In 2021, Virginia Department of Health (VDH) updated the Waterworks Regulations (12 VAC § 5-590). Pursuant to 12VAC5-590-630. Backflow prevention assemblies, devices, and backflow elimination method for containment. Subsection D., Starting January 1, 2023, persons testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies and backflow prevention devices shall be certified by a Commonwealth of Virginia tradesman certification program (identified by DPOR as backflow prevention device workers). Until January 1, 2023, persons testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies and backflow prevention devices shall be qualified to perform such work as demonstrated by possessing a certification or license from a local or state agency having legal authority or shall possess a certificate of completion of applicable vocational training acceptable to the owner.
What does this mean for you as a backflow tester or repairer?
Loudoun Water will expect that you or anyone with your organization who performs testing or repairs on backflow prevention assemblies will have the required certification through DPOR by January 1, 2023. If you or individuals within your organization are unable to get the required DPOR certification before the deadline, any test reports received after December 31, 2022 will be considered void and will require retesting by a DPOR certified tester.
Please visit https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen to find out more information about the DPOR requirements for backflow prevention device workers.
Loudoun Water suggests including the DPOR tester certification number on all test reports.
If you or your organization already requires DPOR certification for backflow prevention device workers, please disregard and continue to include the DPOR tester certification number on the test reports.
If you have any questions, please email backflow@loudounwater.org.