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Backflow Prevention Program

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1. What is backflow?

Under normal conditions, water from the public water distribution system (the “public system”) flows into plumbing inside a home or business. When backflow occurs, the water flows from the plumbing in the home or business back into the public system.

2. How does backflow occur?

Backflow occurs when the water pressure in the home or business is higher than the pressure in the public system. This condition can be caused by a drop in water pressure in the public system or by an internal home or business piping system that operates at higher pressures than that of the public system.

3. What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is a connection between the public system and a source of non-potable (not safe to drink or contaminated) water or other fluid. If such a connection is not properly controlled, and a backflow occurs, contaminants could make their way from a non-potable source into the public system.  Because of the risk of contamination, such non-potable systems typically require the installation and proper maintenance of a backflow prevention assembly. 

Examples of common cross connections are:

- Commercial kitchen equipment

- Commercial laundry equipment

- Fire suppression systems

- Lawn sprinkler systems

- Outdoor pools

4. What is a backflow prevention assembly?

A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical device that prevents water from flowing backwards. The common assembly types are a testable dual-check valve (DCV) and a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valve.

5. How often must a backflow prevention assembly be tested to be considered safe?

Assemblies must be tested when installed and once a year thereafter.

6. Who can test backflow preventers?

Any plumber or plumbing contractor licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), who is also a Certified Cross Connection Device Inspector (CCCDI), as recognized by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), is acceptable.

7. Why have I received a letter from BSI, Inc., rather than the Village, reminding me that my backflow assembly must be inspected?

The Village has hired BSI, Inc. (“BSI”) to manage the Village’s backflow inspection program, including maintaining the yearly inspection records. Due to the large number of assemblies in the Village, it is more efficient to have an outside contractor with a specialization in managing such systems, like BSI, to manage the program. BSI will contact registered assembly owners to inform them when the annual inspection is required.

8. How do I change the contact information for a backflow prevention assembly on my property?

To change the contact name or telephone number for a backflow prevention assembly, the water service customer or property owner should contact BSI at 800-414-4990.

9. Who is responsible for sending in the completed “Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report” forms?

The CCCDI, described above, is responsible for returning the original, signed test reports to BSI, either by regular mail or through an email attachment. The test reports must be submitted within five (5) calendar days of the test date. The CCCDI should provide the water customer with proof that the forms have been submitted to BSI as required.

10. What if my backflow prevention assembly fails the test?

If an assembly fails, it must be repaired or replaced. Replacement of an assembly requires a plumbing permit from the Village’s Community Development Department which can be contacted at 847-459-2620, and can only be done by a licensed Illinois plumber or plumbing contractor (Section 16.2.010 of the Village Code).

An application for a building/plumbing permit and a plumber letter of intent can be found at the following web addresses:

     https://www.wheelingil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/131/Application-for-Building-Permit-PDF

     https://www.wheelingil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/150/Plumber-Letter-of-Intent-PDF

11. What happens if I don’t have my assembly tested?

If assembly test results are not received by the required due date, the Village, through BSI, will send the water customer/property owner a second notice requiring testing within 30 days. If the water customer does not have the backflow prevention assembly tested, further enforcement actions will be undertaken, including:

• the issuance of citations (Section 13.04.290 of the Village Code), with a minimum fine of $35 and a maximum fine of $500 per day (Section 1.04.035 of the Village Code); and
• and/or the termination of water service until the required actions have taken place. (Section 16.2.050 of the Village Code)

12. Under normal circumstances, am I allowed to remove an existing backflow prevention assembly?

No, the removal, replacement, or relocation of an existing backflow prevention assembly, requires a plumbing permit from the Community Development Department, and can only be performed by a licensed Illinois plumber or plumbing contractor.

13. I have several backflow prevention assemblies with different test dates. How can I get them tested at the same time?

.If you would like to synchronize the test due dates for several assemblies on numerous water meters, whether located inside the same building, or inside multiple buildings, or located on multiple properties, please contact BSI at 800-414-4990.

14. I received a cross connection survey on my water usage at my business or home. What is this about?

Most cross connections are observed by the Village during inspections associated building permits or business license applications, however, the Village also conducts periodic surveys to identify and eliminate possible sources of cross connections to help ensure the safety of the public water supply. The information collected through the surveys helps to identify where backflow prevention devices may be needed as well as providing information on existing devices that may not have been previously submitted to BSI.

15. Who pays for the testing?

It is the responsibility of the water customer or property owner to pay for the annual testing and any required repairs to the backflow device.

16. Who should I call if I have additional questions?

If you have any questions regarding the backflow prevention program, please call the Utility Division of the Public Works Department at 847-279-6920.

17. What regulations authorize and govern the Village of Wheeling Backflow Prevention Program?

Backflow prevention is required by federal, state and local regulations, as summarized below:

• Federal: Safe Drinking Water Act (1974, amended 1986 and 1996) and Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986.
• State of Illinois: in Title 35 (Environmental Protection) , Subpart 653.H. (Cross Connections) of the Illinois Administrative Code.
• State of Illinois: in Title 77 (Public Health), Part 890 (Illinois Plumbing Code) of the Illinois Administrative Code
• Local: Wheeling Municipal Code (Titles 13 and 16)