|
The Environmental Services Section of the Water Utilities Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for administering the City of Tempe’s Backflow Prevention Program, which is a containment program. An example of containment and internal protection is provided below:
1. The City of Tempe water meter. The user paying the water bill will receive the test notification letter. The test notice will provide the meter number and service address as listed in the City of Tempe billing system.
2. The RP serves as containment by preventing backsiphonage / backflow of water into the public water supply.
3. The PVB serves as isolation by preventing backsiphonage of water into the user’s water system.
4. Fire lines should be protected by use of a double check assembly located either outside or inside the Fire Riser room. The first check valve closes as a result of backsiphonage and the second check valve closes as a result of backpressure.
The purpose of the Backflow program, is to protect the public water supply from contamination or pollution by isolating within the user’s system such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow into the public water supply, and to provide for the monitoring and enforcement of the program. This is accomplished by inspecting service connections to determine compliance with Tempe City Code related to backflow, tracking the annual testing of privately-owned backflow prevention assemblies (“assemblies”) to ensure proper operation, and investigating water quality complaints and backflow incidents.
Responsibility of the User
Pursuant to Tempe City Code Chapter 33, Section 107(a), the user is responsible for maintaining accurate records of tests and repairs made to the assembly. Section 107(b) requires the user, at their own expense, to have a certified backflow prevention assembly tester that is registered with the City, test the assembly at the initial installation and then annually on the anniversary date of the initial test. It is recommended the user maintain these records of testing and repairs for a minimum of three (3) years. Section 107(c) of the Code specifies the user is required to notify the City 15 days in advance when the yearly test(s) are to be conducted. This requirement will only apply if the user is notified in advance by Environmental Services staff.
Test Notification Letter
Assembly test notification letters will be issued to the user paying for the water service. A initial test notice will be issued 45 days prior to the annual test due date. An overdue notice will be issued if the test is not completed and posted by the assembly due date. The City may initiate enforcement action up to and including termination of water service if the test is not completed and posted by the due date given in the overdue notice.
Data Management & Tester Registration
Effective April 17, 2017, testers may register with the City of Tempe online at our backflow data entry site. All tester certification information, gauge calibration forms, proof of insurance, and requests to become a recognized tester can be submitted when registering online. Testers can also register by submitting their information and request to Tempe Backflow. If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Services Section at 480-350-2678.
Tester Responsibility
Test reports can be entered online through a tester's respective account at our online test entry site. Assembly test reports, tester certification information, gauge calibration forms, proof of insurance, and requests to become a recognized tester can also be submitted at Tempe Backflow. If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Services Section at 480-350-2678.
Stolen Backflow Assembly
If your backflow assembly is stolen, please report this theft to the City of Tempe Police Department. Use the non-emergency number of (480) 350-8311 to file the report. By providing the responding officer with the make, model, size, and serial number of the stolen assembly, valuable time is saved for the Police Department and the Water Utilities Division. The City aggressively investigates thefts of assemblies and arrests have been made.
The user must replace the stolen assembly in a timely manner and the assembly must be replaced with the same type of assembly. Security of the assembly should be increased by use of a cage, locking mechanism, and/or converting to a style of assembly which contains less brass. To be in compliance with Tempe City Code Chapter 33, Section 107(e), a plumbing permit is required if the assembly is replaced and/or relocated. If the assembly is relocated, it may no longer be serving as containment. Please contact the Environmental Services Section at (480) 350-2678 if you need assistance.
|
List of Registered Backflow Assembly Testing Companies
Windows Media Player
Word Viewer
Excel Viewer
PowerPoint Viewer
