Every drinking water system in Illinois must have a cross connection control program, more commonly known as a backflow prevention program. Backflow prevention is designed to protect the public water supply from contamination from non-drinkable sources. Cross-connection hazards exist in a variety of places, such as factories, processing plants, laundries, dental offices and hair salons. Residential in-ground sprinkler systems are also capable of contaminating the public drinking water if they are not properly protected. 

Backflow prevention devices are required on all commercial and residential properties where contamination hazards exist. These devices must be maintained and tested annually to ensure that they are working properly. Title 35, Section 653.802 of the Illinois Administrative Code Section 890.1130 of the Illinois Plumbing Code, as well as, Village of South Holland Municipal Code (Section 21 – 111) requires that every backflow device be inspected annually by a certified backflow tester, and every city that operates a public water system is responsible for making sure that this is done.

To read the Ordinance click here.

The Village of South Holland has contracted with BSI Online to manage the City’s backflow inspection program. BSI Online will serve as the primary point of contact for backflow inspections within the Village of South Holland and can be contacted at bsionline@backflow.com or calling (800) 414-4990.

Water customers with previously registered backflow devices will receive a notification and reminder directly from BSI Online that testing is due. Please do not disregard these letters.  Once the annual inspection is complete, the licensed tester will enter that information directly into the BSI Online reporting system.

As a reminder, you only need to have your assemblies tested once per year. 

Failure to have these devices tested annually could lead to your water service being terminated.

Your testing date remains the same annually. You may hire any licensed plumber with a CCCDI to test your assembly and you can find a list of certified inspectors that service the South Holland Area by clicking on the following link: Certified List of Plumbers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is backflow?
Backflow occurs when a loss in water pressure (commonly due to a fire hydrant being opened, a water main break, or abnormally high-water usage) causes the water in your pipes to flow in the opposite direction.  This could allow contaminated or polluted water to travel back into the drinking water supply possibly contaminating thousands of people.

What is a backflow prevention device?
A backflow prevention assembly is a testable mechanical device which uses valves, in different configurations, to prevent contaminated water or chemicals from flowing back into the public drinking water supply system. See example below:

Why do I need one?
Cross connections can occur at both commercial and residential properties. For commercial customers, cross connections exist in many forms, from carbonated beverage machines and ice makers, to fire sprinkler systems and x-ray machines. On the residential side, the most common cross connections occur with lawn irrigation and fire sprinkler systems. 

Does a lawn irrigation system really need a backflow prevention device?
YES.  Lawn irrigation systems are considered a hazardous cross connection.  All particulates that are in your lawn can seep into the underground pipes and enter the drinking water supply.  This can be anything from fertilizers to animal feces.  Properly working backflow prevention devices protect this from happening.

How will I know when my device is due for testing?
BSI Online will send you a letter thirty days before your device is due for its annual test. All residential lawn irrigation devices are due on or before May 31st of each year.

Does BSI Online perform backflow device testing?
No, BSI Online is not permitted to do any testing. They are only contracted to accept test results and maintain the Village database.

Is there a fee for testing my backflow device?
Yes. Your licensed testing contractor will charge you a fee for the services that they perform.

Are there any penalties/fines from the Village if the test is not done before the deadline date on the Letter?
The Village Water Department is authorized to turn off water service to customers who place the public water supply at risk. Customers who fail to comply will receive reminders from BSI Online will receive a final notice from the Village prior to disconnection. Customers who are disconnected for backflow violations will be charged the same reinstatement fees as customers who are disconnected for non-payment.

Should I tell BSI Online if my lawn sprinkler is permanently or temporarily disconnected?
The Village of South Holland does not accept “Inactive Forms” for lawn irrigation systems not in use. It is the customer’s responsibility to have device(s) tested annually by a licensed contractor and documentation submitted directly to BSI Online. If you choose to permanently shut down/disconnect your system, you are required to have a licensed contractor remove the RPZ, cap off the system and submit documentation directly to BSI Online. See example below:

Do I send my test report to BSI Online from now on?
No, your backflow testing contractor will submit your test results online.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the Public Works Department at (708) 339-2323.