Backflow prevention protects community public water systems from contamination or damage through cross-connections located in customer facilities. Backflow prevention is typically achieved by placing a backflow prevention assembly between the customer and the public water system. This is called containment backflow prevention. Community public water systems serve at least 15 connections or at least 25 people on a year-round basis. Missouri has more 1,400 community water systems that serve more than 4.9 million people.
These backflow prevention assemblies must be inspected on an annual basis by a backflow prevention assembly tester that has been certified by the department. Certification is obtained by first acquiring certification from a school or training center in the state through the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) or the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA). The department maintains a public facing list of currently certified individuals that may be hired to inspect the assemblies. This list is updated once per month.
Length of Certification
- Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification lasts for three years. Recertification is valid for three years.
Laws, Rules and Regulations
- Federal Law: Federal Safe Drinking Water Act
- State Law: Missouri Safe Drinking Water Law Sections 640.100 to 640.140, RSMo
- Code of State Regulations: Division 60 Safe Drinking Water Commission, 10 CSR 60, Chapter 11 –Backflow Prevention
- Commission, Board, Council: Missouri Safe Drinking Water Commission