Backflow Laws: Mississippi
Mississippi Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Mississippi's backflow prevention requirements are administered by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Bureau of Public Water Supply, which also licenses backflow assembly testers directly. Mississippi is classified nationally as a high-regulation state, requiring cross-connection control plans and installation of approved backflow preventers at all cross-connections — both high and low hazard. This guide covers Mississippi's regulatory framework, the MSDH tester licensure program, and programs for Jackson's water utilities and major Mississippi water systems.
Mississippi State Regulatory Framework
Mississippi’s backflow prevention requirements are administered by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Public Water Supply, under the Mississippi Safe Drinking Water Act and MSDH regulations. Mississippi holds EPA primacy under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Mississippi is classified as a high-regulation state that requires cross-connection control plans and installation of approved backflow preventers at all cross-connections — both high-hazard and low-hazard connections — which goes beyond the requirements of many states that focus primarily on high-hazard connections.
The MSDH’s Bureau of Public Water Supply administers both the public water supply program and the licensure of waterworks operators and backflow assembly testers. Unlike many states that rely on third-party organizations (ASSE, ABPA) for tester certification, MSDH administers its own backflow assembly tester licensure program. Testers must be MSDH-licensed to perform backflow assembly testing in Mississippi.
MSDH Tester Licensing
Mississippi State Department of Health licenses backflow assembly testers through the Bureau of Public Water Supply. The MSDH maintains a list of licensed water operators and backflow prevention assembly testers. To perform backflow testing in Mississippi, contractors must hold a current MSDH backflow assembly tester license — not just a national ASSE or ABPA credential. Property owners should verify their contractor’s MSDH license status before scheduling testing.
Mississippi's Cross-Connection Control Plan Requirement
Mississippi requires that all public water systems maintain a cross-connection control plan. This plan must document program elements, installation requirements, testing schedules, and enforcement procedures. Mississippi’s requirements apply to all cross-connections, both high and low hazard, making Mississippi’s coverage more comprehensive than states that focus only on high-hazard applications. Annual testing is required for testable assemblies.
Mississippi's All-Hazard Coverage Requirement
Most U.S. states focus cross-connection control requirements primarily on high-hazard connections (those requiring RPZ protection) and may apply less rigorous requirements to lower-hazard connections. Mississippi requires approved backflow prevention assemblies at ALL cross-connections — both high and low hazard. This broader coverage means that connections that might be exempt or receive minimal protection in other states require full assembly installation and testing compliance in Mississippi.
Major Water Purveyors in Mississippi
City of Jackson Department of Public Works
Jackson is Mississippi’s largest city and capital, and its water system has faced significant infrastructure challenges in recent years. Jackson’s cross-connection control requirements align with MSDH standards. Annual testing by MSDH-licensed testers is required for all covered commercial and industrial connections.
Central Mississippi Water Association and Rural Systems
Mississippi has a large number of rural water associations and small community water systems serving its predominantly rural population. These systems operate cross-connection control programs at varying levels of sophistication. The MSDH Bureau of Public Water Supply provides oversight and technical assistance to smaller systems implementing cross-connection control programs. Property owners in rural areas should contact their specific water system or the MSDH Bureau of Public Water Supply (601-576-7518) to confirm their compliance obligations.
Biloxi, Gulfport, and Gulf Coast Utilities
The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s water utilities — serving Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, and other coastal communities — operate cross-connection control programs aligned with MSDH requirements. The area’s mix of hospitality, commercial, industrial, and residential uses creates a diverse cross-connection compliance environment. Annual testing by MSDH-licensed testers is required.
Mississippi's Rural Infrastructure Complexity
Mississippi has a high proportion of properties on rural water systems — small water associations and cooperatives that may have limited cross-connection control program infrastructure. Property owners in rural Mississippi should not assume that minimal or no backflow protection is required simply because their water system has not contacted them about it. MSDH’s requirements apply statewide, and rural water systems are responsible for implementing cross-connection control programs even with limited staff and resources.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Mississippi
MSDH license: Testing must be performed by an MSDH-licensed backflow assembly tester. Verify license status through MSDH before scheduling.
All-hazard coverage: Backflow prevention required at all cross-connections — both high and low hazard — not just high-hazard applications.
Annual testing: Required for all testable assemblies. Cross-connection control plans required for all water systems.
Records: Maintain test records per MSDH and utility requirements.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Mississippi
Find MSDH-licensed backflow assembly testers at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/mississippi-backflow-testing — covering Jackson, Biloxi, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and all major Mississippi communities. Verify MSDH license status through the Bureau of Public Water Supply at 601-576-7518.
Mississippi Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
MSDH Bureau of Public Water Supply | |
MSDH — Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Licensure | |
Mississippi Safe Drinking Water Act | |
MSDH — Licensed Water Operators and Backflow Testers |