STATE COLLEGE BOROUGH WATER AUTHORITY

1201 West Branch Road

State College, PA 16801-7697

TELEPHONE: (814) 238-6766

FAX: (814) 238-2175

www.scbwa.org

BACKFLOW PREVENTER REQUIREMENTS

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION, (and up to four residential units): non-testable type double check backflow preventer.

**Special Note: A single family residence that has any of the following will be required to install a testable type backflow preventer.

  1. On site wells or other alternative water source.
  2. Underground sprinkler or irrigation system
  3. Any type of business at the residence
  4. Geothermal Heat Systems

APARTMENT/RESIDENTIAL TYPE APPLICATIONS, (consisting of five rental units or more): testable type backflow preventer. Check with the Water Authority for the specific type.

COMMERICAL/INDUSTRIAL TYPE APPLICATIONS: testable type backflow preventer. Check with the Water Authority for the specific type.

FIRE SYSTEMS: Separate fire lines must have a double check detector check assembly, with a double check valve assembly (testable device) on the by-pass line.

BACKFLOW PREVENTER APPLICATION:

  1. Double Check Backflow Preventer: Use in single family residence only (up to four units)
  2. Double Check Valve Assembly (with test capability): Use in multi-family residences, single family residences under special circumstances**, and some commercial applications. (ANNUAL TEST REQUIRED)
  3. Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly: Use for industrial and some commercial applications. When using a Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), it must have a soft seat check valve installed between the water meter and the Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ). (ANNUAL TEST REQUIRED)