Backflow Tester Information

Section 58.01.08.552.06.e of the Idaho Administrative Procedure Act (IDAPA) states:

Assemblies that cannot pass annual tests or those found to be defective shall be repaired, replaced, or isolated within ten (10) business days. If the failed assembly cannot be repaired, replaced, or isolated within ten (10) business days, water service to the failed assembly shall be discontinued. 

IDAPA 24.05.01.650 (Appendix A): Idaho Backflow Assembly Tester Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct states:

The purpose of this rule is to protect public health by setting minimum requirements and standards for licensed Backflow Assembly Testers in Idaho who inspect and field test backflow assemblies, backflow prevention devices and air gaps that protect public water systems.

1. Code of Ethics -- A licensed Backflow Assembly Tester shall:    
   1. At all times, act in accordance with his/her primary obligation to perform his/her duties with due care and diligence to protect the safety, health and welfare of the public;
   2. Comply with the laws and rules governing Backflow Assembly Testers and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations relating to backflow assembly testing;
   3. Perform only those duties consistent with and appropriate to his/her experience, training, skills, abilities, and licensure; and
   4. Be objective and truthful in all professional reports, statements, or testimony and include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements or testimony.
2. Definitions: 
   1. Backflow Prevention Assembly: an approved assembly such as a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), a Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly (PVBA), a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA), or a Spill-Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly (SVBA) used for the protection of the public water supply according to the provisions of IDAPA 58.01.08, “Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems,” as administered by DEQ.
   2. Backflow Prevention Device: an approved device such as an Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB), which does not contain valves or test ports, or a method, such as an air gap, that is utilized to prevent cross connections to a public water supply.
   3. Calibration/Verification: the annual verification, calibration, or both of a backflow assembly field test kit by an instrument calibration laboratory/facility or by a person qualified to verify and calibrate a field test kit such as a manufacturer, dealer licensed to calibrate or verify field test kits, or calibration technician.
   4. Customer: means the owner of the property or his/her authorized or appointed agent.
   5. Field Test Kit: an instrument, either mechanical or electronic in design, and all related fittings, tools, equipment and appurtenances necessary to perform field verification tests on backflow prevention assemblies.
3. Standards of Conduct: 
   1. Principle 1 -- A Backflow Assembly Tester shall act only within the scope of practice as set forth in the Board’s laws and rules. A Backflow Assembly Tester must use due care and diligence in performing his/her duties.
   2. Principle 2 -- When conducting inspections and field tests of backflow prevention assemblies, a Backflow Assembly Tester must use test procedures that comply with standard field test procedures.
   3. Principle 3 -- The Backflow Assembly Tester shall observe or inspect existing installations of backflow prevention assemblies to identify whether the assembly is properly installed and whether, in the opinion of the Backflow Assembly Tester, the assembly is adequate and appropriate for the degree of hazard posed to the Public Water System having jurisdiction over the assembly.
      1. A Backflow Assembly Tester must report improperly installed assemblies to the customer and the Public Water System having jurisdiction over the backflow prevention assembly and also must note the discrepancy on the test report and submit the test report to the customer and the Public Water System having jurisdiction over the backflow prevention assembly.
      2. A Backflow Assembly Tester must note discrepancies regarding inadequate or inappropriate backflow prevention assemblies on the test report and submit the test report to the customer and the Public Water System having jurisdiction over the backflow prevention assembly.
   4. Principle 4 -- A Backflow Assembly Tester shall use a properly working and calibrated field test kit that meets the requirements of the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association Cross Connection Control Manual, Seventh Edition, November 2012. When requested by a Public Water System, a Backflow Assembly Tester shall submit the most recent calibration report that verifies the accuracy of the field kit. When requested by a Public Water System, a Backflow Assembly Tester shall submit proof of current licensure in Idaho as a Backflow Assembly Tester.
   5. Principle 5 -- The Backflow Assembly Tester must competently use a field test kit, all tools, and other equipment and appurtenances necessary to inspect and field test backflow prevention assemblies, inspect air gaps and backflow prevention devices.
   6. Principle 6 -- When a backflow prevention assembly passes a field test, the Backflow Assembly Tester shall submit within fifteen (15) business days of performing the field test a passing test report to the customer and the Public Water System having jurisdiction over the backflow prevention assembly.
   7. Principle 7 -- When a backflow prevention assembly is defective or fails to pass the field test, the Backflow Assembly Tester shall submit immediately, if possible, but no later than within two (2) business days, a failing field test report to the customer and the Public Water System having jurisdiction over the backflow prevention assembly.
   8. Principle 8 -- The Backflow Assembly Tester shall complete a test report for each backflow prevention assembly for which the Backflow Assembly Tester conducts a field test. A test report must be legible and contain all relevant and pertinent information pertaining to the field test including, at a minimum, the make, model, size, serial number, orientation, and test results for each test conducted.
      1. A Backflow Assembly Tester shall record data and sign test reports only for backflow prevention assemblies for which the Backflow Assembly Tester has personally conducted the field test.
      2. A Backflow Assembly Tester shall not falsify the results of a backflow prevention assembly field test or inspection.