Protecting the integrity of our water supply is everyone’s responsibility. Chapter 12, Section 33 outlines the responsibilities of customers, testers and Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI), summarized here. For a complete understanding of responsibilities and requirements associated with cross-connection devices, please consult the actual ordinance.
The City of Cedar Rapids cross connection control program (backflow prevention) is managed by Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI). Through the use of a web-based tracking program called BSI Online, BSI provides a more efficient and cost-effective means of managing the City’s inventory of backflow prevention assemblies. For questions regarding your backflow prevention device test, please contact BSI Online at support@backflow.com or at 888-966-6050.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that no cross connections exist on their property.
For a complete understanding of which devices, plumbing configurations and processes require the installation of cross connection devices, please consult the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Examples of residential cross connections include, but are not limited to:
- Lawn irrigation systems
- Swimming pools
- Boilers
Examples of commercial and industrial cross-connections include, but are not limited to:
|
Pressure Washers |
Cooling Towers |
|
Boilers and Steam Plants |
Medical Facilities and Dental Offices |
|
Restaurants/Food Service Facilities |
Apartment Complexes |
|
Auto Repair Shops |
Manufacturing and Processing Plants |
|
Facilities with Booster Pumps |
Multi-storied Buildings |
Most fire protection systems require the installation of a back-flow prevention device.
Customers are responsible for installing, maintaining and testing backflow prevention devices.
-
The installation of backflow prevention devices must be done by a certified plumber.
-
A certified tester can complete the annual test once the device has been installed. Certified testers can also be certified plumbers, but it is not required.
-
Backflow prevention devices must be inspected and the inspection results reported to BSI at least once a year.
Customers are responsible for providing records of installation and testing to Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI) within 15 days of the work.
-
Most testers will submit the paperwork, but it is the customer’s responsibility to make sure the paperwork is submitted.
-
If annual testing information is not received by BSI, the office will send notices to the customer informing you of the situation.
Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI) Responsibilities:
-
BSI maintains records of all backflow prevention devices in operation.
-
BSI also maintains records of the annual tests performed on each backflow prevention device.
-
Staff at BSI tracks each device installed to make sure annual testing is successfully completed.
Currently over 10,000 backflow prevention devices are installed and being tracked throughout the Cedar Rapids water system.
How do I know if my test report has been received?
To verify that your test results have been received, go to www.bsionlinetracking.com/customer and enter the Customer Confirmation Number (CCN) that appears on your notification letter. If your test results have not been entered, please remind your contractor to do so.
Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI) Office Contact Information
BSI Support Contact information for Water Customers:
Phone: 888-966-6050
Email: support@backflow.com
BSI Support Contact information for Testing Companies:
Phone: 800-414-4990
Email: bsionline@backflow.com
BSIOnline FAQs:
https://www.bsionlinetracking.com/customer/faq
