The Oro Valley Water Utility appreciates your dedication and contributions to the Backflow Prevention industry. Because of your continuing efforts, public drinking water supplies are safe from contamination resulting from backflow.
The Utility would like to use this site to keep you informed on present policy and future changes to our Backflow Prevention Program. We would like to hear from you concerning backflow prevention issues and how we can work together more efficiently.
Adam Pence 520-229-5042, Kale Labby 520-229-5063 or Angelo Valdez 520-229-5061 - Backflow Prevention Section.
As you know, the State Drinking Water Rule requires backflow prevention assemblies to be tested at least annually. The Utility monitors the testing of more than 1600 assemblies. The Utility must receive a test report through the SAMS portal by the 20th of the month in which the test is due.
Each month, a 45-day test notification is sent to customers that are due in the following month. If a passing test report is not submitted through the SAMS portal within 15 days of the compliance date, a second notice is sent via certified mail to the customer. The customer is contacted by phone to make sure the Utility has contacted the correct individual, and that they understand the testing requirements and the compliance deadline. If the Utility does not receive a passing test report through the SAMS portal by the 20th, the customer has not complied with the testing requirement.
On the 21st, irrigation services are turned off and locked. There will be an $80.00 reconnect fee charged to these customers during business hours, and after hour reconnection fee is $115.00. Noncompliance domestic water services and fire lines will receive a “hand carried” 4-day notice. At the discretion and option of the Water Quality/Backflow department, the Utility has the option to be on site to test the backflow prevention assembly. The customer will be charged a testing fee of $50.00. Fees will also be charged for employee’s time and if needed, repair parts. A fine of $100.00 for noncompliance and failure to comply for two consecutive years will result in a fine of $250.00.
In order for the Utility to remain in compliance with State regulations, it is important that we receive a completed test report through the SAMS portal. The repair must be made within a reasonable amount of time. For questions or information, please contact Adam Pence at 520-229-5042, Kale Labby at 520-229-5063 or Angelo Valdez at 520-229-5061.
The Utility must maintain a record of each Tester’s certification and gauge calibration. As you know, your Backflow Prevention Tester Certification expires every three years, and your test gauge calibration expires every year. The Utility will not accept a test report unless we have a current copy of your certification and calibration. Please update the Utility with your certification and gauge calibration renewals. If there is a change in your contact information, please update in the SAMS Tester Portal. Click here to access the SAMS Tester Portal.
Permit Requirements
A permit is required for all new and replacement backflow prevention assemblies. To obtain a permit, please contact the Backflow Prevention Section at 520-229-5042.
- Water meter is purchased and installed by the Utility.
- Meter remains locked until compliance is achieved with backflow prevention requirements.
- The backflow prevention assembly is installed by the contractor to Utility’s specifications.
- Contractor schedules a testing firm to test the backflow prevention assembly. The water meter must be unlocked by the Utility for this test.
- Installation permit is issued in the field during the inspection and testing process.
- Upon completion of the permit process, the contractor will have water service.
Backflow Prevention on Fire lines
The Utility requires the installation of a double check backflow prevention assembly on all new commercial fire lines. If the fire system requires the use of chemicals or an auxiliary water supply, then a reduce pressure backflow prevention assembly is required. A permit and test are required for a fire line backflow prevention assembly.