Backflow Prevention Program

The Village of Hiram is required by Ohio State Law to administer a Backflow Prevention Program. The purpose of this program is to protect the public water supply from potential cross contamination by preventing the flow of water from a customer's private piping back into the public water distribution system. Backflow prevention is primarily accomplished through the installation of a backflow prevention device.

 

While backflow and cross connections (an arrangement whereby backflow can occur) are not new, they are most recently covered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 3745-95 of the Ohio Administrative Code. Locally in the Village of Hiram, it is covered by Ordinance 2007-7, titled "Cross-Connection Control; Back-Flow Prevention" and passed on 8-14-2007.

 

The Village of Hiram requires backflow devices on industrial and commercial water lines for the containment of potential pollution sources in order to protect the public water distribution system. A reduced pressure zone backflow assembly is required on each water line entering an industrial or commercial building. A double check valve assembly is required on each fire line and each fire bypass line.

Backflow preventers are required by the EPA, State law (Ohio Administrative Code 3745-95), and Ohio Plumbing Code (chapter 608) to be installed where there is a potential health or contamination threat within the consumer's plumbing system. All commercial building and residential properties with in-ground irrigation systems require reduced pressure zone backflow prevention devices.

Annual Test
To ensure the device is working properly, the consumer is required to have annual testing done by a State-certified tester. The Hiram Village Water Department sends out reminder letters 60 days before your backflow test date. Reports of this annual testing must be maintained by the consumer and forwarded to the Hiram Village Water Department at 11617 Garfield Rd. Hiram, Ohio 44234.

Reporting Suspected Cross-Connections
If you suspect that a cross connection exists at your residence or business, please contact James McGee at the Village of Hiram Water Department, either by phone at (330) 569-7677 or email at va.hvoh@gmail.com.

Failure to Comply
The Village of Hiram maintains a list of accounts that are utilizing a backflow prevention device and require testing. The account will remain on the list until we either receive your complete test result form or when we hear from your testing contractor. Failure to comply with the program will result in termination of service.

In addition, under the previously mentioned Village ordinance, we reserve the right to request additional on-site surveys.

For more information, please contact:

James McGee
Water Department
Phone: (330) 569-7677
Fax: (330) 569-7128
Email: va.hvoh@gmail.com