Every drinking water system in Illinois must have a cross-connection control program, more commonly known as a backflow prevention program. Backflow prevention is designed to protect the public water supply from contamination from non-drinkable sources. Cross-connection hazards exist in a variety of places, such as irrigation/sprinkler systems, factories, processing plants, laundries, dental offices, and hair salons.

Backflow prevention devices are required on all commercial and residential properties where contamination hazards exist. These devices must be maintained and tested annually to ensure that they are working properly. The State of Illinois requires that every backflow device be inspected annually by a certified backflow tester, and every city that operates a public water system is responsible for making sure that this is done.

North Park Public Water District has contracted with Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI) to manage the District’s backflow inspection program. BSI has experience managing similar programs for water utilities across the country. BSI will serve as the primary point of contact for backflow inspections within the District and can be contacted at (800) 414-4990 or through their website at www.bsiprograms.com.

Water customers with previously registered backflow devices will receive a notification and reminder directly from BSI Online that testing is due. Once the annual inspection is complete, the licensed tester will enter that information directly into BSI’s online reporting system.

As a reminder, you only need to have your assemblies tested once per year. Your testing date remains the same annually. You may hire any licensed plumber with a CCCDI to test your assembly; to find a CCCDI-licensed plumber in the area please visit www.bsionlinetracking.com. You can contact BSI at any time to verify the date of your last test or if you have any questions about the testing process.