Land Development Services Technical Bulletin
Subject: DPOR Certification for Backflow Prevention Device Workers	Date: 12/20/2021	No.:  21-12

Summary: To ensure compliance with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) regulations all personnel involved in testing and repairing backflow devices must hold an applicable license issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

Effective date: January 1, 2023 (revised)

Background: The newly adopted VDH revisions to the Waterworks Regulations were signed into Virginia State Law on June 23, 2021. These revisions [in 12 VAC 5 – 590 – 630] include the following requirement:

Starting January 1, 2023, persons testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies and devices shall be certified by a Commonwealth of Virginia tradesman certification program (identified by DPOR as backflow prevention device workers). Until January 1, 2023, persons testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies and devices shall be qualified to perform such work as demonstrated by possessing a certification or license from a local or state agency having legal authority or shall possess a certificate of completion of applicable vocational training acceptable to the owner.

Policy: Fairfax County Building Division Cross Connections Program, by delegation from Fairfax Water, will require certification through DPOR as a “Backflow Prevention Device Worker,” for each backflow assembly tester starting on January 1, 2023.

 

Approved by:  William D. Hicks, P.E.

Department of Land Development Services

12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 659

Fairfax, Virginia 22035-5504

703-324-1780, TTY 711

 

 

This Technical Bulletin is also available online.