FAQs • Norfolk, VA • CivicEngage

Are all residential homes required to have backflow devices?: At this time only those residential homes that have irrigation, sprinkler systems, boilers, geothermal heating systems or medical equipment connected to the City’s water system are required to have backflow assemblies on those systems.

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Utilities - Cross Connection Program

1. Why does the City of Norfolk Department of Utilities have a Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program?: The purpose of this program is to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of Norfolk by ensuring that the City’s drinking water supply is protected from harmful substances. It is also required by the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Waterworks Regulations.

2. What is a cross connection?: Any connection between your potable water supply and a source of contamination. A lawn irrigation system, a fire sprinkler system, or even a submerged garden hose are all examples of cross connections.

3. What is backflow?: When water flows the wrong direction in your piping system.

4. How can backflow be problematic?: A contaminant, such as used water in a pool or bathtub, can flow back into your water supply. This would seriously affect the quality of your water.

5. What is a backflow prevention device?: A device that prevents your water from flowing in the wrong direction.

Install the proper devices where they are needed, have your devices tested annually, and call our cross connections office for any help you may need.

UTBackflow@Norfolk.gov

757-441-5774 ext. 299

7. Are all residential homes required to have backflow devices?: At this time only those residential homes that have irrigation, sprinkler systems, boilers, geothermal heating systems or medical equipment connected to the City’s water system are required to have backflow assemblies on those systems.

8. I don’t have a irrigation, sprinkler systems, boilers, geothermal heating systems or medical equipment connected to the City’s water system, do I need a device?: All outdoor faucets and hose bibs that have threaded connections where a garden hose can be attached should have backflow prevention protection. This may be in the form of a frost-proof automatic draining outdoor faucet with built in backflow preventer or by the use of a screw on hose bibb vacuum breaker (HBVB) that can be purchased at local hardware or home supply stores.

9. How often do I have to have my backflow assembly tested?: They must be tested at least annually. Backflow assemblies are mechanical assemblies and as such they are subject to fail, which is why the VDH requires that they be tested at least once a year. In addition, newly installed backflow assemblies and backflow assemblies that are repaired or relocated must also be tested.

10. How much will the inspections/maintenance cost?: Though the Department of Public Utilities monitors the installation and maintenance of these assemblies as required by the VDH, we do not have any influence or control over the contractors pricing and it can vary from one testing contractor to another. We understand that group pricing, whether through a neighborhood or homeowners association is an option that may lower your annual testing cost. Combining the test with other irrigation system maintenance may also net a savings for the homeowner.

11. Will there be a list of certified testers available to us?: Yes, a list of certified testers is available here. The Department of Utilities advises you should also check the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation website each year to ensure that your chosen tester is still a properly certified and approved tester as certifications are subject to expiration and revocation. The City does not endorse, guarantee, or warrant any work performed by the testing contractors. All interactions between customers and contractors are private transactions between these two entities. This list may not include all of the certified testers working in the area. We provide this list as a convenience to our customers.

12. Will I receive notification when to perform my test?: Yes, we track the backflow assembly information in our database, which will generate a reminder letter to our customers reminding them when their annual test is due. If you do not receive a letter, please contact the Cross Connection Program at UTBackflow@Norfolk.gov or 757-441-5774 ext. 299.

13. What if I don’t receive a letter?: The absence of a reminder letter does not void the requirement of the annual inspection required. There is general information and a copy of a blank test form on the City’s website. If you have not received a letter please contact the Cross Connection Program at UTBackflow@Norfolk.gov or 757-441-5774 ext. 299.

14. What do I do with my test report?: Your chosen tester should send a copy to the Cross Connection Program at UTBackFlow@norfolk.gov or complete the online form within 30 days of the test date. Please retain your copy in your records in case the contractor fails to send it.