The Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention program is a state-mandated program designed to protect the public's drinking water from contamination by identifying and eliminating cross connections.

Looking to Get Your Backflow Tested/Inspected? Listing of Certified Backflow Testers

The General Inspector provides the service of testing backflow prevention assemblies to the general public.

General - Backflow Prevention Equipment Certified Testers - 12/2024

Law

R.44-55-20 (6) and 44-55-40 (6) State Safe Drinking Water Act

Regulation

Cross Connection Control
Entire State Primary Drinking Water Regulations - See Section R.61-58.7 (F)
Lawn irrigation sprinkler - Policy Letter
Vertical Tube Test Procedure No Longer Allowed - Policy Letter

Program

Every public water system must initiate and maintain a viable cross connection control program. This is accomplished by surveying the distribution system for unprotected cross connections. Once identified, these connections can be controlled through the proper use of backflow prevention assemblies. The public water system must maintain accurate records pertaining to the location of existing backflow prevention assemblies, type and size of each assembly and annual testing results (see Backflow Assembly Test Report Form). All testing must be done by a state certified backflow prevention tester. Additionally, backflow prevention assemblies used in South Carolina must be on SC DES's (List of Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies for South Carolina).

Certification

The Backflow Assembly Tester Certification course is a rigorous four-day* course that meets SCDES standards for certification in backflow assembly prevention testing. Time is spent in the classroom and Wet Lab environments with experienced instructors. This course will educate students on how backflow may occur and how cross-connections should be protected or eliminated using approved assemblies, devices or methods. Students will receive many hours of practical/hands-on instruction on how to test backflow prevention assemblies and learn troubleshooting basics. Upon successful completion of a proctored practical exam and a written exam, students are awarded a certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. There are no prerequisites or qualifications needed to attend this workshop, however experience in a water related industry is highly encouraged. More information to get started can be found in our Class Overview document.

*Reciprocation: SC DES must be the certifying agency for all testers in SC. Currently, we only reciprocate with North Carolina Rural Water Assoc. and the UF TREEO center. Please forward the completed application with required documents to our office. POC: Mr. Steve Fox at Steve.Fox@des.sc.gov . The Department will review and respond with instruction on how to proceed.

Recertification

A certified backflow prevention tester's license will expire every three years. In order to become re-certified, the tester will be required to take a 25-question, written exam and test a double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker, and a reduced pressure principle assembly in the wet lab. The tester's differential gauge must be accurate to within 2% of full gauge scale or +/- 0.3 psi differential.

The two ways to complete the requirements for recertification are listed below.

1. To renew your backflow certification license, visit one of our recertification centers listed in our study guide. Please view our Study Guide document for more information.
2. The second way to become re-certified is to go back through the state-sponsored backflow prevention certification workshop described under "Certification."

**There are no reciprocity recertifications. All testers wanting to recertify must use one of the above-mentioned recertification options.

Upcoming Workshops

To join our waiting list, please fill out the electronic form in the link below. If an opening becomes available, you will be notified by email, and/or phone call. You will receive a link to register for the available class.

Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Waiting List

Tester Certification Classes

Other Training Opportunities

Contact

Steve Fox, Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention: (803) 898-4426, Steve.Fox@des.sc.gov