Backflow Prevention

A. It is the responsibility of the consumer at any premises on which backflow prevention devices by these regulations are installed to have inspections, tests, and overhauls made in accordance with the following schedule, or more often where inspections indicate a need:

• Air gap separations shall be inspected at the time of installation and at least every 12 months thereafter;
• Double-check valve assemblies shall be inspected and tested for tightness at the time of installation and at least 12 months thereafter;
• Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention devices shall be inspected and tested for tightness at the time of installation and at least 12 months thereafter.
• Interchangeable connections shall be inspected at the time of installation and at least every 12 months thereafter.

B. Inspection tests and overhauls of backflow prevention devices shall be made at the expense of the water consumer and shall be performed by a certified backflow tester or a person approved by the Superintendent of the District as qualified to inspect, test, and overhaul backflow prevention devices. Certification approval is required. Visit Ohio Gov's page on Backflow for more information.

C. Whenever backflow prevention devices required by these regulations are found to be defective, they shall be repaired, overhauled, or replaced at the expense of the consumer without delay.

D. The water consumer must maintain a complete record of each backflow prevention device from purchase to retirement; this shall include a comprehensive listing that includes a record of all tests, inspections, repairs, and overhauls. Records of inspections, tests, repairs, and overhauls. Records of inspections, tests, repairs, and overhaul shall be submitted to the Northwestern Water and Sewer District office 12560 Middleton Pike, Bowling Green, OH 43402.

E. Backflow prevention devices shall not be bypassed, made inoperative, removed, or otherwise made ineffective without specific authorization by the superintendent of the Northwestern Water and Sewer District.