Urbandale Water Utility (UWU) is committed to protecting its customers and public water supply from possible health risks and contamination. To do so, UWU manages an active Cross-Connection Control program which is required in cities with a population of 15,000 or greater. This program meets all State of Iowa Plumbing Code and Urbandale Water Utility Rules and Regulations (Section 106.5). This proactive approach is designed to prevent the possible contamination of the public water supply through properly maintained backflow assemblies.
A cross-connection is an actual or potential connection between UWU water supply by means of lawn irrigation systems, hose bibs, swimming pools, hot tubs, water supplied sump pumps, fire protection systems, boilers etc. These are all a potential health risk and therefore require a backflow assembly.
Testing
UWU works with only licensed backflow testers and companies that are state certified and follow UWU rules and regulations. UWU has contracted BSI Online for backflow test report submission. New backflow assemblies must be tested at the time of installation and existing backflow assemblies must be tested annually. This testing is done by a registered backflow prevention assembly tester in the state of Iowa and ensures that the assembly is still working properly. Testing is a big part of what makes backflow prevention work.
Customers with backflow assemblies will receive communication from BSI Online regarding testing dates and deadlines. The mailings from BSI Online will contain the Customer Confirmation Number (CCN) which can be used to verify the submission of the backflow test via BSI’s website. Questions regarding the backflow test or the communications may be directed to BSI Online by calling 1-800-414-4990 or the UWU Backflow Administrator at (515) 331-6838 or danis@urbandalewater.org.
For customers who do not intend to use their irrigation system, the backflow testing obligation may be waived by submitting an Irrigation Backflow Device Inactive Agreement.
Further information regarding the UWU backflow requirements may be found by viewing the list below.
Cross-Connection and Backflow
2025 Schedule Backflow Testing