The City of Warren is required by Ohio State Law to administer a Backflow Prevention Program. The purpose of this program is to protect the public water supply from potential cross contamination by preventing the flow of water from a customer's private piping back into the public water distribution system. Backflow prevention is primarily accomplished through the installation of a backflow prevention device.

While backflow and cross connections (an arrangement whereby backflow can occur) are not new, they are most recently covered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 3745-95 of the Ohio Administrative Code. Locally in the City of Warren, it is covered by Ordinance 9765/87, titled "Cross-Connection Control" and passed on March 11, 1987.

Requirements

The City of Warren requires backflow devices on industrial and commercial water lines for the containment of potential pollution sources in order to protect the public water distribution system. A reduced pressure zone backflow assembly is required on each water line entering an industrial or commercial building. A double check valve assembly is required on each fire line and each fire bypass line.

Backflow preventers are required by the EPA, State law (Ohio Administrative Code 3745-95), and Ohio Plumbing Code (chapter 608) to be installed where there is a potential health or contamination threat within the consumer's plumbing system. All commercial building and residential properties with in-ground irrigation systems require reduced pressure zone backflow prevention devices.

Changes to Backflow Program

Annual Test

To ensure the device is working properly, the consumer is required to have annual testing done by a State-certified tester. The Warren Water Department sends out reminder letters 60 days before your backflow test date. Reports of this annual testing must be maintained by the consumer and forwarded to the Warren Water Department at 580 Laird Avenue, Warren, OH 44484.

Reporting Suspected Cross-Connections

If you suspect that a cross connection exists at your residence or business, please contact Mac Aston at the City of Warren Water Department, either by phone at (330) 841-2758 or email at maston@warren.org.

Failure to Comply

The City of Warren maintains a list of accounts that are utilizing a backflow prevention device and require testing. The account will remain on the list until we either receive your complete test result form or when we hear from your testing contractor. Failure to comply with the program will result in termination of service.

In addition, under the previously mentioned City ordinance, we reserve the right to request additional on-site surveys.

For more information, please contact:

Isaac (Mac) Aston
Water Department Backflow Division
Phone: (330) 841-2758
Fax: (330) 841-2790
Email: maston@warren.org 

For your convenience, the City of Warren Water Department maintains a list of backflow device testers certified by the State of Ohio. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list; you may select any tester as long as he or she has the appropriate state certification.

• View a List of State-Certified Backflow Device Testers

The following form shows the information your backflow device tester will send to the Ohio EPA each year.

• View the Annual Backflow Test Form

Please see the following links to review the Ohio EPA's rules and guidelines for backflow prevention.

• Educational Info on Common Residential Backflow Hazards
• Ohio EPA Website: Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control