Annual Testing of Backflow Preventers (Commercial properties/apartment complexes/non-residential buildings)

Annual Testing of Backflow Preventers (Commercial Properties Only)

All commercial property/properties, apartment complex(es), or other non-residential building(s) which contain a testable backflow preventer or preventers designed to isolate cross connections between the water supply and contaminants are designed to be field-tested.  These backflow preventers must be tested prior to the final inspection following installation and then re-tested annually to ensure their working order. 

The testable devices are as follows:

                             1-Domestic Water Supply

                             2-Fire Sprinkler Water Supply

                             3-Lawn Irrigation Water Supply

                             4-Equipment with individual backflow devices installed on their water supply

Testing must be done by a tester certified by an agency recognized by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Safe Drinking Water. A list of Certified Backflow Prevention Device Testers may be found here. Such backflow preventers operate under a Certificate of Compliance which is issued by this office; unlike Certificates of Occupancy or Approval, Certificates of Compliance do expire.

Once a year every commercial property owner should arrange to have your backflow preventer(s) re-tested by a qualified individual.  Advise our office of your scheduled test appointment so that our Plumbing Subcode Official may witness the test, if so desired. The Plumbing Subcode Official can be reached at 856-983-2900 extension 2075. 

Regardless of whether or not the test is witnessed, you must provide a cross connection control device performance test certification from the individual who performed the test and pay the $25.00 per device fee to the Township for Certificate of Compliance for annual re-testing of commercial backflow preventers prior to issuing Certificate of Compliance.

Application for Certificate of Compliance can be obtained here.

Please note that devices not passing the test must be repaired or replaced; the replacement of a backflow preventer will require a construction permit.

Contact the Construction Office at 856-983-2914 with any questions.