Who has to
Manatee County Utilities' Cross Connection Control Program page: "A backflow prevention assembly is required for properties with in-ground irrigation systems." "Customers that irrigate with potable water are required to have two backflow preventers, one at the meter and another one on the irrigation line." Customers with a separate irrigation meter need one at each meter. The program exists because a backflow assembly is what stops water — and whatever is in an irrigation line or a pool fill — from being drawn back into the public supply when pressure drops; the county cites the Safe Drinking Water Act, Florida Administrative Code 62-550 and 62-555, and Chapter 2-31 of the county code as its authority.
If the irrigation system has been removed and nothing else on the property requires an assembly, the owner may submit a Petition to Remove a Backflow Prevention Assembly; the county reviews petitions within 30 days.
When, and by whom
Every year. The county sends a letter titled "Annual Testing of Backflow Prevention Assembly(ies)"; "Testing must be completed within 30 days from the date of the letter." The tester must be "a contractor that is registered with the Cross Connection Control office and possesses a valid, up-to-date plumbing license, current insurance, backflow preventer testing certification, and currently calibrated test kit", and must file the result through the county's portal. The county publishes a Potable Testers List and says of it: "Prices vary depending on who you call."
Rosco Plumbing does not perform the annual certification test itself; it repairs and replaces assemblies, and the county's Potable Testers List is where to find a registered tester.
What happens if you don't, or if it fails
Not tested in time: "the County's contract tester will be scheduled to perform the inspection and a minimum charge of $50 per backflow preventer will be charged to the property owner." Failed: "you are responsible for repairing or replacing the assembly within 30 days" and re-certifying it; "If you are still out of compliance after the 30 days, all water services will be discontinued until the assembly is in compliance." Replacement of an assembly is a permitted job under the county's building rules — see the permit guide — and an irrigation-only replacement has its own licence requirements.
When to stop and call a licensed plumber
- You received a "Failed Backflow Prevention Assembly" letter — the 30-day clock for repair or replacement has started.
- The assembly is leaking, frozen open or was damaged by a mower or a storm.
- You have removed the irrigation system and want the petition to remove the assembly handled.
- You are unsure whether the plumber you called is on the county's registered list — check the list first; an unregistered test does not count.
Rosco Plumbing repairs and replaces backflow prevention assemblies in Manatee County; a failed assembly must be repaired or replaced and re-certified within 30 days under the county's Cross Connection Control Program.
Call (941) 345-2464 or request a free estimate. Residential service in Manatee County; ranges are planning figures, not quotes.
Have Rosco Plumbing contact you about this
Describe what you are seeing and Ross will call or text back with what it sounds like and what the visit costs — no obligation.
What changes in Manatee County
Nearly every home in Manatee County's 2000s-and-newer subdivisions — Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Heritage Harbour, the 55+ communities — irrigates, so nearly every one has an assembly at the meter and the annual letter. In the HOA and condo communities the assembly at the meter is often the association's to test; the one on a private irrigation line is the owner's — the HOA guide covers how the declaration sorts that. Seasonal owners should have a tester lined up before leaving, since the letter arrives whether or not anyone is home to read it. The Cross Connection Control office is reached through Manatee County Utilities at 941-792-8811.