Residential Backflow (3 units or less)
Requires the installation of a residential dual check and expansion tank just after the water meter and prior to any plumbing connection.
Commercial Backflow, Industrial Backflow, and Residential Backflow (4 units or more)
Requires the installaton of testable backflow assemblies in accordance with the design and testing procedures documented below.
Backflow Assembly Design Parameters
- Domestic Service Backflow Assemblies: Unless otherwise approved by the Water Utilities Division all domestic services shall contain a reduced pressure zone assembly (RPZ) just after the meter and prior to any plumbing connection.
- Fire Service Backflow Assemblies:
- Unless otherwise approved by the Water Utilities Division all fire services that have no chemical additives in the fire sprinkler system shall contain a double check detector assembly (DCDA) just after the service enters building and prior to any plumbing connection.
- Unless otherwise approved by the Water Utilities Division all fire services that have chemical additives in the fire sprinkler system shall contain a reduced pressure detector assembly (RPDA) just after the service enters building and prior to any plumbing connection.
- Any assembly selected for installation shall be approved by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research
- RPZ or RPDA installations:
- Shall be located just after the water meter and prior to any plumbing connection
- Shall be installed above grade (i.e., not pit or basement installations)
- Shall be installed such that the relief valve is 18-inches above the finished floor
- Shall be appropriately drained
- RPDA assemblies shall contain Neptune T-10 bypass meter that register in cubic feet
- RPDA assembly installations shall allow for minimum fire flows to be met. If necessary, flow calculations should be performed.
- DCDA installations:
- Shall be located just after the fire service enters the building and prior to any plumbing connection.
- Shall contain Neptune T-10 bypass meter that register in cubic feet.
- Installations shall allow for minimum fire flows to be met. If necessary, flow calculations should be performed.
Backflow Assembly Installation Procedure on a New Service
- Backflow Installations as part of a new water service shall be submitted to the Water Utilities Division as part of an Application for Water Service
Backflow Assembly Installation Procedure on an Existing Service
- Backflow Installations or replacements on existing water services shall comply with the following procedure:
- Fill out a Backflow Prevention Device Design Data Sheet (see file/documents section below) and submit to the Water Utilities Division by e-mail at waterdept@eastprovidenceri.gov
- Receive approval from the Water Utilities Division
- File all necessary plumbing/mechanicl permits with East Providence Building Divison prior to performing any work.
- Once approved for installation, notify the Water Utilities Divsion 48 hours prior to installation. If the installation is on a fire service the East Providence Fire Department shall be notified.
- Perform installation and ensure that the assembly is tested immediately after installation (see testing below).
East Providence has partnered with RPZ Flow to simplify the backflow prevention process while ensuring compliance. Beginning April 1st, 2026, all tests must be submitted online through rpzflow.com.
Water Customers:
Create a free account to view and download your latest test results, find local testers, and get emailed reminders. RPZ Flow only sends emails to remind you when testing is due or let you know when your test has been submitted. Register at rpzflow.com/customer_register.
Testing Companies:
To submit test results, you must first create an account and upload your credentials, including your tester license(s) and test kit calibration certificate(s). You only need to register once per testing company. Register at rpzflow.com/register.
For any questions about RPZ Flow, please contact their customer service team at info@rpzflow.com or (833) 779-3569.
