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“Backflow” refers to the unwanted reversal of water flow from a private plumbing system back into the public potable water supply. This can happen via two main mechanisms:
Back-pressure (when pressure in the private system exceeds the public supply pressure)
Back-siphonage (when a drop in public system pressure causes water to be drawn backward)
If contaminants from irrigation systems, fire suppression lines, chemical processes, pools/spas or other private systems find their way in, they pose a serious health and liability risk.
Therefore, safeguarding the potable water supply means installing a proper backflow prevention assembly (such as a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) or Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) where required) and testing it periodically. Without these, a cross-connection or failure event could contaminate the wider public system.
In Raleigh, the City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department enforces a Cross‐Connection Control Program. Under City Code Sections 8-2147 & 8-2148, every residential and commercial water consumer must have a containment assembly or appropriate backflow prevention device at the point of separation between the public system and private system
Testing requirements:
Commercial or testable backflow assemblies must be tested annually by a certified tester and a passing report submitted to the City. Raleigh NC
Residential irrigation backflows may be tested tri-annually if certain conditions apply (in some jurisdictions) but for Raleigh the standard remains annual unless otherwise specified in permit or program. Raleigh NC
Installation/repair must be by licensed plumbers and testers must be certified
In Durham, the City of Durham Water Management Department states that all backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually by certified testers. Durham NC+1
Key points:
Owners of backflow assemblies must ensure testing and submit reports via the designated system.
If an assembly fails, repair or replacement [and re‐testing] are required within a specified time (the city specifies 15 days for failed units in many cases) for full compliance. Durham NC
The city maintains a list of approved/registered testers and the testing process includes notifications in advance of due dates. Durham NC
In the Town of Cary, the cross‐connection program mandates that all customers have installed backflow prevention assemblies where needed. Town of Cary
Testing frequency:
Historically, annual testing has been required for all testable backflow devices. Town of Cary
For certain residential irrigation backflow assemblies, under recent legislative changes (Senate Bill 166, N.C.), the testing frequency may extend to every three years, provided the irrigation system does not have booster pumps or chemical feeds. Town of Cary+1
Customers may opt out of the town‐coordinated program and arrange their own testing. Town of Cary
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