What agency or regulation determines the frequency of testing and maintenance for a double check valve assembly?

• A. Federal EPA regulations
• B. State and local codes
• C. International Plumbing Code
• D. Local water district policy

Answer: (B)

Testing frequency for a double check valve assembly is determined by the authority that enforces plumbing and cross-connection controls in your area—the state and local codes. These codes, applied by the authority having jurisdiction, specify how often a backflow prevention device must be tested and maintained. The federal EPA sets national drinking water standards but doesn’t prescribe a universal testing interval for individual backflow devices; implementation of the requirements is left to states. The International Plumbing Code is only a model code—adopted variably by jurisdictions—so it isn’t binding everywhere. Local water district policies may add requirements, but they come from and must align with state and local codes.