Backflow Laws: Utah
Utah Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Utah has one of the most structured state backflow certification programs in the West. The Utah Division of Drinking Water (DDW), part of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), certifies two credential types: Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) and Cross Connection Control Program Administrator (CCPA). ABPA certification satisfies the BAT requirement with application to DDW. Annual testing is required statewide per the Utah Plumbing Code (IPC-based) and R309-105-12. This guide covers Utah's regulatory framework, Salt Lake City Public Utilities, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, and other major Utah utilities.
Utah State Regulatory Framework
Utah’s cross-connection control requirements are established in Utah Administrative Code R309-105-12 (Cross Connection Control requirements for public water systems) and R309-305 (Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Certification programs), administered by the Utah Division of Drinking Water (DDW), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Utah holds EPA primacy under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Utah Code 19-4-112 addresses precautions for non-potable water systems.
Every public drinking water system in Utah is required to have a cross-connection control program in place per R309-105-12. Annual testing is required by both the Utah Plumbing Code (IPC as adopted by Utah) and Utah drinking water regulations. The IPC states backflow preventers shall be tested at the time of installation, immediately after repairs or relocation, and at least annually. Testing must be performed by a Utah Certified Backflow Preventer Technician.
Utah DDW Certification: BAT and CCPA
Utah DDW certifies two distinct credential types for cross-connection control:
Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT): Qualified individuals who test backflow prevention assemblies. ABPA certification is the approved 3rd party agency pathway — ABPA certification satisfies the BAT requirement; applicants submit the ABPA certificate as evidence with the BAT Certification Application to DDW. DDW maintains a searchable list of all certified Backflow Technicians. The DDW does not endorse specific individuals or companies.
Cross Connection Control Program Administrator (CCPA, formerly Grade 1 Backflow Technician): Individuals trained to administrate and implement a cross-connection control program for a water system. CCPA certification requires an 18-hour minimum approved course plus DDW exam (70% passing score). Annual renewal through 0.6 CEUs in cross-connection topics. Community water systems with population 500 and above were required to have a certified CCPA by December 31, 2020; systems under 500 by December 31, 2023.
Utah's ABPA Pathway for Tester Certification
Utah’s recognition of ABPA (American Backflow Prevention Association) as an approved 3rd party agency makes ABPA certification a direct pathway to Utah BAT status. Unlike states where ABPA credential alone is insufficient and state-specific exams are also required, Utah accepts ABPA certification with a DDW application. Property owners should verify that their tester holds current ABPA certification and has also completed the DDW application to be listed as a Utah Certified Backflow Technician.
Major Water Purveyors in Utah
Salt Lake City Public Utilities (SLCPU)
SLCPU serves Salt Lake City and surrounding areas through its water distribution system. SLCPU’s Cross-Connection Control Program provides oversight and monitors connections to the distribution system. SLCPU coordinates with the Utah DEQ for rules, laws, and permitting. To report a backflow incident or suspected incident, SLCPU’s 24/7 dispatch is at 801-483-6700. For general backflow information: 801-483-6840. Installation requirements for backflow assemblies in Salt Lake City follow the International Plumbing Code as amended by Utah, plus any SLCPU-specific requirements.
Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD)
VWCD is one of Utah’s largest wholesale water providers, serving the western Salt Lake Valley and surrounding communities. JVWCD provides water to over 300,000 people through retail service connections and wholesale agreements with member agencies. JVWCD’s cross-connection control program aligns with DDW requirements. Annual testing by Utah Certified Backflow Technicians is required for all covered assemblies in JVWCD’s service territory.
Provo City Power and Water
Provo City serves Utah County’s largest city. Provo’s cross-connection control program requires annual testing by Utah Certified Backflow Technicians. Provo follows DDW R309-105-12 standards.
Ogden City Water
Ogden serves Weber County’s largest city. Ogden’s water system cross-connection control program follows DDW requirements with annual testing for covered assemblies.
Summit County Water Service Area and Resort Communities
Summit County serves communities including Park City, Deer Valley, and other Wasatch Back resort communities. Summit County requires annual testing per Utah State Plumbing Code and Water Regulation 2025-04. The resort and hospitality environment creates complex commercial cross-connection compliance demands. Summit County works hard to continuously ensure water safety with regular testing.
Orem City and Utah Valley
Orem’s Water Resources Division serves Utah Valley communities. Utah Code requires RPZ, Spill Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker, or Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker for irrigation systems. Orem specifically notes that backflow devices connected to sprinkling systems must be drained for winterization, or that heating and insulation must be provided for year-round systems to prevent freeze damage during Utah’s cold winters.
Utah's Winter Freeze Protection Requirement
Utah’s climate — with cold winters across most of the state — requires careful planning for above-grade and exposed backflow assemblies. The Utah Plumbing Code and utility guidance recommend draining backflow devices connected to irrigation systems before winter, or providing insulation and heat to prevent freeze damage. Assemblies damaged by freezing may fail their annual test and require immediate repair or replacement. Property owners with irrigation systems should develop a winterization plan that includes properly draining or protecting their backflow device each fall.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Utah
Utah Certified BAT: Testing by DDW-certified Backflow Assembly Tester (ABPA pathway accepted). Verify DDW listing.
Annual testing: Required per Utah Plumbing Code (IPC) and R309-105-12 for all covered assemblies.
CCPA: Your water system must have a certified CCPA on staff or under contract if serving 500+ customers.
Freeze protection: Drain or insulate backflow devices before winter to prevent freeze damage.
Records: Maintained per DDW and utility requirements.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Utah
Find DDW-certified Backflow Assembly Testers at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/utah-backflow-testing or DEQ’s certified technician lookup at deq.utah.gov — covering Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, Park City, and all major Utah markets.
Utah Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
Utah DEQ — Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention | |
Utah DEQ — Backflow Assembly Tester Certification | |
Utah DEQ — CCC Rules and Codes (R309-105-12 and R309-305) | |
Utah DEQ — Certified Backflow Technician Lookup | |
Salt Lake City Public Utilities — Cross-Connection Control | |
Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District | |
Utah DEQ — 2019 Backflow Rule Changes (CCPA requirement details) |