Wyoming backflow testing rules
Wyoming DEQ Water Quality Rules Chapter 12 (Design and Construction Standards for Public Water Supplies), Section 16(m), requires each water supplier to require backflow prevention devices on water service connections according to the rule's Table 4.
Who sets the rules in Wyoming
The Wyoming Environmental Quality Council adopted the current revisions to Water Quality Rules Chapter 12 in 2023.
Wyoming DEQ says Wyoming is the only state that does not run the main Safe Drinking Water Act programs itself; EPA Region 8 in Denver implements them.
Wyoming Chapter 12, Section 16(m) requires water suppliers to keep records and management procedures showing that backflow devices are installed and maintained as required.
Wyoming Chapter 12 requires every backflow prevention device to be certified by an approved third-party agency: ASSE, IAPMO or the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.
Sources: Water suppliers must require backflow devices under DEQ Chapter 12; EPA Region 8 runs Wyoming's drinking water program
Is an annual test required?
Wyoming Chapter 12, Section 16(m) requires backflow devices at high hazard non-residential cross-connections to be inspected and tested every year by a certified backflow assembly tester.
Wyoming Chapter 12, Section 16(m) requires backflow devices at water service connections to be inspected and certified by a certified backflow assembly tester when installed.
Laramie Municipal Code Chapter 13.22 (Ordinance 1544, 2008) requires customers with backflow assemblies to have them inspected and tested at least once a year by a certified cross connection control technician, at the customer's expense.
The City of Sheridan requires backflow assemblies to be tested annually to comply with Wyoming DEQ rules and City Ordinance No. 1946; each device is due in the same month every year.
Sources: High hazard non-residential devices tested every year; Laramie: tested at least once a year; Sheridan: annual testing under DEQ rules and Ordinance 1946
Which properties need a backflow preventer
Wyoming Chapter 12 treats non-domestic commercial and industrial connections, including restaurants, laboratories, dry cleaners and irrigation systems, as high hazard back-pressure connections unless a Hazard Classification finds otherwise.
Under Wyoming Chapter 12, any water user with an auxiliary source of supply (such as a private well) is a high hazard connection and must have a reduced pressure principle backflow device at the service connection.
Wyoming Chapter 12 treats residential water service connections as low hazard back-siphonage connections unless a Hazard Classification finds otherwise, and excludes them from the Table 4 device requirement.
Source: Commercial, industrial and irrigation connections are high hazard
Who may do the test
Wyoming Chapter 12, Section 16(m) requires the backflow assembly tester to hold certification from the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) or the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA). Wyoming does not issue its own tester certificate in this rule.
Laramie's ordinance defines a certified cross connection control technician as a person holding current ASSE certification for backflow testing and repair.
Sources: Testers certified by ASSE or ABPA; Laramie: ASSE certified technician
How the test report is filed
Wyoming Chapter 12 requires public water suppliers to report any high hazard backflow incident to the DEQ Water Quality Division within seven days.
Laramie requires customers to keep test and repair records for three years and give the Utility Division copies of all testing and repairs on containment devices.
Sources: High hazard backflow incidents reported within seven days; Laramie: keep records three years and send copies to the city
If a test is missed
Wyoming Chapter 12 requires a defective backflow device to be repaired or replaced immediately; failing to repair it is cause for the water service connection to be terminated.
Wyoming Chapter 12 lets water suppliers take actions including immediate disconnection of a water user who fails to maintain a properly installed backflow prevention device.
Laramie's ordinance makes failure to install, test or maintain a required assembly grounds for discontinuing water service until the requirements are met.
Sources: Defective devices repaired immediately or service terminated; Laramie: water service can be discontinued
Finding a tester
The City of Sheridan's backflow page lists the local testers approved in its system; testers can ask the city to be added.
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Wyoming?
For high hazard non-residential connections, yes: Wyoming DEQ Chapter 12, Section 16(m) requires those devices to be tested every year by a certified tester. Homes are treated as low hazard unless classified otherwise, and cities such as Laramie and Sheridan require annual tests of every assembly.