Code of Conduct
Certified Backflow Tester
Code of Conduct
Sarasota County Public Utilities (SCPU) has the primary responsibility of protecting the public water distribution
system. The utility must take all reasonable precautions to protect the potable water supply from potential
contamination from hazards originating from the customer’s premises. To this end, and in accordance with Florida
Administrative Code 62-555.360, SCPU has adopted the Sarasota County Public Utilities Cross-Connection Control
Program Manual by Resolution 2016-047.
The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to provide SCPU with a certified tester’s accountability to practice the
standardized procedures as set forth in the SCPU Program Manual while establishing an acceptable standard of care
for all Sarasota County Public Utilities water customers.
A. Certified Testers shall maintain the technical qualifications as required by the SCPU Program Manual.
B. Certified Testers shall only record data and sign test forms for assemblies they have tested. A tester shall
not record any falsified data on the Backflow Preventer Test Report. All data shall be legibly submitted.
C. Certified Testers shall tag tested assemblies according to the SCPU Program Manual. A tester shall not
remove another tester’s tag from a functioning assembly with a current certification.
D. Certified Testers shall not perform any unnecessary tests or installations, or make any unnecessary repairs
or replacements.
E. Certified Testers shall record all backflow assembly test data on approved backflow preventer test report
forms or via Web-Entry. The signed test form shall comply with the reporting requirements of the SCPU
Program Manual.
F.
When backflow prevention assembly repairs are necessary, the Certified Tester shall only utilize original
factory repair parts as manufactured for the assembly. All repairs and replacements shall be recorded and
submitted as provided for in the SCPU Program Manual.
G. Certified Testers shall not install a backflow preventer without a permit. (replacements do not require a
permit) Installations, relocations, and variances shall meet the installation requirements in the SCPU
Program Manual.
H. Certified Testers shall submit all passing test reports no later than ten (10) calendar days of the initial test
date. All failing assemblies shall be submitted no later than two (2) calendar days of the initial test date.
I.
Certified Testers shall have the test kit checked for accuracy at least once a year or when in need of
calibration. The tester will make the test kit available to the Backflow Department for inspection. Test
reports submitted with expired test kit will not be accepted.
J.
Certified Testers shall observe existing installations of backflow prevention assemblies to assure the
assembly is the correct type of protection for the degree of hazard present and properly installed as per
SCPU Program Manual installation requirements. If the assembly is not the correct type of protection, or
installation requirements are not proper, the tester shall proceed with the field test and note the discrepancy
on the backflow preventer test report form.
K. Certified Testers have neither the responsibility nor the authority to represent or enforce SCPU’s CrossConnection Control Program. Enforcement lies solely with SCPU and appointed Code Enforcement
officials.
L. Certified Testers shall comply with the SCPU Program Manual in the exercise of their responsibilities as
covered by these rules and practices. The tester shall supply any requested information and or appear on the
site of the assembly when requested.
Code of Conduct 2016
Code of Conduct
M. It is the Certified Tester's responsibility to inform SCPU of any changes in their address, phone numbers,
email, certification status, etc.
N. Certified Testers shall correspond with the Backflow Prevention Department as follows:
Mail: Sarasota County Public Utilities
ATTN: Backflow Department
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34240
Email: backflow@scgov.net
Fax: 941-861-0528
Phone: 941-861-0501 or 941-861-0527
Any Certified Tester failing to comply with SCPU’s Code of Conduct and Cross-Connection Control Program
Manual’s policies may subject to disciplinary measures. If disciplinary measures are deemed appropriate the utility
will make notification of violation with the Code of Conduct and the Program Manual policies that shall operate as
follows:
FIRST OFFENSE
Verbal consultation with a Sarasota County Public Utilities Compliance Specialist or Cross-Connection Control
Supervisor.
SECOND OFFENSE
A written warning will be issued to the certified tester. Depending on the frequency and severity of the offense,
testing privileges may be suspended until corrective actions have been completed..
THIRD OFFENSE
Revocation of testing privileges within Sarasota County Public Utilities service area.
Code of Conduct 2016
Code of Conduct
Signature Page
I hereby certify that I have thoroughly read, understand, and agree to fully
conform to the standards of SCPU Program Manual. My failure to conform to
the manual’s standards will result in a written violation and may lead to my
suspension or revocation of testing privileges in Sarasota County Public
Utilities service area. Tester’s Initials ________
*Please complete the following information and return the signed page to the SCPU
Backflow Department.
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY:
Business Name ________________________________________________________________________
Tester Name ______________________________________Tester Cert # _________________________
Tester Mailing Address _________________________________________________________________
City _______________________________________________State ______ Zip Code _______________
Tester Phone ___________________ Tester Email____________________________________________
Tester Signature_________________________________________________ Date __________________
For Department Use
Company ID: __________________________________ Tester ID: ____________________________________
SCPU Compliance Specialist _________________________________________________ Date ______________
Code of Conduct 2016
Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct 2016