Backflow Prevention Program

The City’s Backflow Prevention Program exists to protect our water supply from the risk of contamination and resulting associated public health impacts. The City is given the responsibility through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ohio Department of Commerce to maintain the integrity of our water system by ensuring proper connections and preventing backflow. Backflow prevention devices ensure these potentially hazardous substances cannot infiltrate into the water supply. Common contaminants include, but are not limited to, pesticides, fertilizer, herbicides, bacteria, animal feces and other chemicals.

Mandatory minimum requirements have been established by the Ohio EPA for the installation, inspection and testing of all backflow prevention devices. The City of North Ridgeville is responsible for the protection of the city’s drinking water distribution system. Water customers (residents and business owners) are responsible for maintaining their plumbing systems and complying with city requirements. The city requires proper backflow prevention devices to be installed at cross-connection locations and annual testing of those devices.

Backflow is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the distribution pipes of the potable water supply from any source other than the intended source of the supply.

Cross-Connection is any pipe connection or hose connection directly attached to the city water supply system where backflow could occur.

Backpressure is a reversal of flow due to a cross-connection with a system that operates at a greater pressure than the public water system.

Cross-connections can be capped off by a licensed plumber or certified backflow tester when appropriate. If the consumer chooses to discontinue use of the cross-connection and remove the backflow prevention device, a disconnect permit must be issued and an inspection made by the Building Division.

Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-95 requires testing of backflow devices at least once every twelve months. The City of North Ridgeville requires a certified tester to perform the annual tests and recommends performing annual testing in the spring. Test reports are due to the city by June 15th.

Additionally, all non-residential water customers are required to submit cross-connection surveys annually by July 31st. Non-residential customers will have onsite audits performed by the City or their representative every five years to ensure all potential locations of cross-connections are protected.

The City has partnered with Backflow Solutions, Inc. to collect and maintain backflow prevention device testing data for all residential and non-residential devices.

Property owners will receive a notice from BSI in April reminding them of the need to test their device by the June 15th due date. In this letter, owners will find a Customer Confirmation Number (CCN) number. Owners can use BSI’s website to find licensed testers in their area, see when their test report has been uploaded or learn more about backflow prevention. The CCN will need to be provided to the certified tester so they can upload the test results into the BSI portal. Owners needing assistance with BSI can reach out to their dedicated Water Customer Support at (888) 966-6050 or [email protected].

Testing companies are required to register with BSI annually and submit test reports through the BSI portal. Testing companies are required to be registered as a contractor through the City of North Ridgeville Building Division and a copy of the certificate is required when registering with BSI. All test reports must be submitted through BSI’s portal and can no longer be submitted directly to the city. Testers needing assistance with BSI can reach out to their dedicated Testing Company Support at (800) 414-4990 or [email protected].