City water utility · Idaho
Backflow testing in Meridian, ID
City of Meridian Water Division's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Lawn sprinkler systems and other backflow assemblies on Meridian city water must be tested every year by an Idaho-licensed tester, at your cost. The tester files the report in the city's portal. If a test is missed, the city can shut off your water, and a passing report gets it back on.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Businesses: every year
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year (some)
- Due
- Test your assembly every year, by the due date the city has for it.
- Testers
- 30 testers on City of Meridian Water Division's list (web page)
- Filing
- Your tester files online in Backflow Prevention Portal. No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off.
Who must have a backflow test
If a sprinkler system is connected to Meridian city water, it needs a backflow assembly, and the assembly must be tested every year by an Idaho-licensed tester. Other assemblies the city requires, such as at a business, are tested every year too. You pay for the assembly, its repairs and each test.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredtested annually
Since May 1, 2018, double check assemblies are not allowed on lawn sprinkler systems. An older one can stay until it can no longer be repaired. Then it must be replaced with an RP or PVB assembly.
- BusinessesRequiredannual inspection and testing of all installed devices
City code names hazards such as restaurants, stores, schools, car washes and labs. The city may require testing more often than once a year where the hazard is higher.
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Sometested annually
A home with a hazard such as a booster pump or a private well needs an approved assembly. A link between city water and a pressurized irrigation line is not allowed in a home and must be removed.
- Fire sprinkler linesSomeannual inspection and testing of all installed devices
Fire sprinkler connections must have a backflow device that fits the hazard. Only some testers on the city's list test dedicated fire sprinkler systems.
Assemblies tested: Reduced pressure assembly (RP or RPZ), Double check valve assembly, Pressure vacuum breaker. What these are
Source: meridiancity.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Test your assembly every year, by the due date the city has for it. Look up your assembly in the city's Customer Backflow Portal to see its status. Test it again whenever it is installed or repaired.
Notices: The Customer Backflow Portal shows your assembly's status and updates as test reports come in. A status of Incomplete means the test is overdue or the city has not received the report yet. Call the city if your assembly is not listed.
Source: meridiancity.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a tester licensed by the State of Idaho. The city keeps a list of local testers who chose to share their phone numbers and prices. Test prices on the list run from about $35 to $114, and some testers quote by phone. Some on the list also test dedicated fire sprinkler systems. You can check any tester's license on the state's license search.
Web page · 30 testers
Source: apps.meridiancity.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in Backflow Prevention Portal
- Deadline
- Passing test: within 15 business days. Failed test: right away if possible, and no later than 2 business days. after the test
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
Your tester files the report in the city's portal. Reports for new, removed or replaced assemblies are emailed to the program instead. If your tester did not file the report, you can email your copy of it to the city.
Source: meridiancity.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
Not testing, not maintaining or refusing access to inspect an assembly are grounds to shut off your water. Service comes back only when you fully comply. Breaking the cross-connection chapter is a misdemeanor. If water is shut off and you have not tested yet, book a test within 10 business days. Your tester must confirm the test date to the city to get water turned back on. If the passing report does not arrive by that date, the water can be shut off again, and it is not restored without a passing test. Once a passing report arrives, water is restored the same business day.
Failed test: After a failed test, repair the assembly and get a passing report to the city within 10 business days to avoid a shut-off. If the repair and retest will take longer, your tester or you must contact the city's Backflow Division.
Rule: Meridian City Code § 9-3-6 (Violations and penalties)
Source: meridiancity.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Meridian
Testers must register with City of Meridian Water Division before their reports are accepted.
- Idaho Backflow Assembly Tester license
- Backflow Testers/Contractors form on file with the city (new testers, job changes and every October)
- Approved Backflow Prevention Portal account
- No drive-by testing
- Passing reports to the customer and the city within 15 business days; failed reports within 2 business days
- Latest test kit calibration report and proof of license, if the city asks
Fill out the city's Backflow Testers/Contractors form. The city's inspectors add you to your business profile and email you to go ahead. Create a portal account, using an alternate email address where confirmation reports will be sent. The inspectors approve or deny the request. Send the form again every October and when you change employers. Breaking the state code of ethics means a six-month suspension from testing in Meridian's service area for a first offense. A second offense is reported to the state licensing division, and you stay suspended until it decides.
Source: meridiancity.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Meridian City Code Title 9, Chapter 3 (Cross-Connection Control), sections 9-3-5 and 9-3-6: Sets yearly inspection and testing at the customer's cost, and the grounds for ending water service.
- IDAPA 58.01.08.552.06 (Cross Connection Control Program, community water systems): A failed assembly must be repaired, replaced or isolated within 10 business days, or service is shut off.
- IDAPA 24.05.01 (Rules of the Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals), tester standards of practice: Sets the 15 business day and 2 business day report deadlines for testers.
- Idaho State Plumbing Code: The city enforces backflow requirements under this code, which bars double check assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems since May 1, 2018.
Contact City of Meridian Water Division
- Program
- Backflow Prevention Program
- Phone
- 208-985-1223
- [email protected]
Source: meridiancity.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Meridian: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Meridian?
Yes. City of Meridian Water Division requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested tested annually. Since May 1, 2018, double check assemblies are not allowed on lawn sprinkler systems. An older one can stay until it can no longer be repaired. Then it must be replaced with an RP or PVB assembly.
When is my backflow test due in Meridian?
Test your assembly every year, by the due date the city has for it. Look up your assembly in the city's Customer Backflow Portal to see its status. Test it again whenever it is installed or repaired. The Customer Backflow Portal shows your assembly's status and updates as test reports come in. A status of Incomplete means the test is overdue or the city has not received the report yet. Call the city if your assembly is not listed.
How do I find a backflow tester in Meridian?
Hire a tester licensed by the State of Idaho. The city keeps a list of local testers who chose to share their phone numbers and prices. Test prices on the list run from about $35 to $114, and some testers quote by phone. Some on the list also test dedicated fire sprinkler systems. You can check any tester's license on the state's license search.
Who sends the backflow test report to City of Meridian Water Division?
Your tester files the test report in Backflow Prevention Portal, Passing test: within 15 business days. Failed test: right away if possible, and no later than 2 business days.. Your tester files the report in the city's portal. Reports for new, removed or replaced assemblies are emailed to the program instead. If your tester did not file the report, you can email your copy of it to the city.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Meridian?
Not testing, not maintaining or refusing access to inspect an assembly are grounds to shut off your water. Service comes back only when you fully comply. Breaking the cross-connection chapter is a misdemeanor. If water is shut off and you have not tested yet, book a test within 10 business days. Your tester must confirm the test date to the city to get water turned back on. If the passing report does not arrive by that date, the water can be shut off again, and it is not restored without a passing test. Once a passing report arrives, water is restored the same business day.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
After a failed test, repair the assembly and get a passing report to the city within 10 business days to avoid a shut-off. If the repair and retest will take longer, your tester or you must contact the city's Backflow Division.
Every fact on this page comes from City of Meridian 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.