Backflow Prevention
Indiana state regulations require that all public drinking water customers have approved backflow prevention devices installed (by licensed installers) to protect the public water system from potential contamination (see Table 1). Under certain conditions, water from private plumbing can flow into the public water distribution system by means of a cross connection. This is referred to as backflow. For a number of applications, such as residential irrigation systems, the regulations further require that the backflow devices be inspected by licensed inspectors (click here for a list of Monroe and Brown County Licensed Testers) on an annual basis to ensure proper function. Test results must be submitted to EMWC for review and filing.
Backflow Device Test Form - 55788
Backflow Device Test Form - 55788
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Backflow Prevention - Frequently Asked Questions
Pressure Vacuum Breaker - Lawn Irrigation
What is a cross connection?
How are cross connections controlled?
Who has responsibility for cross connection control?
What is the state required frequency of backflow prevention device testing?
Who is eligible to test backflow prevention devices?
Where should I submit my backflow prevention device test results?
Where can I get further information about backflow prevention?
How are cross connections controlled?
Who has responsibility for cross connection control?
What is the state required frequency of backflow prevention device testing?
Who is eligible to test backflow prevention devices?
Where should I submit my backflow prevention device test results?
Where can I get further information about backflow prevention?
What is a cross connection?
A cross connection is a connection between a contaminated source and your drinking water system. Backflow occurs when the water flow is reversed due to a change in pressure, and the water flows backward into and through the system. This creates a potentially hazardous situation.
How are cross connections controlled
The installation of a backflow prevention device, otherwise known as a cross connection control device, is required under any circumstance where contamination may occur.
Who has responsibility for cross connection control
- Responsibility of the state ‒ The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is responsible for administering the state regulations for cross connection control, 327 IAC 8-10.
- Responsibility of East Monroe Water Corporation ‒ Responsible for providing members with drinking water that meets all applicable federal and state primary drinking water standards. EMWC is also responsible for maintaining backflow prevention device test results.
- Responsibility of Members of EMWC ‒ Responsible for using water in a manner that does not jeopardize the water quality in the public water distribution system. Members are responsible for adherence to the state plumbing code. State regulations may require members to install, maintain, and test state approved backflow prevention devices and submit results to EMWC.
What is the state required frequency of backflow prevention device testing?
Pressure type vacuum breakers (as used for lawn irrigation systems) must be tested every 12 months. Double check valve assemblies and double check detector assemblies must also be tested every 12 months. Reduced pressure principle devices must be tested at 6 month intervals.
Who is eligible to test backflow prevention devices
Only state approved testers who are registered with the state can test backflow prevention devices. A complete list of Indiana's licensed backflow inspectors can be found at IDEM Drinking Water Web Page.
Where should I submit my backflow prevention device test results?
EMWC Test Form (pdf)
Test results must be submitted within 30 days of testing using one of the following methods.
Test results must be submitted within 30 days of testing using one of the following methods.
- FAX to EMWC 812-335-8504
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail to: EMWC, 3428 S Knightridge Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
Where can I get further information about backflow prevention?
- IDEM, attention Rick Miranda with the Drinking Water Branch at 800-451-6027
- State regulations for Public Water Safety - Title 327, Article 8 (327 IAC 8)
- Cross Connections; Control; Operation - Title 327, Article 8, Rule 10 (327 IAC 8-10)
- Complete list of Indiana's licensed backflow inspectors (IDEM Drinking Water Web Page)
- State Plumbing Code - Title 675, Article 16 (675 IAC)