Arizona Administrative Code Section R18-04-215 and Global Water Resources' Codes of Practice require public water systems to protect consumers from contamination caused by backflow through unprotected cross-connections by requiring the installation and periodic testing of backflow prevention assemblies. Arizona Administrative Code R14-2-405.B.6 requires that any customer’s lines be installed so as to prevent cross-connection or backflow contamination.
Accordingly, Global Water Resources requires backflow prevention assemblies to be installed and/or retrofitted at the service connection where there exists a possibility of cross-connection contamination caused by backflow.
In drinking water pipes, whether in a commercial building or a family residence, water pressure can suddenly drop for a number of reasons. Drops in water pressure can occur during high water use in the home (running all water appliances, showering, watering) or high water use in the distribution system (fire fighting, water main break). When these drops of water pressure occur, contaminated water can be siphoned back into your plumbing system through an unprotected cross connection in your home or in the distribution system.
The type of backflow prevention assembly required is determined based on the hazards present at a particular service connection. There are four categories.
Category 1: Non-residential, commercial and industrial property service lines.
Category 2: Non-exempt single-family and multi-family residences with common or dual plumbing.
Category 3: Dedicated irrigation service lines.
Category 4: Fire service lines.
You should review a copy of the Backflow and Cross Connection Tariff for your utility, located here.
Click HERE for a list of Registered Backflow Testers.
Customer Responsibility for Backflow Prevention
Global Water Resources will specify, as required by its tariffs and the Arizona Administrative Code, if a backflow prevention assembly is required and the type of assembly needed for a particular service connection. Where a backflow prevention assembly is required, it must be located on the customer’s side of the service connection, downstream of the meter. The approved backflow prevention assembly is installed, owned, tested and maintained by the customer. In accordance with the Arizona Administrative Code Section R14-2-407, the customer is responsible for maintaining customer-owned equipment.
Title 14, Chapter 2 regarding Fixed Utilities and customer responsibilities is located here. Title 18, Chapter 4 regarding Safe Drinking Water, including provisions regarding backflow and cross-connection is located here. Clicking these links will take you to a third party website. Global Water is not responsible for the content or availability of these third-party websites.
Required Testing
Are you a registered backflow tester, if not, click here.
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All new service connections (commercial or residential) that require a backflow prevention assembly must install the backflow assembly and the certified backflow inspector must submit a passing test result within 24 hours of meter installation.
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All installed backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually by a certified backflow inspector. It is the customer's responsibility to arrange for annual testing and submission of results by a certified backflow inspector.
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Passing test results can be submitted electronically here. Test reports must be submitted directly by the certified inspector.
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A "failed" test result must be reported within 24 hours of testing. Please email backflow@gwresources.com to report a failed test. Failed backflow assemblies must be repaired or replaced and re-tested until the test is passed. Global Water may require repairs or replacement be completed immediately in order to prevent cross-contamination of the water system.
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Non-compliance with the requirements of the Arizona Administrative Code or the approved Backflow and Cross-Connection Tariff may result in disconnection of water service to prevent cross-contamination of the water system.
Backflow Prevention Tester Policy
Backflow Prevention Assembly Annual Compliance
Each backflow prevention assembly ("BPA") tester is required to complete the certified required course to become a Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. The Tester’s certificate must be current and submitted with the BPA test report. Global Water is not permitted to recognize test reports as being valid unless a copy of the BPA Tester's certificate is on file. To avoid delays in the verification of your compliance with Global Water's Backflow/Cross-Connection Control Program, please:
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Use a Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
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Make sure the Tester's certificate is current and submitted with the BPA Test Report
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Click HERE for a list of Registered Backflow Testers.
Calibration of Test Equipment
The test equipment used for testing BPA's shall be calibrated and certified annually. Certified calibration reports shall be submitted to the Global Water Backflow/Cross-Connection Control Program at backflow@gwresources.com. Failure to submit required certified calibration reports could result in 'non-compliance' of the program for the BPA customer. BPA testers will be held accountable to Global Water’s Tester Policy.
Submission of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing Reports
The timely submission of accurate testing reports is an essential element in the smooth operation of Global Water's Backflow/Cross-Connection Control Program. In order to aid in this process, Global Water requires all BPA test reports be submitted electronically. Submit testing reports and the Tester's certification here.
Backflow Test Report Form
In addition to submitting the test report for each individual BPA, the following information will be required in the submission form:
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Owner information
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Water Company
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Backflow Device Serial Number
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Potable Water Meter Serial Number
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Backflow Tester Company Name
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Backflow Tester Contact Number
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Tester's email address
When a test report is submitted electronically, a confirmation screen will appear with a unique identification number indicating the form has been submitted. The tester will also receive an email confirmation. This confirmation process is important and it is recommended that testers keep this information for future record in the event proof of submission is required.
Inaccurate or incomplete reports will not be accepted. Reports lacking information or with inaccurate information will be sent back to the tester for correction. Delays in the administration of the program could result in a notice to the customer for not complying with the Global Water Backflow and Cross-Connection Program which could result in a disruption of water service.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact us at backflow@gwresources.com
Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to the Global Water Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Policy.