Southern Monroe Water Authority
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Backflow Prevention

Indiana state regulations require that all public drinking water customers have approved backflow prevention devices installed (by licensed installers) to protect the public water system from potential contamination. Under certain conditions, water from private plumbing can flow into the public water distribution system by means of a cross connection. This is referred to as backflow. For a number of applications, such as residential irrigation systems, the regulations further require that the backflow devices be inspected by licensed inspectors (click here for a list of Monroe and Brown County Licensed Testers) on an annual basis to ensure proper function. Test results must be submitted to Southern Monroe Water  for review and filing. 

Backflow Prevention - Frequently Asked Questions

​What is a cross connection?
​How are cross connections controlled?
Who has responsibility for cross connection control?
What is the state required frequency of backflow prevention device testing?
Who is eligible to test backflow prevention devices?
Where should I submit my backflow prevention device test results?
Where can I get further information about backflow prevention?


What is a cross connection?
A cross connection is a connection between a contaminated source and your drinking water system. Backflow occurs when the water flow is reversed due to a change in pressure, and the water flows backward into and through the system. This creates a potentially hazardous situation.
​How are cross connections controlled
The installation of a backflow prevention device, otherwise known as a cross connection control device, is required under any circumstance where contamination may occur.
Who has responsibility for cross connection control
  • ​Responsibility of the state ‒ The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is responsible for administering the state regulations for cross connection control, 327 IAC 8-10.
  • Responsibility of Southern Monroe Water ‒ Responsible for providing members with drinking water that meets all applicable federal and state primary drinking water standards. EMWC is also responsible for maintaining backflow prevention device test results.
  • Responsibility of Members of Southern Monroe Water ‒ Responsible for using water in a manner that does not jeopardize the water quality in the public water distribution system. Members are responsible for adherence to the state plumbing code. State regulations may require members to install, maintain, and test state approved backflow prevention devices and submit results to Southern Monroe Water.
What is the state required frequency of backflow prevention device testing?​
Pressure type vacuum breakers (as used for lawn irrigation systems) must be tested every 12 months. Double check valve assemblies and double check detector assemblies must also be tested every 12 months. Reduced pressure principle devices must be tested at 6 month intervals.
Who is eligible to test backflow prevention devices
Only state approved testers who are registered with the state can test backflow prevention devices. A complete list of Indiana's licensed backflow inspectors can be found at IDEM Drinking Water Web Page.
Where should I submit my backflow prevention device test results?
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail to: 5790 S Fairfax Rd Bloomington Indiana 47401
Where can I get further information about backflow prevention?
  • IDEM, attention Rick Miranda with the Drinking Water Branch at 800-451-6027
  • State regulations for Public Water Safety - Title 327, Article 8 (327 IAC 8)
  • Cross Connections; Control; Operation - Title 327, Article 8, Rule 10 (327 IAC 8-10)
  • Complete list of Indiana's licensed backflow inspectors (IDEM Drinking Water Web Page)
State Plumbing Code - Title 675, Article 16 (675 IAC)

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ANNUAL MEETING

BOARD ELECTION-JANUARY


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LATE FEE INFORMATION 
Your payment is due by the due date shown on your statement. If full payment is not received by the due date a late penalty will be assessed. The late penalty is 10% of the first 3.00 and 3% of the remainder.  

DISCONNECT POLICY
Payments must be received in office by 4:00 the day prior to the disconnection day or you will be charged a $65 reconnection fee.
PROPERTY OWNERS WITH RENTAL PROPERTIES
All membership/deposits and customer billing information must be in the name of the property owner.  It is the owner's responsibility to insure payment is made by the due date.  Only one water bill will be printed monthly and mailed to the owner.