Virginia backflow testing rules

Who sets the rules in Virginia

12VAC5-590-600A.

Sources: Every waterworks owner must run a cross-connection control program; The plan is reviewed at least every five years

Is an annual test required?

12VAC5-590-600E: the program sets procedures for tests at least annually and after installation, relocation or repairs.

12VAC5-590-600E cites 13VAC5-63-530 (International Property Maintenance Code in the Uniform Statewide Building Code): tests after installation, after repairs or relocation, and annually. The USBC text itself was not read.

Source: Testable containment assemblies checked at least once a year

Which properties need a backflow preventer

12VAC5-590-610E lists 23 types, including hospitals, mortuaries, clinics, laboratories, car washes and laundries, food and beverage plants, health clubs with pools, highrise buildings of four or more stories, and multiuse commercial, office or warehouse facilities.

12VAC5-590-610C(5).

12VAC5-590-630 Table 630.1 degree of hazard examples.

12VAC5-590-600H.

Sources: Assemblies required at listed facility types; Lawn irrigation is a high hazard example; potable-material residential fire sprinklers are low hazard; Water systems may skip inventories for single-family homes with irrigation or fire systems

Who may do the test

12VAC5-590-630D: since January 1, 2023, people who test or repair backflow assemblies and devices must be certified through the Commonwealth tradesman program (DPOR backflow prevention device workers).

Code of Virginia 54.1-1129B. The VDH waterworks rule (12VAC5-590-630D) makes it a requirement for testing in waterworks programs.

Sources: Testers must hold Virginia's backflow prevention device worker certification; The DPOR certification is voluntary under the statute, but localities must accept it

How the test report is filed

12VAC5-590-600H and I.

12VAC5-590-600G: a written report follows by the 10th of the next month.

Source: Water systems keep inventories and test, repair and maintenance records

If a test is missed

12VAC5-590-600F: applies when a consumer does not install, test and maintain a required assembly, lets it become inoperable, removes or bypasses it, or keeps an unprotected cross-connection.

12VAC5-590-600F(1).

Source: Water systems must be able to discontinue or refuse service

Finding a tester

Virginia backflow prevention device workers are certified under DPOR's Tradesmen program; DPOR's License Lookup checks a certification, and DPOR posts a list of approved backflow training schools.

Source: DPOR licence lookup and approved training schools