According to the Virginia Department of Health Waterworks Regulation(12VAC 5-590-580), all water purveyors must establish and enforce a program of cross connection control and backflow prevention to protect the water distribution system, and to ensure that the system's treated water is pure and safe for public consumption.

To maintain water quality, The water purveyor must identify potential cross connections and determine necessary protection measures. This is achieve through an effective cross connection and control program. A good cross connection and control program must have a combined cooperation effort between the plumbing and health officials, waterworks, property owners, and certified backflow testers.   

State statue clearly indicates that the state should not restrict access to any occupation unless it is necessary for the protection or preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Backflow prevention Device Testers test, repair and maintain backflow preventers that protect the public drinking water from pollutants and contaminants. Backflow Testers are a vital part of an effective cross connection program to ensure safe drinking water.

I am a master plumber and a Cross Connection specialist for the City of Richmond. My  responsibility is to prevent backflow pollution or contamination of the water supply system by requiring the installation of an appropriate backflow prevention device at the service connection. When installed, it is important that they are maintained in good working condition. A backflow assembly that is not working provides the consumer and the water purveyor a false sense or security.

In my opinion, backflow Prevention Device Testers are vital to any cross connection program and the testing of backflow assemblies are essential for maintaining  safe drinking water for the public.