Water supplied by Jackson County Public Water Supply District #1 is monitored regularly to meet the water quality standards set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The District also requires that approved backflow prevention devices are installed and maintained at the service connection for commercial and residential customers when and where required by State of Missouri Regulations and/or District Policy. If the property/home owner installs an irrigation system, the property/home owner must also have an approved backflow device installed at the point of the cross-connection. For example, if you have a loss of pressure in your home, a backsiphonage could occur from the sprinkler heads which could contaminate your home and the District’s water system. Remember that weed killer, fertilizer, dog or cat waste, and other contaminates may be on your lawn. A properly maintained and approved backflow device will prevent you and others from contamination and the risk of becoming ill which could lead to other serious health risks. State of Missouri Regulations, Prevention of Backflow 10CSR60-11.010, requires the installation of an approved double check valve assembly on all irrigation systems unless chemicals are injected into the system then a reduced pressure principle backflow device is required. Some examples of other required backflow device applications: fire line, car wash, processing plant, doctor office, restaurant, etc.

The District appoints an anniversary date for all approved backflow devices to be tested annually and due according to the anniversary date assigned. Reminder letters are mailed one month prior to the anniversary date including information regarding the backflow prevention device per that location.

It is up to the backflow device owner to contact a “State of Missouri Certified Tester.” Certified backflow preventer device installers and testers can be found in the phone book, online, or by following the link listed below. Once the device has been tested, it is the owner’s responsibility to verify that the report has been delivered to the District office within 30 days of the assigned anniversary date. The report must indicate the backflow assembly device passed to remain in compliance with state regulations.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Backflow Assembly Test Form No. MO 780-0804