As a home owner or other property owner, you are responsible for annual testing of your backflow devices.
We manage backflow testing programs for your water purveyor, including your test results and expiration timeframes. In addition, we have search tools available for you to locate a state-certified testing contractor near you.
Why is testing backflows and cross connections so important?
Backflow is the reverse flow of water from its normal direction of flow in a piping system. If backflow occurs, contaminated water could potentially be introduced into drinking water. To control backflow, backflow prevention devices are required in any location where this contamination could occur. Systems not protected with approved backflow prevention devices could endanger the health of a household or an entire neighborhood.
Testing your backflow devices is also the LAW, and it is your responsibility to ensure your devices are tested annually!
Additional Resources
Minnesota's Plumbing Code can be found here: http://www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/PDF/fs_backflow.pdf
"Responsibility of the owner - The owner of the backflow prevention device is responsible for making sure the backflow device is tested upon installation and at least annually thereafter. The owner is responsible for arranging for a backflow device tester to test devices at least annually."
Useful information regarding backflows and cross-connection are detailed in the videos below. The information found in these videos are universal for any state following the ASSE Standards.