Commercial Backflow Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions About Backflow Testing
If you have additional questions or need more information about backflow preventer testing, please contact the JEA Cross-Connection Control team at (904) 665-4410.
A backflow preventer is a device that allows water to flow from JEA into your building, but never in the opposite direction. It’s designed to prevent drinking water from being contaminated due to backflow, or introduction of various substances such as cleaning solutions, fertilizers or human waste into the public water supply.
Backflow preventers must be located within 10 feet of your JEA water meter. For fire sprinkler services, it should be at the point the water service enters your property.
Most backflow preventers are located outside. However, some backflow preventers are indoors, such as in dedicated fire service rooms. Qualified JEA backflow testers will know where to find them and understand backflow preventer requirements. You or your tester can also contact the JEA Cross-Connection Control Team at the number provided below for more information. If your commercial JEA water service does not have the required backflow preventer, one must be installed.
For meter or water line locates, please contact 904-665-6000. JEA Cross Connection Control has locations for many of our customers backflow preventers. Please contact us at 904-665-4410. If we don’t have that information already available, we will schedule an on-site visit to help locate the device.
The customer identified on the JEA bill for the water service is considered the responsible party
JEA does offer a Commercial Backflow Preventer Program, so you can stay up to date on testing and avoid disruption of services. We’ll automatically schedule your annual backflow preventer testing. And once your test is complete, you’ll receive a notification with the results. Customers who are interested should contact backflow@jea.com or call (904) 665-4410 to enroll.
All JEA commercial water services must have a backflow preventer. This includes, but is not limited to potable water, irrigation, and fire services. Backflow preventers on commercial services must be tested annually, and immediately following an installation, repair or replacement.
Backflow preventer tests are due on the anniversary date of their first test. For example, if the test month is October but you tested late, for example in December, the next test is still due in October of the next year.
If the water service is not locked off, or the meter removed by JEA, it is still considered connected to the water system and a backflow event or cross connection can still occur, if a properly functioning backflow preventer is not installed.
Properly installed and maintained backflow preventers protect our drinking water supply and help ensure all JEA customers have a reliable source of clean water. JEA and Florida law require water service customers maintain backflow preventers on their JEA water service lines. Annual testing is part of this maintenance requirement.
If your backflow preventer fails, it means that it is not operating properly and poses a potential threat to the community water system. The responsible party must ensure that the necessary repairs and confirmatory sampling are completed within 30 days of receiving the failed test. If it can’t be repaired, it must be replaced. Either way, it must be retested.
If your system requires repairs or replacement, one of JEA's qualified backflow testing vendors may offer these services. Please contact them for more information.
JEA offers a Commercial Backflow Preventer Program, so you can stay up to date on testing and avoid disruption of services. We’ll automatically schedule your annual backflow preventer testing. And once your test is complete, you’ll receive a notification with the results.
Customers who are interested should contact backflow@jea.com or call (904) 665-4410 to enroll.
Backflow preventers are the responsibility of the customer. A dripping or leaking device is an indication that it is not working properly. If you don’t want to contact the customer directly, you can contact JEA Cross Connection Control at 904-665-4410 and we will reach out to them.
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Backflow
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