We are committed to providing our customers with safe, reliable water service. One way we do that is by helping our commercial customers prevent the backflow of contaminants into our drinking water distribution system.
What is backflow?
Backflow occurs when water flowing to a facility reverses direction and flows backward toward the water distribution system. Depending on the activities and hazards at the facility, this reverse flow of water may introduce pollutants or contaminants into the water system.
How you can help
To protect against backflow, state and local regulators require businesses and multi-family dwellings to have features known as backflow prevention assemblies connected to their plumbing systems.
Responsibility of businesses
Individual businesses are responsible to ensure backflow assemblies are installed and tested annually. Backflow assemblies must be tested by licensed backflow testers, who must also enter the test results - pass or fail - into our system.
HB24-1344 requires the testing, inspection, and repair of backflow devices across the State of Colorado be performed by licensed plumbers instead of certified cross-connection control technicians, as of July 1, 2024.
However, in accordance with a subsequent State Plumbing Board policy, certified cross-connection control technicians without a plumbing license can continue inspecting, testing, and repairing backflow prevention devices within Colorado Springs Utilities’ Service Territory without being subject to disciplinary action, until April 1, 2025.
Please see below for additional information:
- Several members of our community offering crucial backflow prevention services have been negatively impacted by the passage of HB24-1344 .
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released a statement urging the State Plumbing Board to use statutory discretion and refrain from issuing disciplinary actions until the implementation process of the bill is completed.
- On July 17, 2024, the State Plumbing Board passed a temporary enforcement policy, which allows certified cross-connection control technicians without a plumbing license to continue inspecting, testing, and repairing backflow prevention devices without receiving disciplinary action. The policy is in effect through April 1, 2025, allowing the General Assembly the opportunity to assess impacts and seek a long-term solutions.
- Colorado Springs Utilities appreciates the actions taken by the State Plumbing Board to protect the health and safety of our community and ensure there is an adequate supply of backflow testers and inspectors. If you have further questions, please visit the backflow prevention page on csu.org, email crossconnection@csu.org, or call (719) 668-4388.
Testing required annually
State law and City Code require customers to have their backflow prevention assemblies tested and the results submitted annually.
- Commercial and multifamily irrigation assemblies must be tested and the results submitted each year by July 1.
- Inside use (domestic) and fire suppression assemblies must be tested and the results submitted each year by Oct. 1.
Enforcement
Failure to comply with annual testing requirements will result in regulatory action including:
- Fines of $405 per backflow assembly.
- Suspension of water service pending compliance