The Problem
Public water systems flow in one direction: from the utility, through the meter, into your property. When pressure conditions change — a water main break, fire hydrant use, pump failure, or even a downstream booster — that flow can reverse. Anything contaminating water on the customer side can be pulled backward into the public supply, contaminating the drinking water of every neighbor on that line.
Back-Pressure
Downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure — common with boilers, irrigation pumps, and pressurized systems.
Back-Siphonage
Negative pressure pulls water backward — caused by main breaks, hydrant flushing, or firefighting nearby.
The Fix
Mechanical backflow prevention assemblies installed at the point of connection, tested annually for proper function.
How Backflow Happens
Backflow Assembly Types
Six mechanical assembly types are recognized for protecting against backflow in Iowa. The correct type depends on the hazard classification of your downstream use.
| Type | Full Name | Hazard Class | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| RP / RPZ | Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly | High | Commercial irrigation w/ chemicals, industrial process water, hospitals |
| DC / DCVA | Double Check Valve Assembly | Low | Residential irrigation, fire sprinkler systems (some) |
| PVB | Pressure Vacuum Breaker | High (back-siphonage only) | Residential and light commercial irrigation |
| SVB | Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker | High (back-siphonage only) | Indoor irrigation, lab systems, hospitals, indoor chemical injection |
| DCDA | Double Check Detector Assembly | Low | Fire sprinkler systems with leak detection |
| RPDA | Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly | High | Fire sprinkler systems w/ antifreeze or chemicals, leak detection |
Each assembly has internal check valves, relief valves, or vacuum breakers that must operate within specific pressure tolerances. Iowa requires annual testing by a DIAL-licensed BPAT to verify proper function.
How We Protect Your Water
High Hazard vs. Low Hazard
Iowa regulations classify backflow risk based on what's downstream of your service connection. The classification determines which assembly type is required.
Contaminant could cause illness or death if introduced to public water
Examples:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Industrial process water
- Irrigation systems with chemicals or fertilizer injection
- Restaurants with carbonators or chemical feeds
- Auto shops, car washes
- Funeral homes
Contaminant would degrade water quality but not pose a health risk
Examples:
- Office buildings
- Multi-family residential
- Fire sprinkler systems (without antifreeze or additives)
- Retail spaces without food service
Why Annual Testing Matters
A backflow preventer is only protecting you if it actually works.
Installed
Fails
Finds Problem
Protected
Iowa Regulatory References
Backflow testing in Iowa is governed by state administrative code and enforced by your local water authority. These are the references that apply in the Quad Cities:
Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 43
To protect the public drinking water supply from contamination, any connection between the public water system and another system (like a building's plumbing, irrigation, fire suppression, etc.) must be properly protected with an approved backflow prevention assembly. This chapter governs Iowa's cross-connection control program and requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies by an Iowa DIAL-licensed BPAT.
Iowa American Water Cross-Connection Control Program
Local enforcement authority for backflow testing in the Quad Cities. Uses BSI Online compliance database. Non-compliance can result in fines, service interruption, or required immediate testing.
ASSE 5120 Cross-Connection Control Surveyor Standard
National standard governing cross-connection control site surveys. MCS performs surveys to this methodology.
Why a Specialist Matters
Backflow testing and cross-connection surveys aren't side responsibilities at MCS — they're the entire business. That focus means faster turnaround, cleaner documentation, and a single point of contact who handles your scheduling, testing, on-site assembly repairs when needed, and direct filing with your water authority.
When you work with MCS, you're working with a specialist whose only job is keeping your property in compliance — start to finish.
Ready to schedule your annual test?
$150 per device. Same-week scheduling. BSI Online filing handled. First-time clients receive a free first year of Compliance Shield Basic.