Backflow preventer testing requirements in NJ, NY, and CT
Updated · General information, not legal advice
Most commercial sprinkler systems connected to a public water main have a backflow preventer (a double check or reduced-pressure assembly) to protect drinking water. Two separate requirements apply: the annual certified device test required by state drinking-water and plumbing rules, and the annual forward-flow test required by NFPA 25.
New Jersey
New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code plumbing subcode requires testable backflow preventers that isolate cross connections, including on fire-protection systems, to be tested before final inspection and annually. The DCA explains this in Bulletin 99-2: municipal inspectors do not perform the test; the owner has a qualified tester do it and submits certification, and the inspector issues a Certificate of Compliance valid for one year. Your water purveyor may have its own cross-connection program and reporting deadlines as well.
New York
New York State's cross-connection rule, 10 NYCRR § 5-1.31, requires protective devices to be tested by a certified backflow prevention device tester at installation, after each repair, and annually thereafter, with records kept by the water supplier.
In New York City, DEP administers the program. After installation and initial testing, the device must be tested every 12 months by a New York State certified tester, and the annual test form is completed by the tester and signed by a Licensed Master Plumber. DEP warns that skipping the annual test can lead to fines or disconnection of water service.
Connecticut
Under Conn. Agencies Regs. § 19-13-B38a, the public water system must have each reduced-pressure device, double check valve assembly, and pressure vacuum breaker tested annually by a person meeting the state's tester requirements, and the owner must promptly repair any device that fails.
The NFPA 25 forward-flow test
Separately, NFPA 25 requires backflow preventers in fire protection piping to be exercised annually with a forward-flow test at a minimum of the system demand (or the maximum flow available where connections don't allow it). The National Fire Sprinkler Association notes this test is frequently overlooked even when the device test is done. Ask your contractor whether both are included.
Checklist for owners
- Know every testable assembly on your fire service (location, size, serial number).
- Confirm the tester's certification for your state and the filing method your water purveyor or DEP requires.
- Ask for the forward-flow test result on your NFPA 25 annual report.
- If a device fails, schedule repair and retest promptly and keep the paperwork.
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Sources
- NJ DCA Bulletin 99-2, Testing of Backflow Preventers (N.J.A.C. 5:23)
- 10 NYCRR § 5-1.31, Cross-connection control (New York State)
- NYC DEP, Backflow Prevention Devices
- Conn. Agencies Regs. § 19-13-B38a, connections to public water supply lines
- NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (NFPA)
- NFSA, “To Flow or Not to Flow” (backflow forward flow test)
NFPA standards are available to read free online from NFPA. Requirements depend on the edition your jurisdiction adopts; confirm with your authority having jurisdiction.
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Local inspection requirements
- Fire sprinkler inspection requirements in Newark (Essex County), NJ
- Fire sprinkler inspection requirements in Jersey City (Hudson County), NJ
- Fire sprinkler inspection requirements in Manhattan (New York County), NY
- Fire sprinkler inspection requirements in Stamford (Fairfield County), CT
- Fire sprinkler inspection requirements in Hartford (Hartford County), CT