Backflow Prevention Devices Connected to City Water Supply must be Inspected by April 30, 2022


Backflow Prev. Device Inspection Graphic
The following information will also be sent out with February utility bills:

In accordance with regulations from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the City of Augusta, this letter serves to provide notice that all sprinkler systems connected to the City of Augusta municipal water supply are required to have an approved backflow prevention device installed and in operable condition. Pursuant to Section 15-225 of the Augusta City Code,

“Approved devices to protect against backflow or backsiphonage shall be installed at all fixtures and equipment where backflow and/or backsiphonage may occur and where there is a hazard to the potable water supply in that polluted water or other contaminating materials may enter into the public water supply. Any situation in which a heavy withdrawal of water, such as a sudden break in the main or water being used from a fire hydrant, may cause a negative pressure to develop which could lead to backsiphonage of polluted water into the system shall be improper and must be protected by approved backflow preventative valves and systems as determined by the superintendent.”


In accordance with KDHE regulations, the City of Augusta requires all backflow prevention devices be tested annually by a certified irrigation technician upon activation of the system for the growing season to ensure the device functions as intended. Proof of successful inspection must be submitted to the City of Augusta no later than April 30, 2022. Failure to have the backflow prevention device inspected by the due date may result in a disruption of potable water supply to the residence pursuant to Section 15-227 of the Augusta City Code until such time the inspection has been completed and the device is certified as operational.

All irrigation technicians must be certified in the State of Kansas and licensed to work in the City of Augusta prior to completing any backflow inspection. All technicians must present their certificate from the certifying authority and proof that the gauges used in the inspection are certified to be accurate. If your preferred technician is not currently licensed with the City of Augusta, they can become licensed by contacting Susan Smith, Community Development Administrative Assistant, at (316) 775-4505 or via email at ssmith@augustagov.org.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding backflow prevention, please contact Brandon Green, Water Division Superintendent at (316) 775-4549. This requirement only applies to sprinkler systems connected to the municipal water supply. Irrigation systems connected to a private well are exempted from the required annual inspection.