Law and Regulation | Program | Certification | Recertification | Upcoming Workshops | Links | Certified Testers | Contact
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.
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 eliminated 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 DHEC'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 SC DHEC standards for certification in backflow assembly prevention testing. The cost of the course is $375.00 per student and includes all course materials. 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. For a class overview click here
* New four-day class format beginning in 2021
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.
- One way to renew your backflow certification license is to request a study guide from Mr. Steve Fox at foxsc@dhec.sc.gov. You can also print the study guide at this link (Backflow Recertification Study Guide).
- The second way to become re-certified is to go back through the state-sponsored backflow prevention certification workshop described under " Certification " at the cost of $375.00 per person.
Upcoming Workshops
IMPORTANT: Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the 2021 classes are on hold until further notice. As soon as we get authorization to begin scheduling the in-person classes again we will post the schedule and registration forms on this website. Please check periodically for any updates and classes. If any of your technicians hold a current tester certification from another state, please forward this to foxsc@dhec.sc.gov and we can review and possibly reciprocate for the classroom portion.
Contact
Steve Fox, Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention - foxsc@dhec.sc.gov
Listing of Certified Backflow Testers
The General Inspector provides the service of testing backflow prevention assemblies to the general public.
The Limited Tester does not provide testing services to the general public.
The Inspector Tester is normally involved in the management of a backflow prevention program and does not sell his services to the general public.