Backflow

Backflow is the reverse flow of water through pipes and hoses. This reverse flow poses a risk of water contamination to public and domestic drinking water systems. For more information, please contact the Backflow Team at 208-985-1223.

Information for Residents

  • Back Pressure: Back pressure occurs when the pressure in a pipe or hose is greater than the incoming pressure. Connection to a booster pump or private well. 
  • Back Siphonage: Back Siphonage occurs when there is negative pressure drawing contaminants into the water supply.
  • Cross Connections (Dual Connections): Cross connections occur when two separate water systems are connected together mixing different sources of water (i.e., pressurized irrigation water lines connected to your home's drinking water lines). Through these connections, it is possible to introduce non-potable, used, unclean, contaminated water or other substances into the potable water supply.

  • Back Pressure and Back Siphonage require the installation of an approved backflow assembly to be installed. These assemblies need to be tested annually by a certified backflow assembly tester and the results submitted to the City Water Division. Learn more about three common types of backflow assemblies 
  • Cross Connections (Dual Connections) ARE NOT ALLOWED within the City of Meridian for residential use and must be removed if currently installed. View or download the dual connection removal requirements PDF below. Lawn Sprinkler System Dual Connection Removal PDF.

If you have a sprinkler system connected to the Meridian City Water System, a backflow preventor is required. Backflow preventors must be tested annually.

If you need to install a Backflow assembly, a permit is required. To apply for a permit, visit the Accela Citizen Access Portal. 

As of May 1st, 2018, Double-Check Assemblies are no longer allowed in lawn sprinkler applications.

All backflow requirements will be enforced by the Idaho State Plumbing Code (ISPC). 

Any double-check backflow assemblies installed prior to the code change will not need to be removed unless they can no longer be repaired. At that time, they will need to be upgraded with a Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention Assembly (RPBA) or a Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly (PVB).

Learn More About Backflow

Backflow Compliance

Per Meridian City Code, backflow prevention assemblies must be tested by an Idaho-licensed backflow tester annually, when installed, or repaired. Click the Customer Backflow Portal link below to check your backflow assembly’s compliance status. This is a live database; status is updated as test reports are received.

Customer Backflow Portal

Was your backflow assembly tested by the due date?

  • Yes

Contact your testing provider and have them submit the test report. If you have a copy of the test report, you can email it to backflow@meridiancity.org.

  • No

Contact an Idaho-licensed backflow assembly tester to schedule a backflow test. If the testing date is scheduled within 10 business days prior to or beyond the shut-off date, the city must be notified of the testing provider and date. Please contact us at backflow@meridiancity.org or call (208) 985-1223.

Assemblies shown as “INCOMPLETE (REPAIRS REQUIRED)” are a result of a failed test received by the City of Meridian and require repair and retesting.

To avoid service interruption, repairs must be made and a passing test report received within ten (10) business days.

If the scheduled repair and retest date exceeds ten (10) business days, the testing provider or customer is required to contact the City of Meridian Backflow Division at backflow@meridiancity.org or call (208) 985-1223.

If you have a backflow assembly and are unable to locate it in the Customer Backflow Portal, contact the City of Meridian Backflow Division at (208) 985-1223.

Was your backflow assembly tested by the annual due date?

  • Yes

Contact your tester and have them submit the test report, or if you have a copy, you can email it to backflow@meridiancity.org. Once the passing test report is received, water will be restored on the same business day.

  • No

Contact an Idaho-licensed backflow tester and schedule a test to be performed within 10 business days. See the link below for a list of local backflow testers.

Note: 

      • The City of Meridian Cross Connection Division must receive confirmation of the scheduled testing date from the tester only to have the water service restored.
      • If the test report is not received by the scheduled date, the water service will once again be subject to disconnection. Water service shall not be restored without a passing test.

See a courtesy list of local testers who have volunteered their contact information and pricing. 

 

Backflow Testers

If you are a licensed Backflow tester,  please visit the Backflow Testers page.