Private water company · Idaho
Backflow testing in Boise, ID
Veolia Water Idaho's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Homes with lawn sprinklers and all businesses need a backflow assembly tested at least once a year by a state-licensed tester, at the owner's cost. Spring is a good time. If Veolia finds a missed test, it can send a shut-off notice. With no proof of a test, your water can be shut off.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Businesses: every year
- Other connections: every year
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year (some)
- Due
- Have the assembly tested at least once a year.
- Testers
- Hire a tester with a Backflow Assembly Tester license from the State of Idaho.
- Filing
- Your tester files. No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off. Reconnection charge, cross-connection shut-off (weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.): $20.00 each occurrence ($10.00 if remotely disconnected/reconnected).
Who must have a backflow test
If your property has a lawn sprinkler system or is a business, you need an approved backflow assembly. It must be tested at least once a year by a tester licensed by the State of Idaho. You pay for the assembly, its upkeep and each test. The assembly must be a state-approved model, and Veolia inspects new ones.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredtested annually
- BusinessesRequiredat least annually
Veolia decides which assembly a business needs based on its health hazard.
- Other connectionsRequiredannually tested
If Veolia water is tied into pressurized irrigation, a private well, a ditch pump or another non-drinking source, you need a reduced pressure (RP) assembly. If the two systems are fully separated, you may not need one.
- Fire sprinkler linesSometested annually
Only if Veolia requires a backflow assembly on your fire service line.
Assemblies tested: Reduced pressure assembly (RP or RPZ), Double check valve assembly, Pressure vacuum breaker. What these are
Source: mywater.veolia.us · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Have the assembly tested at least once a year. Spring, when you turn on your sprinklers, is a good time to test.
Notices: If Veolia finds that an assembly was not tested in the past year, it can send a notice that water will be shut off unless you show proof of a test.
Source: mywater.veolia.us · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a tester with a Backflow Assembly Tester license from the State of Idaho. You can look up licensed testers on the state's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses website. Choose the Water & Wastewater Professionals board and the Backflow Assembly Tester license type.
Source: mywater.veolia.us · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- Deadline
- Within 15 business days after the test
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
Idaho rules require your tester to send the test report to you and to Veolia within 15 business days of the test, or within 2 business days if the assembly fails. Keep your copy, since Veolia can ask you for proof of a test.
Source: adminrules.idaho.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
If Veolia finds a missed test, it can send a notice to shut off your water. If you do not show proof of a test, your service can be cut off. If there is an urgent health risk, or a required assembly was removed, water can be shut off right away. To get it back, fix the problem, have the assembly tested by a state-licensed tester, schedule a Veolia inspection and pay a reconnection fee.
- Reconnection charge, cross-connection shut-off (weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.): $20.00 each occurrence ($10.00 if remotely disconnected/reconnected)
- Reconnection charge, cross-connection shut-off (weekdays 4:31 to 6:30 p.m., weekends and holidays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.): $30.00 each occurrence ($15.00 if remotely disconnected/reconnected)
Failed test: If your assembly fails its test, it must be repaired, replaced or shut off from the water within 10 business days. If that does not happen, water service to it must be stopped.
Source: mywater.veolia.us · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Boise
- Licensed by the State of Idaho as a Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT)
- Send each passing test report to the customer and to Veolia within 15 business days of the test
- Send a failed test report to the customer and to Veolia within 2 business days of the test
Source: mywater.veolia.us · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Veolia Water Idaho Tariff, Rules 14-16 (Cross Connection - Backflow Prevention Devices), effective June 1, 2025: Sets the yearly test rule, the shut-off notice and Veolia's inspection of assemblies.
- Veolia Water Idaho Tariff, Rule 47 (Fire Protection): Lets Veolia require a meter and backflow assembly on a fire service line.
- IPUC Utility Customer Relations Rules (IDAPA 31.21.01), Rules 300-400 and Rule 303: State rules on when a utility can refuse or shut off service, including for a health hazard.
- Idaho State Plumbing Code Section 602.0 (IDAPA 07.02.06.011): Bans plumbing that could let non-drinking water into the public water system.
- Idaho DEQ cross-connection control program requirement and approved assembly list: Requires the program. Assemblies must be on the state's approved list.
Contact Veolia Water Idaho
- Program
- Cross-Connection Control Program
- Phone
- 208-362-7304
- [email protected]
- Serves
- Boise, Eagle
Source: mywater.veolia.us · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Boise: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Boise?
Yes. Veolia Water Idaho requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested tested annually.
When is my backflow test due in Boise?
Have the assembly tested at least once a year. Spring, when you turn on your sprinklers, is a good time to test. If Veolia finds that an assembly was not tested in the past year, it can send a notice that water will be shut off unless you show proof of a test.
How do I find a backflow tester in Boise?
Hire a tester with a Backflow Assembly Tester license from the State of Idaho. You can look up licensed testers on the state's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses website. Choose the Water & Wastewater Professionals board and the Backflow Assembly Tester license type.
Who sends the backflow test report to Veolia Water Idaho?
Your tester files the test report, within 15 business days. Idaho rules require your tester to send the test report to you and to Veolia within 15 business days of the test, or within 2 business days if the assembly fails. Keep your copy, since Veolia can ask you for proof of a test.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Boise?
If Veolia finds a missed test, it can send a notice to shut off your water. If you do not show proof of a test, your service can be cut off. If there is an urgent health risk, or a required assembly was removed, water can be shut off right away. To get it back, fix the problem, have the assembly tested by a state-licensed tester, schedule a Veolia inspection and pay a reconnection fee.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
If your assembly fails its test, it must be repaired, replaced or shut off from the water within 10 business days. If that does not happen, water service to it must be stopped.
Every fact on this page comes from Veolia Water Idaho'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.