BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE
Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Buildings

Regulatory Compliance

Pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (P.L. 93-523, 1974, as amended) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations (310 CMR 22.22), the Sudbury Water District, as a public drinking water supplier, is responsible for preventing the introduction of water from unapproved sources or any other contaminants into the public potable water supply.

In accordance with MassDEP cross-connection control requirements, the Sudbury Water District employs a Massachusetts-certified cross-connection tester/surveyor and engages qualified subcontractors to inspect, test, and maintain backflow prevention assemblies at all commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities connected to the public water system. These measures ensure ongoing compliance with state and federal regulations and protect the public water supply from potential contamination.

As provided for in the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA) (P.L. 93-523) enacted 1974 and as amended, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulation, 310 CMR 22.22, Sudbury Water District acting as a public drinking water supplier, has undertaken the primary responsibility  to protect the public drinking water supply from unapproved sources, or any other substances, from entering the public potable water supply:

In compliance with these regulations, the Sudbury Water District both employ’s an inhouse Massachusetts certified cross connection tester/surveyor and outsources a subcontractor to inspect and test commercial, industrial and institutional facilities connected to public water.

Testing Frequency:

  • Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Device (RPBP) ⇒ Twice Per Year
  • Double Check Valves Assembly (DCVA) ⇒ Once Per Year
  • Seasonal Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Device (RPBP) ⇒ Once Per Year

Pursuant to Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, 310 CMR 22.22 (13)(b) in the event a backflow prevention device fails testing, as determined by the District or its agent, repair or replacement by a Massachusetts licensed plumber or in the case of fire protection a Massachusetts licensed fire sprinkler fitter / contractor must occur within 14 days of the initial inspection performed; within the same (14) calendar period the owner shall contact the Sudbury Water District directly by telephoning (978) 443-6602 to schedule re-testing of the repaired/replaced device.

A $75.00 fee is assessed upon each test and retest; refusal to observe backflow-testing and inspection may result in loss of water until corrective action is taken.