Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention Program

ANNUAL FEE:

A $50 inspection charge will appear on your April invoice each year.

This $50 annual fee covers:

Hiring a contracted certified backflow tester
Completion of your annual backflow test
Submission of required results to Oquirrh Mountain Water and the State of Utah

If customers prefer to hire their own certified tester: You may do so, and—once we receive your passing test report—you will be refunded the $50 April charge for that testing year

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why is this program required?

Utah Administrative Code R309-105-12 requires every public drinking water system to maintain a cross-connection control program and ensure backflow assemblies are properly installed, tested, and functioning. This protects the public system from potential contamination

Who can test my device?

Only Utah certified backflow testers.

I want to arrange my own backflow testing. How do I find a Utah certified tester?

A current list of Utah certified backflow testers can be found by on the State's website: Certified Backflow Testers

What if I don't have a backflow device?

If you do not have a required device, Oquirrh Mountain Water Company will notify you about needed protection and installation requirements. Backflow devices are required by the State of Utah, and installation will be mandatory. Click here for more information on the required device.

Who pays for repairs?

The customer is responsible for all repairs or replacements needed for a passing test.

Why do backflow preventers need to be tested at least once annually?

Mechanical backflow preventers have internal seals and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or fatigue. Also, mechanical backflow preventers and air gaps can be bypassed. Therefore, all backflow preventers have to be tested periodically to ensure they are functioning properly. A visual check of air gaps is sufficient, but mechanical backflow preventers need to be tested by a State certified backflow specialist, with properly calibrated gauge equipment.

Why is OMWC charging a $50 annual fee instead of having customers arrange their own testing?

To comply with State requirements, OMWC secured a bulk rate for all residential properties. Individual backflow tests typically cost between $90–$150 when scheduled independently. By negotiating a system-wide price, we are able to meet State testing requirements while keeping costs significantly lower for our customers.

I want to speak with someone at the State for more information on why this program is required.

You may contact the Division of Drinking Water of Utah by emailing: DDWCrossConn@utah.gov or by phone at (385) 600-3378 for additional information regarding State cross-connection control requirements and why Oquirrh Mountain Water Company is required to implement this program.

I am an indoor-only water customer (0.25 ac/ft, some 0.45 ac/ft) will I be charged?

This fee does not apply to you. Only customers with outdoor water are required by the State to have a backflow device installed and tested annually.

Each year, many public drinking water systems are contaminated by pollutants or contaminants that backflow into the system through unprotected cross-connections. The State of Utah requires water system administrators and certified backflow testers to help prevent these unprotected cross-connections. Residents also play an important role in protecting the safety of their drinking water.