Backflow Prevention
Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-95 requires public water suppliers to protect their water systems from cross-connections and prevent backflow situations. A backflow situation occurs when water flows backwards into the building’s water system and/or the public water system. It happens where there is a cross-connection and a change in pressure causing the water to go backwards. A cross-connection is where a possible source of water contamination and the property and/or the public water system connect. If you suspect a possible cross-connection at your property, please give us a call at (440) 933-6226 or email backflow@avonlakewater.org.
Annual Inspection and Testing for Backflow Prevention Device and/or Fire Protection Device
Results due by 4:30 p.m. on June 25th
Each year, Avon Lake customers with a backflow prevention device and/or a fire protection device (fire protection devices refer to commercial and industrial customers that have dedicated fire protection sprinkler lines in their property) must have an inspection and test of the device by a State-certified inspector (per Ohio EPA regulations) to ensure the device is working properly to prevent any contaminated surface water from backflowing and entering the public water system. What is backflow? Backflow is when water flows backwards into your home’s water system and/or the public water system. It happens where there is a cross-connection and a change in pressure causing the water to go backwards.
4:30 p.m. on June 25th is the deadline for Avon Lake Regional Water to receive the annual inspection and test results of the device(s). Failure to comply will result in a $50.00 penalty. If by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on July 9th, Avon Lake Regional Water has still not received the results, then water service to the property will be temporarily suspended until compliance. Also, a standard turn-on fee will be applied when the system is in compliance to restore water service. Failure to file the test report within 10 days of activating the system may result in a fine and possible loss of water service.
Avon Lake Regional Water does not charge State-certified inspectors any fees. Click here to obtain a list of State-certified inspectors.
For more additional information and/or questions, please call 440-933-6226 or email backflow@avonlakewater.org.
Download Backflow Test Report (Rev’21)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is backflow?
A: Backflow is when water flows backwards into your home’s water system and/or the public water system. It happens where there is a cross-connection and a change in pressure causing the water to go backwards.
Q: What is a cross-connection?
A: A cross-connection is where a possible source of water contamination (examples include a backflow device connected to an in-ground sprinkler system, a garden hose connected to an outside faucet, a lawn fertilizer/weed prevention spray bottle connected to a garden hose) and your home and/or the public water system connect.
If you suspect a possible cross-connection at your property, please give us a call at (440) 933-6226 or email backflow@avonlakewater.org.
Q: Why do backflow prevention devices need to be inspected and tested annually?
A: The purpose of annual testing is to ensure the device is working properly to prevent any contaminated surface water from backflowing and entering the public water system.
Q: Is the annual inspection and test a requirement of Avon Lake Regional Water?
A: Yes, per Avon Lake Regional Water’s Rules and Regulations, Title 2, Chapter 2200. Also, Ohio EPA regulations require the annual inspection of backflow prevention devices by a State-certified inspector.
Q: What notification will I receive about the inspection and testing requirement?
A: Avon Lake Regional Water will send notification to residents with a backflow prevention device beginning in April. Residents will continue to receive notification until results are received by Avon Lake Regional Water. The deadline for Avon Lake Regional Water to receive the results is 4:30 p.m. on June 25th. Absence of notification does not void the inspection and testing requirement for a backflow prevention device. If there is a backflow prevention device on a property, annual inspection and testing requirements must be sent to Avon Lake Regional Water.
Q: What do I do with the results?
A: Your State-certified inspector should send a copy of the results to Avon Lake Regional Water by 4:30 p.m. on June 25th. Please keep a copy of the results in your records in case Avon Lake Regional Water fails to receive it from your State-certified inspector. Test results may be sent to backflow@avonlakewater.org.