Commercial Backflow Requirements

In most cases, commercial customers must have a reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly installed. In the case of fire sprinkler lines where pressure is a factor, a double-check assembly may be installed – unless there is a retention pond or well on site that holds water for more than 24 hours or the property’s structures are three or more stories and use a booster pump. In those cases, the customer must install a reduced pressure backflow preventer.

A reduced pressure backflow preventer is required when there is a retention pond on site that holds water for more than 24 hours, or when the service is for a building of three or more stories that uses a booster pump.

A containment program is designed to protect the public water supply. JEA is responsible for tracking the installation and annual testing of containment backflow preventers.

JEA requires containment devices to be installed on all dedicated irrigation or fire sprinkler lines and on most potable (drinking) water supply pipes. Containment backflow preventers are located near the customer’s connection to the JEA water supply, typically within 10 feet of the JEA water meter. All containment devices must be certified as functional, with the test results submitted to JEA annually. 

For premises with both isolation and containment devices, JEA requires only the containment backflow preventer (near the water meter) to be certified annually. Test reports for isolation devices do not need to be submitted to JEA.

An internal, or isolation, program protects the occupants of a building from contamination or pollution from internal processes. 

Isolation backflow preventers are internal devices that are not located near the JEA water supply pipe. They isolate potential hazards in one area from other areas of the customer’s water system. JEA policy does not require installation, maintenance or annual testing of isolation (internal) backflow preventers. Installation and testing of these devices may be required by other entities, however, such as the local plumbing code, health department regulations or fire codes. Under most circumstances, commercial customers do not need to submit annual certification reports for isolation devices to JEA.

For premises with both isolation and containment devices, JEA requires only the containment backflow preventer (near the water meter) to be certified annually. Test reports for isolation devices do not need to be submitted to JEA.

Fire sprinkler systems may present a hazard to public drinking water supply. Standing water that collects in the pipes can corrode metals, contaminating the water dispersed by the sprinklers. For this reason, fire sprinkler systems are required to have approved backflow preventers installed and maintained.

Location Scenarios

• Sprinkler system fed by dedicated pipe: The preventer will be on the customer’s property and within 10 feet of the JEA distribution connection.
• Sprinkler system fed from the same meter as the drinking water: The preventer must be installed in either one of the following locations:
  • On the customer’s property no farther than 10 feet from the JEA water meter
  • On the customer’s sprinkler system at the point where it first branches off from the customer’s main water supply pipe. Placement in this location protects both the customer’s drinking water and the public system from potential contamination.

A backflow preventer is a device that allows water to flow from JEA into your building, but never in the opposite direction. It’s designed to prevent drinking water from being contaminated due to backflow, or introduction of various substances such as cleaning solutions, fertilizers or human waste into the public water supply. 

Backflow preventers must be located within 10 feet of your JEA water meter. For fire sprinkler services, it should be at the point the water service enters your property.

Most backflow preventers are located outside. However, some backflow preventers are indoors, such as in dedicated fire service rooms. Qualified JEA backflow testers will know where to find them and understand backflow preventer requirements. You or your tester can also contact the JEA Cross-Connection Control Team at the number provided below for more information. If your commercial JEA water service does not have the required backflow preventer, one must be installed. 

For meter or water line locates, please contact 904-665-6000. JEA Cross Connection Control has locations for many of our customers backflow preventers. Please contact us at 904-665-4410. If we don’t have that information already available, we will schedule an on-site visit to help locate the device.

The customer identified on the JEA bill for the water service is considered the responsible party

JEA does offer a Commercial Backflow Preventer Program, so you can stay up to date on testing and avoid disruption of services. We’ll automatically schedule your annual backflow preventer testing. And once your test is complete, you’ll receive a notification with the results. Customers who are interested should contact backflow@jea.com or call (904) 665-4410 to enroll.

All JEA commercial water services must have a backflow preventer. This includes, but is not limited to potable water, irrigation, and fire services. Backflow preventers on commercial services must be tested annually, and immediately following an installation, repair or replacement. 

Backflow preventer tests are due on the anniversary date of their first test. For example, if the test month is October but you tested late, for example in December, the next test is still due in October of the next year.

If the water service is not locked off, or the meter removed by JEA, it is still considered connected to the water system and a backflow event or cross connection can still occur, if a properly functioning backflow preventer is not installed.

Properly installed and maintained backflow preventers protect our drinking water supply and help ensure all JEA customers have a reliable source of clean water. JEA and Florida law require water service customers maintain backflow preventers on their JEA water service lines. Annual testing is part of this maintenance requirement.

JEA sends emails and automated phone calls to each commercial customer with a backflow preventer(s) due for testing. JEA Qualified Vendors also may contact you to schedule testing. You are not required to hire any vendor that contacts you. However, the vendor you select must be a JEA Qualified Vendor.

Costs vary from vendor to vendor and generally differ based on the type, size and location of the backflow preventer. JEA recommends contacting multiple vendors to compare pricing and capabilities.

If your backflow preventer fails, it means that it is not operating properly and poses a potential threat to the community water system. The responsible party must ensure that the necessary repairs and confirmatory sampling are completed within 30 days of receiving the failed test. If it can’t be repaired, it must be replaced. Either way, it must be retested.

If your system requires repairs or replacement, one of JEA's qualified backflow testing vendors may offer these services. Please contact them for more information.

Under most circumstances, backflow preventers can be easily repaired. However, because they are mechanical devices with moving parts, more significant repairs may be needed. Complete replacement should be a rare occurrence. JEA recommends contacting multiple vendors for pricing and/or a second opinion if desired.

JEA Qualified Vendors must send backflow preventer test reports within 30 days. If you’re still getting notices, your backflow preventer may have failed, or the vendor has not submitted the report. JEA recommends contacting your vendor directly. 

JEA may arrange for a backflow preventer to be tested, then add the testing cost to the customer’s utility bill. Customers who do not comply also may incur penalties or fines and may risk discontinuation of their utility services. JEA only uses these actions as a last resort to ensure the safety of the public water supply. 

JEA offers a Commercial Backflow Preventer Program, so you can stay up to date on testing and avoid disruption of services. We’ll automatically schedule your annual backflow preventer testing. And once your test is complete, you’ll receive a notification with the results.

Customers who are interested should contact backflow@jea.com or call (904) 665-4410 to enroll.

JEA considers the recipient of the monthly bill the responsible party. You may wish to contact the building owner/management company to determine the correct course of action.

The protection of the public water supply has always been one of JEA’s highest priorities. JEA has sent annual reminder letters to all commercial water customers for several years.  We are also working to increase awareness through customer education programs. 

Backflow preventers are the responsibility of the customer. A dripping or leaking device is an indication that it is not working properly. If you don’t want to contact the customer directly, you can contact JEA Cross Connection Control at 904-665-4410 and we will reach out to them.

Please contact the JEA Cross-Connection Control Team at (904) 665-4410 or email backflow@jea.com.