What is coming due in 2022?
Two major milestones take effect in 2022. The first, is the final milestone for the staged implementation of the BPCCC surveys that started in 2016. This requires suppliers to survey all non-single-family-residential connections to the public water system to determine if the connection is a cross-connection, unless the supplier controls that connection with the most protective backflow prevention assembly or backflow prevention method. Suppliers must achieve the survey compliance ratios as specified in Table 11.39-I:
- By December 31, 2021 and each year after, the survey compliance ratio required is 1.0
- A NOTE on rounding: Policy 7 - Compliance Ratio Rounding: 0.951 rounds up to 1.0, but 0.947 rounds down to 0.9
- Suppliers may apply to the Department for an alternative survey compliance ratio. Applications are online here.
The second major milestone taking effect in 2022 is the final milestone for the backflow prevention assembly annual testing compliance ratios. Suppliers must ensure that backflow prevention assemblies used to control cross connections are tested annually by a Certified Cross-Connection Control Technician and maintained. Suppliers must achieve the backflow prevention assembly annual testing compliance ratios as specified in Table 11.39-II:
- By December 31, 2021 and each year after, the backflow prevention assembly annual testing compliance ratio must be > 0.90
- A NOTE on rounding: Policy 7 - Compliance Ratio Rounding: 0.896 rounds up to 0.90, but 0.893 rounds down to 0.89
- No Alternative Compliance Ratios are allowed
- Beginning January 1, 2022, for each backflow prevention assembly not tested during the previous calendar year, the supplier must ensure the backflow prevention assembly is tested no later than 90 days after the active date of the backflow prevention assembly in the following calendar year.
- If the supplier is unable to meet the 90-day deadline, the supplier must consult with the Department and the Department may approve an alternative schedule. The extension application form is available online here.
What BPCCC information will inspectors be looking for in 2022?
BPCCC records for 2021/2022 that will reviewed during a sanitary survey include:
- A list of the number and location of assemblies not tested in 2021
- Their active date and when they were tested in 2022 (must be tested within 90 days of active date in 2022 or by a Department approved alternate schedule).
- This information must also be included in the 2021 BPCCC Annual Report that must be completed by May 1, 2022.
- If you were granted an extension request, please have your application and approval on hand for your inspector.
What is this Active Date and what do I do about Irrigation / Sprinkler Systems?
The active date is determined by when the assembly is first used during the calendar year, or the first date water runs through the assembly during the calendar year. Beginning January 1, 2022, each assembly that was used but not tested in 2021 must be tested no later than 90 days after the active date of the assembly in 2022.
For example:
- If an irrigation assembly is not tested in 2021 and is first used January 1, 2022, the assembly would be required to be tested no later than April 1, 2022.
- If an irrigation assembly is not tested in 2021 and is first used April 15, 2022, the assembly would be required to be tested no later than July 14, 2022.
- If an assembly is not tested within the required time frame and the supplier has not removed or suspended service to the connection the supplier would be in violation. Note: violations are expected to be reported to the department within 48 hours.
Where can I get more information?
Field Services has developed an BPCCC FAQ that is available online here.
For any questions or concerns about backflow prevention please email our backflow team at
cdphe_wqcd_fss_questions@state.co.us. Please stay tuned!
➽ Clayton Moores, PE, Field Unit I Manager
➽ Cameron Wilkins, PE, Field Unit II Manager
➽ Heather Young, PE, CWP, Field Services Section Manager
