Please be advised that a single residential building containing 3 or more units is considered commercial for purposes of cross-connection control. We recommend that you review the “General Information” tab prior to reading this section.
As the property owner, it is your responsibility to comply with federal, state, and local regulations. If the water system at your property has or needs a testable backflow prevention device (RPZ, DCVA, PVB, or SRVB), you are responsible for complying with directives from our office to ensure the timely installation and testing of these devices, as well as paying for all associated fees.
| Device Type | Annual Testing Schedule | Annual Billing Schedule |
| RPZ (Non-Seasonal) | April and October | May and November |
| RPZ (Seasonal)* | April | May |
| DCVA | April | May |
| PVB | April | May |
| SRVB | April | May |
*Such as an RPZ used for irrigation or a pool only open during the summer
Please be advised of the following:
- You have 30 calendar days from the date of a cross-connection survey violation notice to install a backflow prevention device.
- You have 14 calendar days from the date of a backflow prevention device test violation notice to repair, replace, and schedule a re-test for a backflow prevention device.
- Failure to install, repair, replace, and schedule a test for a backflow prevention device will result in termination of your water service until such amends are made; you will be subject to water shut-off and restoration fees.
- The North Chelmsford Water District Ordinance establishes a non-residential containment policy, meaning that any non-residential property (except for residential buildings containing at least 3 units) must have a backflow prevention device installed directly after the water meter.
*Note: if you experience any difficulties with getting the work completed, contact our office at northchelmsfordwater@outlook.com. Any requests for extensions must be made in writing.
The current backflow prevention device testing fee is $80 per test (except for the initial device test immediately post-installation, which is $100 and includes reviewing the backflow prevention device application). Backflow prevention device testing invoices are mailed separately from your water bill.