Backflow Laws: Iowa
Iowa Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Iowa's backflow prevention requirements are established in the Iowa State Plumbing Code Chapter 25, administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), with drinking water oversight from the Iowa DNR. Iowa maintains a state-administered backflow tester registration system through DIAL, accepting ABPA, ASSE, or DIAL-approved 32-hour course completion as qualifying credentials. This guide covers Iowa's regulatory framework, the DIAL registration program, and major utility programs for Des Moines Water Works, West Des Moines Water Works, Cedar Rapids, and other Iowa communities.
Iowa State Regulatory Framework
Iowa’s backflow prevention program operates under the Iowa State Plumbing Code, Chapter 25, which governs cross-connection control requirements at the installation level. At the drinking water program level, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) administers Iowa’s Safe Drinking Water Act compliance, and the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) maintains the state backflow assembly tester registration program.
Iowa requires that all public water system customers with backflow prevention devices have them tested at least annually. Testing must be performed by an Iowa-registered Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. Results must be submitted to the water utility (not to DIAL or the Iowa DNR unless specifically requested) within the utility’s specified window. Water utilities are required to maintain a list of customers who require backflow devices and to obtain copies of test reports from registered testers.
Iowa DIAL Backflow Tester Registration
Iowa’s backflow tester registration is administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). To obtain an Iowa backflow tester registration, an applicant must provide documentation of one of the following: completion of a DIAL-approved 32-hour training course; current third-party certification from ABPA (American Backflow Prevention Association) or ASSE (American Society of Sanitary Engineers); or an out-of-state backflow tester credential from a state with similar or greater requirements.
Iowa backflow tester registration is valid for two years from the processing date (not from the testing date). Renewal requires documentation of a DIAL-approved five-hour BPAT continuing education course taken during the registration period. The renewal window opens 60 days before the registration expiration date; late fees begin the day after expiration.
Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) maintains its own backflow tester training through DMWW Training Coordinator John Lins at lins@dmww.com, offering yearly five-hour CEU workshops for renewal. DMWW works with specific testers and testing companies registered through its program — property owners in the DMWW service area should confirm their contractor is on DMWW’s approved list before scheduling.
Iowa's 2-Year Registration vs. Annual Testing
Iowa backflow tester registration is valid for two years — but testing of backflow assemblies is still required annually. This means a tester with a valid 2-year registration may have performed your annual test last year and remain eligible to perform it again this year, but both parties need to track the registration expiration to ensure it doesn’t lapse mid-service-period. Property owners should confirm their contractor’s Iowa registration is current before each annual test.
Major Water Purveyors in Iowa
Des Moines Water Works (DMWW)
Des Moines Water Works is Iowa’s largest water utility, serving the Des Moines metropolitan area. DMWW manages an active cross-connection control program aligned with the Iowa Plumbing Code Chapter 25 and EPA requirements. DMWW works with specific testers and testing companies that adhere to DMWW Rules and Regulations — property owners must use a tester on DMWW’s published backflow tester list. DMWW’s tester list is maintained on its website. Test results are submitted directly to DMWW at (515) 283-8775. DMWW registers backflow devices — property owners must notify DMWW when an assembly is installed, relocated, or replaced.
West Des Moines Water Works (WDMWW)
West Des Moines Water Works manages its cross-connection control program through Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI Online). BSI provides efficient inventory management and compliance tracking. Test results are submitted through the BSI Online platform. Notably, WDMWW allows a Certification Not to Test form for irrigation backflow assemblies when the property owner does not plan to use the irrigation system — a waiver that must be submitted annually. Iowa-registered testers are required for all testing.
Cedar Rapids Utilities
Cedar Rapids also uses BSI Online for its cross-connection control program management. The program is managed by Backflow Solutions, Inc. through a web-based tracking system. Iowa-registered testers must register on the BSI Online platform to submit results for Cedar Rapids utility compliance. Iowa DNR and EPA requirements both apply.
Iowa American Water and Smaller Communities
Iowa American Water serves communities in the Iowa City area and other parts of the state. Annual testing requirements apply under Iowa Plumbing Code Chapter 25 standards. Smaller Iowa water systems and municipal utilities outside the major metro areas typically require direct submission of test results to the utility office. The Iowa Rural Water Association provides technical assistance to rural systems implementing backflow prevention programs. Many small Iowa systems rely on individual municipality enforcement rather than formal cross-connection control program structures, but IDAP 8-10 equivalent requirements apply statewide.
Iowa City Utilities
Iowa City Utilities, serving the University of Iowa’s host city, has a cross-connection control program covering commercial, industrial, and institutional connections. The University of Iowa campus itself is subject to cross-connection control requirements given its scale of laboratory, research, and healthcare facility water use. Annual testing is required for all covered assemblies.
Iowa's Irrigation Waiver — Confirm With Your Utility
West Des Moines Water Works and some other Iowa utilities offer an irrigation system waiver — a Certification Not to Test form — for property owners who can certify they will not use their irrigation system during the coming season. However, not all Iowa utilities offer this waiver. Property owners who assume the waiver applies to their utility without confirming it directly may find themselves in non-compliance when their utility does not accept waiver forms. Always confirm with your specific utility before relying on any waiver option.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Iowa
Registration: Testing must be performed by an Iowa DIAL-registered backflow tester. 2-year registration; confirm your tester’s registration is current before scheduling.
Annual testing: Devices must be tested at least annually. Irrigation devices: confirm whether your utility offers a waiver for non-use seasons.
Filing: Submit results to your water utility within their specified window. DMWW: direct to DMWW. WDMWW and Cedar Rapids: through BSI Online.
Records: Utilities maintain the three most recent test reports. Keep your own copies as well.
Registration verification: Confirm tester registration through Iowa DIAL at dial.iowa.gov.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Iowa
Find Iowa DIAL-registered backflow testers at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/iowa-backflow-testing — covering Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, and all major Iowa markets.
Iowa Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
Iowa DIAL — Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Registration | |
Iowa DNR — Drinking Water Program | |
Iowa State Plumbing Code Chapter 25 — Cross-Connection Control | |
Des Moines Water Works — Backflow Prevention | |
West Des Moines Water Works — Backflow Prevention | |
Cedar Rapids — Backflow Prevention | |
BSI Online — Iowa Compliance Portal |