Backflow Assembly Testers (BAT) MUST use the SYNCTA portal (below) to turn in BAT reports. Testers must update calibration and licensing information each year prior to submitting any BAT reports. You cannot send us this information; you must log in and complete it yourself.
Backflow Assembly Testers make sure you are using Google Chrome to utilize the Tester Portal in full. By using other web browsers, you may encounter issues with submissions and highly recommend not using those web browsers such as (ex. Firefox, Explorer etc.).
If you would like to be added, removed, or have your contact information updated on our list of certified Backflow Assembly Testers, please email riley@whitowrthwater.com or call the office at 509-466-0550.
To use Syncta as a tester, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the submission portal dashboard
- In the search bar, enter the assembly’s Syncta ID or serial number
- Select Test in the Assembly Overview section on the Assembly page
- Scroll down to the Test Info section on the Perform Test page
- Enter any relevant data for the test, such as a customer signature
- Add images, photos, or documents in the Attachments section
- Click Complete Test to generate a PDF test report
- Click Save Test if you want to return later to enter more data
What is the Backflow Testing Program?
Whitworth Water District’s Backflow Testing program protects our water system from potential sources of contamination by ensuring all required backflow assemblies are tested and functioning as required each year. Properly functioning Backflow Prevention Assemblies reduce the risk of any Cross Connections within the larger water system. Testing is required under Washington State law (WAC 246-290-490), Whitworth Water District Policy, and the Federal Safe Water Drinking Act of 1974. Compliance Backflow Assembly Tests must be performed by a Washington State licensed Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) (WAC 51-56-0600).
What are Cross Connections?
A cross-connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance (or private water system) to come into contact with the public potable drinking water supply. Common examples of cross-connections include a garden hose submerged in a pool, watering trough, or pesticide mixture, a piped connection providing potable feed water to an industrial process, such as a cooling tower, or a submerged outlet of an irrigation system. Connections to firefighting equipment are other very common cross-connections. Most cross connections occur beyond the customer service connection, within residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial plumbing systems and must be properly protected by the appropriate Backflow Assembly.
What is Backflow Prevention?
Backflow prevention is a strategy to ensure water flows in only one direction, preventing contaminated water, chemicals, or wastewater from reversing direction and entering the clean public drinking water supply. These devices (commonly check valves or air gaps) protect against contamination caused by pressure differentials within a plumbing system.
Backflow results when pressure at the location water is being delivered is higher than the pressure delivering water to the same point. This can be caused by high velocities in pipes from maintenance, line breaks or fire fighting. Sources of back-pressure include booster pumps, boilers, elevated piping, and interconnections with auxiliary systems.
Backflow preventers are mechanical assemblies that help stop cross contamination of the clean water system.
Backflow Prevention Devices
- Air gaps (AG)
- Reduced Pressure Backflow Assemblies (RPBA)
- Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA)
- Double Check Detector Assemblies (DCDA)
- Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assemblies (PVB)
- Spill Resistant Backflow Assemblies (SVB)
- Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB)
The required type of assembly is determined by the assessed hazard:
- High Hazards: Air Gaps and Reduced Pressure Backflow Assemblies
- Low Hazards: Double Check Valve Assemblies, Spill Resistant Vacuum Breakers, Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assemblies or Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers
Backflow Prevention Video
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