RESIDENTIAL BACKFLOW
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 for preventing water from unapproved sources, or any other substances, from entering the public potable water supply;
In compliance with these regulations, annually on or about January 1 and ending no later than February 28 or at the discretion of its agent, backflow-testing and inspection for residential living units using fire protection is conducted;
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 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 $60.00 fee is assessed upon each test and retest (condo/townhome developments billed as common area expenses directly to condo association trustee); refusal to observe backflow-testing and inspection may result in loss of water until corrective action is taken.
What should do after receiving notification that it is time for your annual backflow inspection:
- Contact Patrick Carroll, Cross Connection Coordinator directly at all 978-460-9206 to schedule an appointment to have your prevention device inspected and tested;
- Appointments are scheduled M-F during the hours of 8 am-3:30 pm – exact appointment times are provided;
- Appointments occupy approximately 15-minutes per device; kindly make arrangements to be home allowing access to the device;
- A $60.00 fee is assessed upon testing and will be billed to the individual home owner. In the case of a condo/townhome development the condo association trust will be billed directly.
What you should do in the event your device fails inspection:
- Within 14-days of the initial inspection you must
- Contact a Massachusetts licensed fire-sprinkler fitter to repair or replace the failed device;
- Contact Patrick Carroll, Cross Connection Coordinator directly at 978-460-9206 to schedule a retest
- Upon each retest a $60.00 fee will be assessed and billed to the appropriate party
Learn More About Cross Connection →