Backflow Program

Protect Your Irrigation System Before Winter Hits

As temperatures drop, City of Bloomington Utilities encourages residents and businesses with irrigation systems to take steps now to prevent frozen equipment and costly repairs. Irrigation lines and backflow preventers are especially vulnerable to cold weather.

The best way to prepare your system for winter is to flush all water from your irrigation lines and backflow preventer, then properly shut down the system until spring. Any water left sitting in outdoor pipes can freeze, expand, and lead to cracked components or leaks.

Here’s how to help keep your system protected:

 • Fully drain and flush irrigation lines before the first hard freeze
 • Shut off the irrigation system at the main valve
 • Disconnect the backflow preventer if possible and store it indoors
 • If the device must remain outside, insulate it well using a cover or heavy material that keeps cold air out
 • Consider professional winterization services for peace of mind

Backflow preventers play a key role in protecting Bloomington’s drinking water by preventing contaminants from flowing into the public water system. State and local regulations require that they be tested annually by a certified professional, who must report results to City of Bloomington Utilities.

Winterizing now helps safeguard both your property and the community’s water supply.

Stay warm Bloomington, and thank you for helping protect our water!

What is Backflow?

Cross connections are actual or potential contact between the public or private potable (drinkable) water systems and any other source or system. Backflow is the unwanted flow of water in the reverse direction. If unprotected cross connections exist and a backflow event occurs, contaminants or pollutants may be introduced into the potable water system. Human health and wellness is at risk if the public water distribution system is not properly guarded.

Backflow prevention is necessary in everyday plumbing to protect against these health risks. Irrigation, fire sprinkler systems, and commercial & industrial plumbing all commonly rely on backflow preventers to protect public health. Backflow preventers are devices that consist of one-way check valves and vent valves, which allow water to flow only in one direction. These devices are designed with ports to be able to connect a gauge and test the valves to ensure they are functioning properly. Regular backflow testing is essential to keeping the public water supply safe from potential hazards.

What Does the City of Bloomington Utilities Have to Do With Backflow Prevention?

The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) oversees the installation and testing of backflow preventers within our water system through our Backflow Prevention Program. Through this program, CBU reviews construction plans, conducts inspections, and tracks the testing history of all the backflow preventers installed on our customers' water systems to ensure the water supply is protected from backflow risks. The requirements of the Backflow Prevention Program are outlined in Chapter 9.24 of the Bloomington Municipal Code (BMC 9.24).

My Home/Business Has a Backflow Preventer. What Do I Need to Do With It?

BMC 9.24 requires water customers to have backflow preventers tested at least once per year to ensure they function properly. This testing must be completed by an Indiana licensed backflow tester. Testers are required to submit results to trackmybackflow.com, which is the backflow recordkeeping software CBU utilizes. Aqua Backflow administers this software, and has a tool to search for local testers available. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management also maintains a list of all active testers in the state. Devices that fail testing must be repaired or replaced and retested.

In addition to providing the tracking software, Aqua Backflow also mails yearly reminder notices on behalf of CBU when testing is due. Tests must be completed and uploaded by the tester by the deadline set in these notices. Failure to comply with these time limits can result in further enforcement action from CBU.

I Have an Irrigation System I Do Not Use. Do I Still Need to Have the Backflow Tested?

Backflow preventers are still required to be tested once per year unless the irrigation system is physically disabled by disconnecting the service line at the backflow preventer. CBU has a form available for a temporary disconnection, in which the testing requirements will be restored after one year. We also have a permanent disconnection form for customers who intend to discontinue use of their system permanently. CBU recommends using a licensed plumber or irrigation contractor to complete the disconnection. Completed forms may be emailed to [email protected].

If you would like more information regarding CBU’s Backflow Prevention Program, you may contact the Environmental Program Coordinator at (812) 349-3633. For after-hours emergencies, please call our 24-hour switchboard at 812-339-1444.