Welcome to this year’s annual Backflow Prevention Issue of Working Pressure magazine. Aug. 16, 2022 was the second annual National Backflow Prevention Day. It was great to see a number of organizations from within the backflow prevention industry posting on social media to celebrate this day. It certainly helps to raise awareness of what backflow prevention is and why it is so important in ensuring clean and safe drinking water across the country and around the world. Mark your calendars for Aug. 16 next year and every year after, and be prepared to add your voice to National Backflow Prevention Day!
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 5000-2022, Cross-Connection Control Professional Qualification Standard, is a series of standards for people who work in the field of backflow prevention. Initially developed in 1990, the fifth revision of the standard was just completed earlier this year. A primary focus of the working group members who revised the standard was the importance of correctly and thoroughly reporting the results of tests on backflow prevention assemblies. The purpose of the backflow prevention assembly test report is to convey detailed information identifying the backflow assembly and that assembly’s operational condition to the owner and the appropriate Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Another change to the newly revised ASSE Series 5000 is the inclusion of backflow preventers on auxiliary water systems, in addition to potable water systems. Auxiliary systems, including reuse and rainwater, are being used more frequently as drought conditions worsen. These sources of water must also be protected from potentially harmful contaminants.
The appendices in the ASSE Series 5000, including test procedures, flow charts and sample test report forms, were also revised. Once the heavy lifting of the revision was completed, attention was turned to revising the Field Test Procedures for Three-Valve and Five-Valve Test Kits booklet. Revising the test procedures within the Series 5000 and the Field Test Procedures booklet at the same time ensured continuity in the tests that are being performed in the field. The Seventh Edition of the Field Test Procedures for Three-Valve and Five-Valve Test Kits booklet is available in both hardcopy and digital formats from the ASSE webstore at https://assewebstore.com/publications.
During the practical exam for ASSE 5110 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification, ASSE requires testing four different types of backflow assemblies. These tests must be completed without the aid of reference materials — they must be performed from memory. However, we strongly recommend that all backflow testers out in the field have a copy of the procedures on their phone, or in their truck or toolbox. It is not uncommon to come across a backflow prevention assembly that you are unfamiliar with or have not tested in a long time. Having the procedures with you gives you the opportunity to refresh your memory before you begin. Referring to the troubleshooting guide within the Field Test Procedures booklet will help you work out problems encountered during the test.
ASSE certified backflow testers make up the overwhelming majority of people reading this month’s issue — we hope you enjoy the articles and learn something new. If you have any suggestions for future articles, please let us know. You can contact me at marianne.waickman@asse-plumbing.org.
