Division of Drinking Water
Cross Connection Control Program & Backflow Prevention Rule Updates
Significant changes have been made to the Cross Connection Control and Cross Connection Control Certification rules. These changes went into effect January 1, 2019. Water systems and those interested in cross connection certifications should familiarize themselves with these changes.
R309-105-12(c) now specifically defines what is required for “adequately trained staff for cross connection control and backflow prevention”.
- Community water systems with a population 500 and above shall have a certified Cross Connection Control Program Administrator by December 31, 2020.
- Community water systems with a population under 500 shall have a certified Cross Connection Control Program Administrator by December 31, 2023.
- All other water systems may be required to have a certified Cross Connection Control Program Administrator at the Director’s discretion.
Please refer to R309-305-7 for requirements to become a certified Cross Connection Control Program Administrator.
This certified Cross Connection Control Program Administrator can be:
- An individual on your water system staff.
- A certified Cross Connection Control Program Administrator not on your water system staff that would be in agreement to represent your water system on our records.
Cross Connection Control Program Administrator (Formerly Grade 1 Backflow Technician)
Those individuals trained to administrate and implement a cross connection control program for a water system. Refer to R309-305-8 for specific requirements.
To Become a Cross Connection Control Program Administrator:
- Enroll in a Cross Connection Control Commission-approved course. (18 hours minimum)
- Take an exam provided by the Division of Drinking Water. A score of 70% is required for certification.
- Submit application and fee to Division of Drinking Water.
- Expiration is one year from the date of passing exam. This certification will be an annual renewal by obtaining CEUs.
To Renew a Cross Connection Control Program Administrator Certificate:
- Accumulate .6 CEUs annually that are cross connection control and backflow prevention related. These CEUs must be approved by Division of Drinking Water and submitted before renewal date.
- Submit renewal application and fee prior to expiration date
To Become a Backflow Assembly Tester:
- Enroll in a Cross Connection Control Commission-approved Backflow Assembly Tester course.
- Pay examination fee to a Cross Connection Control Commission-approved 3rd party agency* and take a written and performance exam provided by the 3rd party agency*.
- Submit application, certification fee, and evidence of successfully meeting the requirements of 3rd party* to Division of Drinking Water.
- Expiration is 3 years from the date of issuance. (Date of issuance is date exams were successfully passed)
To Renew a Backflow Assembly Tester Certification:
- A recertification course is not required but recommended.
- Pay examination fee to a Cross Connection Control Commission-approved 3rd party agency and take a written and performance exam provided by the 3rd party agency*.
- Submit application, certification fee, and evidence of successfully meeting the requirements of 3rd party* to Division of Drinking Water.
*Approved 3rd Party Agencies: American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
Questions?
If you should have any questions or need assistance in implementing these rules, please feel free to contact [email protected] at (385) 600-3378.
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