Backflow Laws: Wyoming
Wyoming Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Wyoming's backflow prevention requirements are administered by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Water Quality Division, under Wyoming's Safe Drinking Water Act. Wyoming tester certification is set locally by water utilities and jurisdictions — the state does not administer a statewide certification program — with ABPA and ASSE credentials widely accepted. Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities and Casper operate the state's most active programs. Annual testing is the standard requirement. Wyoming's small population and geographic spread create unique compliance challenges. This guide covers Wyoming's regulatory framework and major utility programs.
Wyoming State Regulatory Framework
Wyoming’s drinking water and cross-connection control requirements are administered by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Water Quality Division, which holds EPA primacy under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Wyoming’s Safe Drinking Water Act requires public water systems to implement cross-connection control programs to protect the public water supply from contamination through backflow.
Wyoming does not administer a statewide backflow tester certification program. Tester certification requirements are established locally by individual water systems and jurisdictions. ABPA (American Backflow Prevention Association) and ASSE certifications are widely accepted across Wyoming utilities. Property owners should confirm their utility’s specific accepted credentials before scheduling testing.
Wyoming Plumbing Code — IPC Based
Wyoming has adopted the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as the basis for its plumbing standards. The IPC requires annual testing of testable backflow prevention assemblies — at time of installation, after repairs or relocation, and at least annually thereafter. Assembly types must comply with applicable IPC and ASSE standards.
Wyoming's Geographic Challenge — Finding Certified Testers in Rural Areas
Wyoming is the least densely populated U.S. state, with an average of fewer than 6 people per square mile. Many Wyoming communities are significant distances from the nearest certified backflow tester. Property owners in rural Wyoming should plan annual testing well in advance, confirm tester availability with their water system, and be prepared for testers who may travel significant distances. Some Wyoming water systems maintain their own certified staff testers to address this geographic challenge.
Major Water Purveyors in Wyoming
Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities
Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities serves Wyoming’s largest city and state capital, with approximately 65,000 customers. The Cheyenne Board operates an active cross-connection control program aligned with Wyoming DEQ requirements. Annual testing by ABPA or ASSE-certified testers accepted by the Cheyenne Board is required for covered commercial and industrial assemblies. Backflow prevention is required for irrigation systems, fire protection systems, boilers, and other hazardous connections.
City of Casper — Public Utilities
Casper is Wyoming’s second-largest city serving Natrona County. Casper’s utility operations include water services with an active cross-connection control program. Annual testing by qualified testers is required. Casper’s program covers commercial, industrial, and irrigation connections.
City of Laramie
Laramie serves Wyoming’s college city (University of Wyoming) and Albany County. The university campus creates a notable commercial cross-connection compliance environment. Annual testing is required.
Rock Springs Utilities
Rock Springs serves Sweetwater County in southwestern Wyoming. The energy industry presence (natural gas, mining) creates industrial cross-connection compliance demands. Annual testing by ABPA or ASSE-certified testers is required.
Smaller Wyoming Communities and Rural Water Districts
Wyoming has many small communities and rural water districts. Each implements cross-connection control programs aligned with Wyoming DEQ requirements. Some smaller systems may rely on a single certified tester for their entire service area. The Wyoming Rural Water Association provides technical assistance to smaller Wyoming water systems implementing cross-connection control programs.
Irrigation and Agriculture Create Wyoming-Specific Cross-Connection Risks
Wyoming’s agricultural economy means many properties — including residential properties with large irrigated acreage — present significant irrigation-related cross-connection risks. Irrigation systems connected to public water supplies require RPZ or other appropriate backflow protection. Properties with both public water connections and private irrigation wells require particularly careful cross-connection assessment to ensure the dual-source potential is properly protected.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Wyoming
Tester credential: ABPA or ASSE certification accepted by most Wyoming utilities. Confirm your utility’s specific requirements.
Annual testing: Required by Wyoming Plumbing Code (IPC) for all testable assemblies.
Geographic planning: In rural Wyoming, plan testing well in advance given tester availability constraints.
Filing: Submit results to your specific water utility per their requirements.
Records: Retain test and maintenance documentation.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Wyoming
Find ABPA or ASSE-certified testers at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/wyoming-backflow-testing — covering Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Rock Springs, and all Wyoming communities.
Wyoming Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
Wyoming DEQ — Water Quality Division | |
Wyoming DEQ — Safe Drinking Water Program | |
Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities | |
City of Casper Public Utilities | |
Wyoming Rural Water Association | |
ABPA — American Backflow Prevention Association |