Utah backflow testing rules
Utah rule R309-105-12, adopted by the Drinking Water Board, requires every public water system in Utah to run a functioning cross connection control program.
Who sets the rules in Utah
Under Utah rule R309-105-12, a water supplier may not allow a cross connection unless it is controlled by an approved, properly operating backflow prevention assembly or device.
The Utah Division of Drinking Water certifies backflow testers and cross connection program administrators.
Utah rule R309-105-12 required community water systems serving 500 or more people to have a certified Cross Connection Control Program Administrator by December 31, 2020.
Sources: Every water system must run a cross connection program; State certifies testers and program administrators
Is an annual test required?
Utah rule R309-105-12 requires backflow prevention assemblies to be inspected and tested at least once a year by a person certified under rule R309-305.
Salt Lake City Public Utilities says backflow assemblies must be tested every year under the State Plumbing Code and Drinking Water rules, with results submitted to the water supplier.
Salt Lake City requires backflow preventers to be tested every year, and within 10 days after installation.
Ogden City says testing is the owner's responsibility and must be done by a certified backflow tester, within 10 days of first use and then every year.
Sources: Assemblies tested at least once a year by a certified tester; Salt Lake City: annual tests reported to the supplier; Ogden: owner's responsibility
Which properties need a backflow preventer
Under Utah rule R309-105-12, a water system may do the testing itself or require the customer who has the assembly to be responsible for having it tested.
Utah rule R309-105-12 requires water suppliers in areas also served by a pressurized irrigation system to prevent cross connections between the two systems.
Herriman City requires a backflow assembly whenever culinary water will or may be used for irrigation, tested by a certified technician within 10 days of first use and every year after.
Orem says all irrigation systems, new or existing, must be equipped with a State of Utah approved backflow prevention assembly.
Sources: Water system may make the customer responsible for testing; Herriman: culinary water used for irrigation; Orem: every irrigation system
Who may do the test
Under Utah rule R309-305-7, only people holding a valid backflow prevention assembly tester certificate from the Director of the Division of Drinking Water may test backflow assemblies.
The Division of Drinking Water says a Utah backflow assembly tester certification is needed to test in Utah, and repairing or installing assemblies may also need a licence from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Sources: Only state certified testers may test; Repair or installation may need a DOPL licence
How the test report is filed
Utah rule R309-305-7 requires the tester to report test results to the assembly owner and the water system within 30 days and keep a copy.
Under Utah rule R309-305-7, a tester must tell the water system about any defective or failing assembly within five days of finding it.
Utah rule R309-305-7 requires a tester to report any backflow incident to the Division, the local health department and the water system within eight hours of discovery.
Kearns Improvement District says a state-certified backflow assembly tester must perform the test and submit the results to the district.
Sources: Reports to owner and water system within 30 days; Kearns: tester submits results to the district
If a test is missed
Under Utah rule R309-305-9, the Director may revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a tester's certificate for good cause, such as falsifying test reports.
Saratoga Springs says failing to have a working assembly with a Passed status within its time limits may result in termination of water service.
Sources: Tester certificates can be revoked; Saratoga Springs: service may be terminated
Finding a tester
The Utah Division of Drinking Water publishes a database of commercially available backflow assembly testers that can be searched by name or license number. The Division says it does not endorse any tester.
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Utah?
Yes. Utah rule R309-105-12 requires backflow prevention assemblies to be inspected and tested at least once a year by a certified tester.