The Painesville Water Division maintains a comprehensive backflow prevention program to protect the public water supply. Backflow occurs when water flows in the wrong direction—potentially allowing contaminants to enter the drinking water system. Preventing backflow is essential to maintaining safe, clean water for all customers.

 


Why backflow prevention matters

Water leaving the City’s system is safe to drink.

Once water passes through your meter and into your home or facility, it can come into contact with other substances. Without proper protection, changes in pressure could allow that water to flow back into the public system.

Backflow prevention devices help protect:

  • The public water supply
  • Your property
  • Other customers throughout the system

 


Who needs a backflow device?

Backflow prevention devices are required for:

  • Commercial and industrial properties
  • Fire protection systems
  • Irrigation systems
  • Certain residential properties, based on site conditions

The Water Division conducts site surveys for new connections and may evaluate existing properties to determine if a device is required.



Types of backflow devices

Depending on the level of risk, different devices may be required, including:

  • Air Gap Separation – Physical separation of water systems (highest level of protection)
  • Double Check Valve Assembly – Used for low-risk situations
  • Reduced Pressure Assembly (RPZ) – Used for higher-risk systems or where additional water sources are present
  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker – Commonly used for irrigation systems
  • Specialized systems – Used for fire protection or sites with booster pumps

The required device is determined through a site survey.



Testing requirements

All backflow prevention devices must be:

  • Tested at the time of installation
  • Tested annually thereafter
  • Testing must be completed by a certified backflow tester approved by the Ohio Department of Commerce. In accordance with Ohio EPA regulations, the Ohio Administrative Code Section 3745-95, and the City of Painesville Water ordinance 933.22 cross-connection control, the property owner/tenant is responsible for this device(s), its annual certification testing and any charges resulting from the certification. The testing is required to ensure public safety by confirming that the device(s) is operating properly.

 

A list of approved testers and required forms is available through the Water Division.



Responsibilities

  • Property owners are responsible for installing, maintaining, and testing backflow devices on their property
  • The City enforces compliance and may conduct site surveys as needed

Failure to maintain a required device may result in enforcement action to protect the public water system.



Need more information?

For questions about backflow requirements, testing, or site evaluations, contact:

Water Treatment Plant
(440) 392-9565

Todd Livengood
(440) 392-2975

 

Painesville Water Department Backflow Report

Certified Backflow Device Contractors