Backflow Laws: Kentucky
Kentucky Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Kentucky's backflow prevention requirements are implemented through the Kentucky Division of Water (KYDOW) under the Kentucky Safe Drinking Water Act, with tester certification overseen by the Kentucky Division of Plumbing. Louisville Water Company serves over 850,000 people with a detailed cross-connection program. This guide covers Kentucky's regulatory framework, Louisville Water's 10-day filing requirement, and other major Kentucky water utilities.
Kentucky State Regulatory Framework
Kentucky’s backflow prevention and cross-connection control requirements are administered by the Kentucky Division of Water (KYDOW), which holds EPA primacy under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Public water systems in Kentucky are required to implement cross-connection control programs protecting the public water supply from contamination through cross-connections.
Tester certification in Kentucky is administered at the local jurisdiction level, with the Kentucky Division of Plumbing providing state-level oversight. Testers must have completed an accredited backflow prevention training course. Louisville Water Company and other major utilities require testers to be certified by the Kentucky Division of Plumbing specifically. Beginning January 1, 2019, certifications in Kentucky require completion of a 40-hour training course from a nationally recognized backflow or cross-connection organization, proof of a minimum of $300,000 liability insurance, and recertification every three years through a six-hour class with at least three hours of hands-on training within 18 months of certification expiration.
Kentucky Plumbing Code Requirements
Kentucky’s plumbing code requires backflow protection at cross-connections based on the hazard level. Commercial, industrial, and high-hazard residential connections require testable backflow prevention assemblies appropriate to the degree of hazard. Annual testing is the standard frequency across Kentucky utilities.
Louisville Water's 10-Day Test Report Submission Requirement
Louisville Water Company requires that test reports for passing backflow device tests be submitted within 10 days to the Louisville Water Company Cross-Connection Control office. This 10-day window is notably shorter than the 30-day window common in other states. Property owners and contractors in Louisville must confirm their contractor has the test report filed within this tight window to avoid compliance issues.
Major Water Purveyors in Kentucky
Louisville Water Company
Louisville Water Company is the largest water utility in Kentucky, serving approximately 850,000 people across Jefferson County and surrounding areas. Louisville Water’s Cross-Connection Control Program is structured around Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government regulations and Kentucky state plumbing codes. Annual testing is required for all covered assemblies. Testing must be performed by a tester certified by the Kentucky Division of Plumbing.
Louisville Water’s key procedural requirements: test results for passing devices must be submitted within 10 days via email, fax, or mail to the Louisville Water Company Cross-Connection Control office using WSSC-approved test report forms. Any backflow device that fails testing must be repaired and retested. The Backflow Prevention Device Tester’s calibration equipment must be maintained in proper working order and calibrated when necessary. Louisville Water can be reached at (502) 583-6610 for cross-connection questions.
Kentucky American Water
Kentucky American Water serves communities across central and eastern Kentucky including portions of Lexington. Kentucky American Water’s cross-connection control program aligns with KYDOW requirements. Annual testing by Kentucky-certified testers is required. Test reports are submitted directly to Kentucky American Water.
Northern Kentucky Water District
Northern Kentucky Water District serves Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in the Cincinnati metro area. The proximity to Ohio and the multi-state nature of the Cincinnati metro means contractors often serve both states. Northern Kentucky Water District aligns with KYDOW requirements for its Kentucky service area.
Lexington Division of Water Quality
Lexington’s municipal water serves Fayette County. The Division of Water Quality administers cross-connection control requirements aligned with KYDOW standards. Annual testing is required for commercial, industrial, and high-hazard connections.
Kentucky Liability Insurance Requirement for Testers
Kentucky’s post-2019 tester certification requirements include a minimum $300,000 liability insurance requirement in addition to the training and examination requirements. Property owners should confirm their contractor carries this required insurance before scheduling testing — a contractor without the required insurance is not properly credentialed under Kentucky’s certification standards.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Kentucky
Certification: Testing by Kentucky Division of Plumbing-certified tester with 40-hour training, current certification, and minimum $300,000 liability insurance.
Annual testing: Required for all covered assemblies.
Louisville filing: Test reports submitted within 10 days. Annual testing applies to all devices regardless of use.
Records: Retain test and repair documentation.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Kentucky
Find Kentucky Division of Plumbing-certified testers at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/kentucky-backflow-testing — covering Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and all major Kentucky markets.
Kentucky Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
Kentucky Division of Water — Safe Drinking Water | |
Louisville Water — Cross-Connection Program FAQ | |
Kentucky Association of Master Contractors — Cross Connection Certification | |
Kentucky State Board of Plumbing |