BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE WORKER RESOURCES
APPROVED DEVICES

The December 1, 2003 Waterworks Regulations state that any backflow prevention device shall be of the approved type and shall comply with the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and that any backflow prevention device shall be installed in a manner approved by the waterworks owner and in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The Waterworks Regulations state that "Approved" means material, equipment, workmanship, process or method that has been accepted by the Virginia Department of Health-Office of Drinking Water (VDH-ODW) as suitable for the proposed use.

The VDH-ODW no longer maintains a listing of "approved" backflow prevention assemblies or devices. The VDH-ODW relies on the approval process of the University of Southern California, Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC) for approval of devices and assemblies. The USBC has adopted the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The IPC uses the American Society of
Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) standard to identify approved devices and assemblies. Any backflow prevention device or assembly approved by the USC would comply with the USBC and the IPC. Any backflow prevention device or assembly installed in accordance with the USC would be installed in accordance with the USBC.

The VDH-ODW requirement to use the USC as the approval standard for cross connection control devices and assemblies does not conflict with the USBC, although the use of the USC approval standard may be more stringent. You may obtain up-to-date listings of devices and assemblies approved by these organizations by contacting them directly:

American Society of Sanitary Engineers
www.asse-plumbing.org

Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research
University of Southern California
www.usc.edu/dept/fccch
PLANNING YOUR CROSS CONNECTION  CONTROL PROGRAM
 
Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (VDH ODW)
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/
 
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development – Virginia Uniform
Statewide Building Code (USBC)
 
University of Florida – TREEO Center
http://www.treeo.ufl.edu/backflow/

International Plumbing Code (IPC)
 
Sample Cross Connection Control Programs