Cross Connection Control Program
Every drinking water system in Illinois must have a cross connection control program, more commonly known as a backflow prevention program. Backflow prevention is designed to protect the public water supply from contamination from non-drinkable sources. Cross-connection hazards exist in a variety of places, such as irrigation/sprinkler systems, factories, processing plants, laundries, dental offices and hair salons.
Backflow prevention devices are required on all commercial and residential properties where contamination hazards exist. These devices must be maintained and tested annually to ensure that they are working properly. The State of Illinois requires that every backflow device be inspected annually by a certified backflow tester, and every city that operates a public water system is responsible for making sure that this is done.
North Park Public Water District has contracted with Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI) to manage the District’s backflow inspection program. BSI has experience managing similar programs for water utilities across the country. BSI will serve as the primary point of contact for backflow inspections within the District and can be contacted at (800) 414-4990 or through their website at www.bsiprograms.com.
Water customers with previously registered backflow devices will receive a notification and reminder directly from BSI Online that testing is due. Once the annual inspection is complete, the licensed tester will enter that information directly into BSI’s online reporting system.
As a reminder, you only need to have your assemblies tested once per year. Your testing date remains the same annually. You may hire any licensed plumber with a valid CCCDI to test your assembly; to find a CCCDI-licensed plumber in the area please visit www.bsionlinetracking.com. You can contact BSI at any time to verify the date of your last test or if you have any questions about the testing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1How will I know when my device needs to be tested?
Backflow Solutions, Inc. will send you a letter thirty days before your device is due for its annual test. This letter will include a unique Customer Confirmation Number that your testing contractor will use to register your test results.
2Does Backflow Solutions, Inc. perform backflow device testing?
No, Backflow Solutions, Inc. is not permitted to do any testing. They are only contracted to accept test results and maintain the City’s database.
3Is there a fee for testing my backflow device?
Your licensed testing contractor will charge you a fee for the services that they perform. Their bill will include the $12.95 documentation fee that they pay to Backflow Solutions, Inc.
4Are there any penalties/fines from the District if the test is not done before the deadline date on the letter?
We are authorized to turn off water service to customers who place the public water supply at risk. Customers who fail to comply will receive reminders from Backflow Solutions, Inc., and will receive a final notice from the District prior to disconnection. Customers who are disconnected for backflow violations will be charged the same reinstatement fees as customers who are disconnected for non-payment.
5Should I tell Backflow Solutions, Inc. if my irrigation is permanently disconnected?
Irrigation systems that are disconnected from the public water supply are not required to have backflow devices tested until they are reconnected. If this is the case, please have your plumber or sprinkler service contractor contact Backflow Solutions, Inc. to suspend the due date. If the system is entirely disconnected and will not be reconnected, please contact our office at (815) 633-5461.
6Do I send my test report to Backflow Solutions, Inc?
Generally, your backflow testing contractor will submit your test online. If not, please contact your backflow testing contractor and have them do so.
7How do I know if my test report have 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.
8Can the District or Backflow Solutions, Inc. recommend contractors to use for my testing?
Backflow Solutions, Inc. will tell you which company tested your device last year. They also maintain an online list of licensed Cross Connection Device Inspectors who operate in Illinois. Each customer is responsible for choosing their own testing contractor and is under no obligation to continue using their previous contractor.