Backflow

How to turn in BAT Reports

BAT Testers MUST use the SYNCTA portal to turn in BAT reports. Testers must update calibration and licensing information each year prior to submitting any BAT reports. You cannot send us this information; you must log in and complete it yourself.

SYNCTA Portal LINK

This is the ONLY WAY we will accept BAT reports from certified testers!

BAT Testers make sure you are using Google Chrome to utilize the Tester Portal in full. By using other web browsers, you may encounter issues with submissions and highly recommend not using those web browsers such as (ex. Firefox, Explorer etc.).

If you would like to be added, removed, or have your contact information updated on our list of certified BAT Testers, please email [email protected] or call the office at 208-687-6593.

SYNCTA Portal Help

To use Syncta as a tester, you can follow these steps:

  1. Go to the submission portal dashboard
  2. In the search bar, enter the assembly’s Syncta ID or serial number
  3. Select Test in the Assembly Overview section on the Assembly page
  4. Scroll down to the Test Info section on the Perform Test page
  5. Enter any relevant data for the test, such as a customer signature
  6. Add images, photos, or documents in the Attachments section
  7. Click Complete Test to generate a PDF test report
  8. Click Save Test if you want to return later to enter more data

Frequently Asked Questions

Simply, a backflow assembly will only allow water to flow in one direction. Once the water goes past the backflow assembly, it can’t be siphoned or over-pressurized back into the public water system.

Backflow assembly testing costs are determined by the backflow assembly tester. Backflow assembly testing must be completed by an Idaho-licensed backflow assembly tester. We suggest you shop around and make sure you are getting a fair price.

This must be done annually because backflow assemblies to ensure the assembly will function reliably if needed. Over time, assembly components do wear out. Idaho State requires annual testing to ensure the assembly will function properly if and when it is necessary to protect the potable water supply from contamination.

Protection of the shared potable water supply from cross-connection contamination is so important that the Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems require water purveyors to discontinue water service where adequate backflow protection is not provided (IDAPA 58.01.08.552)

Yes. You will need to continue to have your backflow assemblies tested annually by a licensed Idaho backflow assembly tester. The district requires all underground sprinkler systems to be tested annually each spring before the underground sprinkler system is energized to ensure it is functional.

An underground sprinkler system is buried beneath the ground surface and usually consists of pop-up sprinkler heads. A backflow assembly should be located source between the service connection and the irrigation system. Grand parented double check valve backflow assemblies may be buried in an access box, while RPs or AVBs may be mounted above the ground, on the side of a house or a deck.

For the residents and homeowners of the district, the main compliance will be anti-siphon hose bibs and above ground sprinkler systems. If your house was built after 1990, chances are you already have anti-siphon hose bibs. If you don’t have a sprinkler system, then your next concern will be the hose bibs on your house. If your hose bibs are not anti-siphon, an adapter can be purchased to screw on the end.

All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually at spring start up for proper operation and protection.

All Lawn Irrigation Systems Require Backflow Prevention!

Why?

Lawn irrigation systems make watering lawns and gardens easier, save you time, and can be designed to be water efficient. However, water contaminated by weed killers, fertilizers, and animal waste can backflow into your drinking water. To protect your drinking water from potential contamination, it is important to have an approved backflow protection assembly on your irrigation system. Lawn irrigation systems do require special equipment to prevent contaminated water from siphoning back into your home plumbing and public water systems.

  • Approved Backflow Assemblies installed in conformance with Idaho Plumbing Bureau requirements
  • Double Check Valve assembly (grandparented)
  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker
  • Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker

A lawn irrigation system not protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly endangers the health of a household, neighborhood, and community!

Testable assemblies must be tested by an Idaho licensed backflow assembly tester upon installation. All assemblies must be retested at a minimum annual frequency. Assemblies protecting the potable supply from irrigation must be tested each spring before the irrigation system is pressurized.

How does backflow happen?

Backflow is water flow in reverse direction from the normal direction of flow in a piping system. This occurs due to different pressures existing between two different points within a piping system; water of a higher pressure flowing to water of lower pressure.

Backflow may occur due to either backsiphonage or backpressure.

Backsiphonage – is caused by negative pressure in the piping system.

  • A water line repair or break that is lower than a water service point.
  • A lower water main pressure due to a high water usage rate such as in fire fighting or water main flushing.
  • Reduced water supply pressure on the suction side of a water booster pump.

Backpressure – occurs when the water supply piping is connected to a piping system or plumbing fixture which exceeds the operating pressure of the water supply piping.

  • Booster pumps
  • Water supply line connections to a boiler or other heating systems where thermal expansion is possible
  • Connecting to a water system that operates at a higher pressure