell LII copy; the official Pennsylvania Code site (pacodeandbulletin.gov) disallows automated clients in robots.txt.