Le-Ax Water District is required by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA), under Section 3745-95 of the Ohio Administrative Code, to administer a Backflow Prevention Program. The purpose of this program is to protect the public water supply from potential cross-contamination by preventing water from flowing 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.
Requirements
Le-Ax Water District requires backflow devices on industrial and commercial water lines to protect the public water system. Reduced-pressure-zone backflow assemblies are required on each water line entering an industrial or commercial building, and at all commercial buildings and residential properties with in-ground irrigation systems. A double-check valve assembly is required on each fire line and each fire bypass line.
Backflow preventers are required by the Ohio EPA under Ohio Administrative Code 3745-95 and by the Ohio Plumbing Code, Chapter 608, wherever a potential health or contamination threat exists within the customer’s plumbing system.
Annual Testing
The customer is required to have the backflow prevention device tested annually by an Ohio-certified tester to ensure that it is working properly. Le-Ax Water District provides a reminder letter 60 days before the previously certified test date. The customer must retain the annual test results and forward a copy to Le-Ax Water District, 6000 Industrial Drive, Athens, OH 45701.
Failure to Comply
Le-Ax Water District maintains a list of accounts that are required to have a backflow prevention device and an annual certified test of that device. Failure to provide a copy of the annual certified test on or before the previous year’s test date may result in termination of water service.
Reporting Suspected Cross-Connections
If you suspect that a cross-connection exists at your residence or business, please contact Travis Anderson at Le-Ax Water District by phone at 740-594-0123 or by email at tanderson@le-ax.com.
Le-Ax Water District reserves the right to request additional on-site surveys.
Contact Information
Travis Anderson, P.E.
District Engineer/General Manager
Le-Ax Water District
Phone: 740-594-0123
Fax: 740-593-8294
Email: tanderson@le-ax.com
Backflow Prevention Resources
Le-Ax Water District maintains a list of backflow device testers certified by the State of Ohio. This is not an exhaustive list; customers may select any tester who has the appropriate state certification.
The following form shows the information that a backflow device tester sends to the Ohio EPA each year.
Use the following resources to review Ohio EPA rules and guidance for backflow prevention.