City water utility · Idaho
Backflow testing in Idaho Falls, ID
City of Idaho Falls Water Division's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Idaho Falls requires a backflow device wherever a property could contaminate city water. Each device, except an atmospheric vacuum breaker, must be tested by a certified tester when installed and every year after, at the owner's cost. The city can shut off water to an unprotected cross-connection.
- Who
- Other connections: every year (some)
- Due
- Have a certified tester test the device when it is installed and every year after.
- Testers
- Hire a tester licensed by the State of Idaho.
- If late
- Water can be shut off.
Who must have a backflow test
A backflow device is required where the activities or materials on a property could be a hazard to the city water supply. Every device except an atmospheric vacuum breaker must be tested by a certified tester when it is installed and every year after. The owner pays for the device, repairs and tests. The city can ask for tests more often.
- Other connectionsSomeat installation and annually thereafter
Applies to any property that needs a device. The city names a second water supply, pumps that change line pressure, substances handled under pressure, plumbing that makes cross-connections hard to check, restricted entry for inspections, a history of cross-connections, and water drawn from a public fire hydrant.
Assemblies tested: Reduced pressure assembly (RP or RPZ), Double check valve assembly. What these are
Source: idahofallsidaho.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Have a certified tester test the device when it is installed and every year after. The city can ask for tests more often. Call the Water Division to confirm when yours is due. A new building must pass the city's cross-connection inspection before it is connected to city water.
Source: idahofallsidaho.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a tester licensed by the State of Idaho. You can check any tester's license on the state's license search. Call the Water Division to ask whether the city keeps a list of testers it works with.
Source: idahofallsidaho.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Not published. Ask City of Idaho Falls Water Division.
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
The Water Division keeps the records of all inspections, tests and repairs. State rules require your tester to send each report to you and to the water system within 15 business days of a passing test, or within 2 business days of a failed one. Call the Water Division to ask how the city wants reports sent.
Source: idahofallsidaho.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
The city can disconnect water to a property that breaks its cross-connection control policy. That includes a property with a known cross-connection that is not protected, or one where entry is restricted so the city cannot inspect. Water is not turned back on until the cross-connection is removed or a backflow device is installed. Installing, moving or removing a backflow device without a permit is unlawful.
Failed test: A defective device must be repaired, overhauled or replaced at the owner's expense. State rules give 10 business days to repair, replace or isolate an assembly that fails its test. If that cannot be done in time, water service to it must be shut off.
Source: idahofallsidaho.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Idaho Falls City Code Title 8, Chapter 4 (Water Service), sections 8-4-39 to 8-4-42: Bans cross-connections, sets when devices are required, yearly testing by a certified tester, permits, and shut-off of water.
- Termination of Utility Service and Temporary Disconnect Policy and Procedures (amended 4/2/2026): Lets the Water Division disconnect water for violations of the cross-connection control policy.
- IDAPA 58.01.08.552.06 (Cross Connection Control Program, community water systems): State rule: annual tests by a licensed tester and 10 business days to fix a failed assembly.
Contact City of Idaho Falls Water Division
- Program
- Cross-Connection Control
- Phone
- 208-612-8471
Source: idahofallsidaho.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Idaho Falls: questions
When is my backflow test due in Idaho Falls?
Have a certified tester test the device when it is installed and every year after. The city can ask for tests more often. Call the Water Division to confirm when yours is due. A new building must pass the city's cross-connection inspection before it is connected to city water.
How do I find a backflow tester in Idaho Falls?
Hire a tester licensed by the State of Idaho. You can check any tester's license on the state's license search. Call the Water Division to ask whether the city keeps a list of testers it works with.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Idaho Falls?
The city can disconnect water to a property that breaks its cross-connection control policy. That includes a property with a known cross-connection that is not protected, or one where entry is restricted so the city cannot inspect. Water is not turned back on until the cross-connection is removed or a backflow device is installed. Installing, moving or removing a backflow device without a permit is unlawful.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
A defective device must be repaired, overhauled or replaced at the owner's expense. State rules give 10 business days to repair, replace or isolate an assembly that fails its test. If that cannot be done in time, water service to it must be shut off.
Every fact on this page comes from City of Idaho Falls Water Division's own pages, forms or code, checked Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: your notice and the utility have the final word. Spot a mistake? Tell us.