Backflow Prevention


In Ohio, the responsibility for preventing backflow is divided. In general, state and local plumbing inspectors have authority over plumbing systems within buildings while the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and water suppliers regulate protection of the Public Water System at each service connection. Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-95 requires the public water supplier to protect the Public Water System from cross-connections and prevent backflow. Backflow occurs when a cross-connection is created and a pressure reversal, either as back-siphonage or backpressure, occurs in the water supply piping.


If you are a residential customer you are only required to have a backflow preventer if you have one of the following on your premises: 


  1. Sprinkler/Irrigation System
  2. Pool
  3. Hot tub
  4. Well, Pond, or other Auxiliary Water System
  5. A System of Process Fluids
  6. It is determined by the District that a Pollutional, System, Health or Severe Health Hazard exists as defined in Section 9 of the District's Code of Regulations.


*The District no longer requires every residential home to have a backflow preventer. 

Submit Backflow Survey Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need a backflow preventer?

If you currently have a backflow preventer but you do not have any of the six (6) conditions listed above, you are no longer required to have one

If I am not required to have a backflow preventer and I have one, do I need to remove it?

No. You do not need to remove the backflow preventer unless you prefer to. Regardless of whether you keep it or remove it, you are no longer required to test the device or report the test results to the District. If something changes and you meet one of the six (6) conditions above in the future, you are required to notify the District of the change. Please note that this is a change to the information you received in the March 1, 2022, letter. After further coordination with the Ohio EPA, it has been determined that you are not required to remove or test the device.

What if I only have a sprinkler/irrigation system?

If you have a sprinkler/irrigation system you are required to have a backflow preventer. In accordance with District regulations, you are required to meet the following regulation - “a pressure vacuum breaker shall be installed on the Irrigation System or a RPZ Backflow Prevention Device Shall be installed immediately after the water meter.” You only need one device installed, not both.

What do I need to do if I am required to have a backflow preventer?

If you meet any of the six (6) conditions listed above, you are required to have a backflow preventer, test your backflow preventer annually, and report the test results to the District. The District has contracted with “BSI Online” to assist with the tracking and recordkeeping of all backflow prevention devices in the District. If you are required to have a backflow preventer, you will receive a letter from BSI Online within the next few months with instructions for testing your device and a deadline to submit the results to the District. Your backflow prevention device must be tested by a state certified backflow tester and submitted by the testing company.

What happens if I do not test my backflow preventer and submit my results to the District?

If you do not complete the annual testing of your backflow prevention device by the deadline provided to you, your water service will be disconnected, and you will be required to meet the District’s regulations regarding backflow prevention and pay any fines, penalties, and reconnection charges before your water is restored. The testing and reporting of the backflow preventer is required by Ohio EPA regulations and the District will enforce water service disconnections to comply.

What if I am not sure whether I need a backflow preventer?

The District is happy to discuss your circumstances with you to determine whether you are required to have a backflow preventer. Please feel free to contact us by calling (614) 864-0740, between 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri. If we can’t make a determination after speaking with you, we will schedule a time for our technician to visit your residence to make a determination.

How is the District going to keep track of backflow prevention devices?

The District is required to update all backflow prevention records every five (5) years. In an effort to benchmark the existing system, a survey form was included with the May 2022 bills that will help the District track backflow prevention devices to comply with Ohio EPA regulations. You may download a copy of the survey form below. Please complete this survey and return it to the District before June 30, 2022, by one of the following methods:

• Mail to Jefferson Water & Sewer District, 6455 Taylor Road, Blacklick, Ohio 43004
• Fax to (614) 864-9192
• Scan and email to backflow@jwsd.org
• Drop off in the mailbox at the District’s front gate (same address) anytime, or in the District office between 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri.

Download Backflow Survey

Definitions

  • Auxiliary Water System is any water system on or available to a premises served by the Public Water System. Including, but not limited to, wells, ponds, lakes, or any other pumped system.
  • Backflow is the flow of water, other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the Public Water System from a potential source of contamination.
  • Backflow Prevention Device is any device, method, or type of construction intended to prevent backflow into the Public Water System.
  • Backpressure is when a higher opposing pressure is applied against the Public Water System’s pressure.
  •  Back-siphonage is when the water supply pressure is lost or falls to a level lower than the source of contamination.
  • Cross-Connection  is any physical connection between the Public Water System and a potential source of contamination.
  •  Health Hazard is any condition, device, or practice that is an actual or potential danger to the health and well-being of the public served by the Public Water System.
  • Process Fluids are any fluids or solutions that may be chemically, biologically, or otherwise contaminated or polluted which would constitute a health, pollution, or system hazard if introduced into the waterworks.
  • Public Water System is the District’s system for the provision of potable water to the public.
  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker is a device containing a spring-loaded poppet that allows air to enter the water system if a syphon tries to form, with test valves.
  •  Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) is a device containing a minimum of two independently acting check valves together with an automatically operated pressure differential relief valve located between two check valves.
  • Service Connection is the end of a service line at the meter from the Public Water System.
  • System Hazard is a condition posing an actual or potential threat to the Public Water System or Customer’s Water System after the service connection.