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

How to Apply

Certification is obtained by successfully passing both a comprehensive written and a hands-on performance examination provided by either the American Backflow Prevention Association or the American Society of Sanitary Engineering. The examinations are conducted under the oversight of an independent proctor, including the testing and diagnosis of each of the three major backflow prevention assemblies (double check valve, pressure vacuum breaker and reduced pressure principle assemblies.)

Application

Fact Sheets

Fees

There are no fees collected by the department to obtain certification, however, the schools do charge for the associated training courses. New certifications generally cost $650 to $950, while recertification generally costs approximately $395.

Timeline/ Process

Any person seeking to be a certified backflow prevention assembly tester shall complete written and performance (hands on) examinations provided by the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) Tester Certification Program or the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ADSSE.) Certification generally takes four to five weeks from the date of a test for certification information to be received by the department. Once received, the department should issue certification within 10 days. The certified tester must ensure ABPA or ASSE has notified the department about passing in order for their name to be included on the department’s list of certified testers. 

The department shall not be held liable for any failure of ABPA or ASSE to notify the department that a tester has satisfactorily completed the recertification requirements. The department will request additional information if the application is not complete, which will delay the review process.

Public Participation

No public participation is required.

Requirements

Renewal

Any certified tester seeking to be recertified shall satisfactorily complete ABPA’s or ASSE’s recertification requirements, including examination questions on Missouri backflow prevention rules. The certified tester must also ensure ABPA or ASSE has notified the department about passing in order for their name to be included on the department’s list of certified testers. The department shall not be held liable for any failure of ABPA or ASSE to notify the department that a tester has satisfactorily completed the recertification requirements. Recertification shall be valid for three years.

Resources