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