Facility Owner/Permit Holder is responsible to ensure adequate backflow protection is in place and functioning properly. This includes:

• Testing all backflow devices annually, if applicable;
• Maintaining easy access to test devices;
• Ensuring device testing and repairs are performed by certified backflow testers only; and
• maintaining all testing and repair documentation(s) for one year from the date of service.

Certified Backflow Tester is responsible for the following:

• Maintaining a current backflow tester’s certification;
• Performing all installations, repairs, and tests in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions, the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) requirements and the parameters established by the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE)

At the conclusion of a device test, the tester will tag the device according to the description outlined in the Test Tag definition, complete and provide the test results documentation to the operator.

Environmental Health (EH) Inspector is responsible for the enforcement of all backflow prevention requirements as outlined in applicable regulations to include ensuring all water sources are properly protected from the potential of backflow, all devices are in proper working order and tested annually.

For general questions related to backflow prevention requirements contact Nate Diaz at diazn@snhd.org.

Carbonators require an RPZ assembly to be installed upstream from the carbonator. Plumbing between the RPZ and the carbonator should not have any copper tubing, however, copper fittings and brass check valves are acceptable. Beyond the carbonator (downstream side of carbonator), copper tubing, copper fittings and brass check valves are not allowed because carbonated water can leach out copper from these elements and cause a copper poisoning event.

Mop Sinks require backflow protection if there is anything attached to the sink’s faucet. An AVB is sufficient an open-ended hose is attached to the faucet. Anytime there is a pressure nozzle attached to a hose capable of starting and stopping water flow, a PVB is required.

Drain lines from equipment require a 1-inch AG.

Chemical Dispensers require an AG, the highest level of backflow protection.

Note: Throughout the food facility there are numerous pieces of equipment that have built-in backflow prevention integral to the design of the equipment.

Backwash and Waste Disposal of Water requires AG protection with a gap distance of 1 inch before entering the sanitary sewer system.

Overfall Supply to a Surge Tank or Receptor requires AG protection with a gap distance of two times the diameter of the discharge pipe, but never less than 1 inch.

Water Supply to Aquatic Health Venue (pool or spa) must be equipped with either an AG, PVB or RPZ. An AG can either occur in the water line in the equipment room or at the water’s edge with the overfall fill spout.

Main Potable (Domestic) Water Line if backflow protection is installed on the main potable water line, the backflow protection device is placed downstream from the water purveyor’s water meter. The RPZ is the required backflow protection device.

On-Site Laundry Facility requires an AG between all drain lines and receiving vessels (direct connections between drain lines and the sanitary sewer system are not permitted).

Public Accommodation Facilities Supporting a Self-Contained Recreational Vehicle (SCRV) for Dry Camping Backflow Prevention Requirement

Hose Bib Faucet requires a PVB attached to the faucet to allow for the attachment of a water hose and/or hose reel with water nozzle.

Main Potable (Domestic) Water Line requires an RPZ as backflow protection installed on the main potable water line placed downstream from the water purveyor’s water meter.

On-Site Laundry Facility requires an AG between all drain lines and receiving vessels (direct connections between drain lines and the sanitary sewer system are not permitted).

Trailer Site Water Riser requires an AVB (hose bib type) on a line intended for hose attachment.