Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program

Overview

SPU has a Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program* designed to keep customer drinking water safe and free of contaminants. All customers who are connected to the SPU water distribution system are required to install, maintain and test backflow equipment to prevent the risk of backflow.

MN Plumbing Code 4714.603.5.6 requires working backflow assemblies on residential and business irrigation systems. Additionally, SPU requires RPZ backflow prevention for containment after the water meter on all commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings (i.e., apartments with shared laundry). See policy for all requirement details. These assemblies are typically a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) or a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow prevention assembly that must be tested upon installation and then annually thereafter. It is the property owner’s responsibility to have these tests completed as required.

In the event a test has failed, the backflow assembly must be repaired or replaced by a licensed plumber, who is an ASSE certified backflow prevention rebuilder, and the assembly retested. Failure to submit a test annually or to correct a failed test result will place the property owner in non-compliance status with SPU’s Backflow and Cross-Connection Prevention Program.

Additional backflow device information is provided in this document from the Department of Labor and Industry.

Testers

All backflow assembly tests must be conducted by an ASSE certified tester and submitted by the tester to The Compliance Engine within 30 days of the assembly test. This Test Report Form can be completed and used to record test results.

The Compliance Engine

If you wish to be included on an SPU vendor selection list of ASSE certified and DLI-approved testers, please complete the form below. To be included on this list, testers must provide their tester ID and/or repairer ID, as well as their MN license number.

ASSE Certified Vendor List Application