Backflow Laws: Minnesota
Minnesota Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Minnesota has the most structured tester credential system of any U.S. state — the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) administers two distinct state backflow certifications: the Backflow Prevention Tester (BT, ASSE 5110 required) and the Backflow Prevention Rebuilder (BF, ASSE 5110 + 5130 required plus a plumbing license). This dual-credential structure means only licensed plumbers with both ASSE 5110 and 5130 can legally repair assemblies in Minnesota. This guide covers the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code requirements, MDH and DLI oversight, Safe Water Commission as the dominant program administrator, and Minneapolis Water, Saint Paul Regional Water Services, and other major Minnesota utilities.
Minnesota State Regulatory Framework
Minnesota’s backflow prevention requirements are established through two complementary regulatory bodies. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) oversees public water supply cross-connection control requirements under the Minnesota Safe Drinking Water Act. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) administers the state plumbing code — now the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code (MN Rules 4714) — and the state’s distinctive two-tier backflow tester and rebuilder certification system.
Under MN Rules 4714.0603, all testable backflow devices must be tested at the time of installation, repair, or relocation and not less than annually thereafter, or more often where required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Written records of testing must be submitted to the administrative authority (the local plumbing code authority or the water system) and to the public water supplier within 30 days of testing when installed on a community public water system. A test and inspection tag must be affixed to each assembly with the tester’s certification number, date, and signature.
MDH specifically defines high-hazard cross-connections as those requiring an RPZ or air gap, and CPWSs (community public water supply systems) are strongly encouraged to adopt comprehensive programs addressing all cross-connections. MDH is proposing a rule revision requiring CPWSs to meet five standard program elements: local authority, public education and awareness, trained/certified staff, written records, and enforcement.
Minnesota's Two DLI Certifications: BT and BF
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) administers two distinct backflow certifications:
Backflow Prevention Tester (BT): Authorizes testing of backflow prevention assemblies. Does NOT require a plumbing license — a non-plumber can hold BT certification. However, current ASSE 5110 certification is required. A BT holder can test but cannot repair or rebuild.
Backflow Prevention Rebuilder (BF): Authorizes installation, maintenance, testing, repair, replacement, and rebuilding of backflow prevention assemblies. REQUIRES a current plumbing license plus ASSE 5130 AND ASSE 5110 certifications. This is the credential required for a complete single-visit repair-and-retest cycle in Minnesota.
This dual-credential structure is Minnesota’s most distinctive regulatory feature. In most U.S. states, a plumbing license alone (or ASSE 5110 alone) authorizes both testing and repair. In Minnesota, repair requires the separate BF credential (which requires ASSE 5130 in addition to ASSE 5110 and a plumbing license). A contractor who holds only BT certification cannot legally repair an assembly — they can document the failure and stop. Repair must wait for someone holding BF certification.
Safe Water Commission — Minnesota's Dominant Program Administrator
Minnesota has one of the most widely deployed third-party program administration systems in the nation: the Safe Water Commission serves as the cross-connection program administrator for dozens of Minnesota water systems including Minneapolis, Saint Paul (through SPRWS), and many metro-area communities. Safe Water Commission manages compliance tracking, sends test due date notices, and receives and processes test reports. Testers in Minnesota must be familiar with the Safe Water Commission’s submission platform if they serve any of the utilities using this administrator.
The Compliance Engine — Another Common Minnesota Platform
A number of Minnesota utilities, including Shakopee Public Utilities, use The Compliance Engine (Aqua Backflow’s platform) for test result submissions. Testers working in these utility service areas must be registered with The Compliance Engine platform to submit results. Confirm which platform applies to each utility before performing any testing in a new service area.
Minnesota's 30-Day Submission Requirement
Under the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code (MN Rules 4714.0603), written records of backflow testing must be submitted to the public water supplier within 30 days of testing when installed on a community public water supply system. This 30-day deadline applies to all testers — it is not negotiable. Testers who fail to submit within 30 days risk non-compliance findings for the property owner who relied on them for timely filing.
Major Water Purveyors in Minnesota
Minneapolis Water Works
Minneapolis Water Works serves the City of Minneapolis and provides wholesale water to many suburban communities. Minneapolis’s cross-connection control program covers commercial, industrial, and residential properties with cross-connection hazards. Annual testing by DLI-certified testers (BT or BF) is required. Safe Water Commission is used as the program administrator for many Minneapolis-area utilities, managing test due date tracking and compliance records.
Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS)
Saint Paul Regional Water Services serves Saint Paul and 14 surrounding communities in the East Metro area. SPRWS operates a comprehensive cross-connection control program aligned with MDH and DLI requirements. Annual testing by DLI-certified BT or BF holders is required. SPRWS manages its own compliance program with direct submission of test results.
Minnesota Water — Suburban Metro Area Utilities
The suburban Twin Cities metro area is served by dozens of water systems — municipal departments, suburban water districts, and private utilities — each operating cross-connection control programs aligned with state requirements. Safe Water Commission serves as program administrator for many of these systems. Communities including Shakopee (using The Compliance Engine through SPU), Brooklyn Park, Eden Prairie, Woodbury, Plymouth, and others each have specific submission platforms and tester approval requirements. Property managers with multiple metro-area properties should confirm the specific platform and submission requirements for each utility.
Rochester Public Utilities
Rochester Public Utilities serves Minnesota’s third-largest city and operates an independent cross-connection control program aligned with MDH and DLI standards. Annual testing by DLI-certified testers is required.
Duluth Water and Gas Division
Duluth’s Water and Gas Division serves the Lake Superior port city. Duluth’s cross-connection program covers commercial and industrial connections with annual testing requirements. BT or BF certification is required for all testing.
Minneapolis Boiler Exemption Under Minneapolis Memo
The City of Minneapolis issued a memo noting that for 1 and 2 family residential buildings, the old non-testable dual check valves on boilers are being allowed even though the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code requires testable DCVA or RPZ protection for boilers. Property owners with residential boilers in Minneapolis should confirm their current protection status with the Minneapolis Water Works or a licensed BF contractor, as there may be an active code amendment that affects this requirement.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Minnesota
Testing credential: Annual testing by DLI-certified Backflow Prevention Tester (BT, ASSE 5110) or Rebuilder (BF, ASSE 5110 + 5130 + plumbing license).
Repair: Only DLI-certified Backflow Prevention Rebuilders (BF) with a plumbing license, ASSE 5110, and ASSE 5130 can legally repair assemblies in Minnesota.
30-day submission: Test records must be submitted to the public water supplier within 30 days of testing.
Test tag: A test and inspection tag bearing the tester’s DLI certification number must be affixed to each assembly after testing.
Platform: Confirm whether your utility uses Safe Water Commission, The Compliance Engine, or another platform for test submissions before scheduling.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Minnesota
Find DLI-certified BT and BF credential holders at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/minnesota-backflow-testing — covering Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, Duluth, and all major Minnesota markets. Verify credential status through the DLI license lookup.
Minnesota Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
Minnesota DLI — Backflow Prevention Certification | |
Minnesota Plumbing Code MN Rules 4714.0603 | |
MDH — High Hazard Cross Connections | |
Safe Water Commission — Minnesota Program Administrator | |
Shakopee Public Utilities — Backflow Prevention Program | |
Minnesota Department of Health — Backflow Prevention |