Backflow Prevention

Backflow Test and Maintenance Form (pdf)
Fee Schedule (pdf)
Lawn Irrigation/Sprinkler Systems
State of Ohio Certified Backflow Testers (pdf)
Regulatory Authority for Backflow Program
List of Backflow Devices in Clermont County (pdf)

The water supply to your home is normally under pressure, but situations can occur causing this pressure to drop. These low pressure situations can cause water to flow backwards. This reversal of water flow is known as backflow. A water main break, repair of a water main, or water use for fire fighting can result in enough lost water pressure to cause backflow.

Backflow can be a health hazard for your family. When backflow occurs the water drawn back into your main water supply may be contaminated. This contaminated water remains in the water lines until it is drained from another fixture in your home. A serious health hazard could result when this contaminated water is used for drinking, cooking or bathing.  To prevent this from occurring Clermont County Public Health requires annual testing by a certified backflow tester for testable backflow devices. 

Certified Backflow Testers

Most plumbing companies have a certified backflow tester on staff.  We recommend checking the yellow pages under plumbing or backflow tests to find a certified backflow tester in your area.  You may also view a list of certified backflow testers on the Ohio Department of Commerce website.

Backflow Scenarios & Prevention Tips

• Soapy water or other cleaning compounds are back siphoned into your water supply via a faucet or hose submerged in a bucket or laundry basin.
  Prevention tip: Install an American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) 1011 approved vacuum breaker that permits manual draining for freezing conditions.
• Fertilizers/pesticides are back siphoned into your water supply via a garden hose attached to a fertilizer/pesticide sprayer.
  Prevention Tip: Install an ASSE* 1011 approved vacuum breaker.
• Chemical/pesticides/animal feces are drawn into your supply from a lawn irrigation system.
  Prevention tip: Contact your Plumbing or irrigation contractor. Lawn irrigation systems require a testable backflow device. This device should be tested annually to ensure reliability.

Regulatory Authority for the Backflow Program is granted under chapter 4101:3 of the Ohio Administrative Code.  Please refer to the following sections:

• General Information on Ohio Plumbing Code: OAC 4101:3-1 
• Inspection and Testing of Backflow Assemblies:  OAC 4101:3-1 section 312.9
• Connections to Lawn Irrigation Systems:  4101:3-6 section 608.16.5