• Back Pressure: Back pressure occurs when the pressure in a pipe or hose is greater than the incoming pressure. Connection to a booster pump or private well. 
• Back Siphonage: Back Siphonage occurs when there is negative pressure drawing contaminants into the water supply.
• Cross Connections (Dual Connections): Cross connections occur when two separate water systems are connected together mixing different sources of water (i.e. pressurized irrigation water lines connected to your home's drinking water lines). Through these connections, it is possible to introduce non-potable, used, unclean, contaminated water or other substances into the potable water supply.

• Back Pressure and Back Siphonage require the installation of an approved backflow assembly to be installed. These assemblies need to be tested annually by a certified backflow assembly tester and the results submitted to the City Water Division. 

Three common types of backflow assemblies can be found here». 

• Cross Connections (Dual Connections) ARE NOT ALLOWED within the City of Meridian for residential use and must be removed if currently installed. View or download the dual connection removal requirements PDF below.

  • Lawn Sprinkler System Dual Connection Removal PDF»

To find out if you require a backflow assembly, review the process below. 

If you need to install a Backflow assembly, a permit is required.  To apply for a permit, visit citizenportal.meridiancity.org/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx

As of May 1st, 2018, Double-Check Assemblies are no longer allowed in lawn sprinkler applications.

All backflow requirements will be enforced by the Idaho State Plumbing Code (ISPC). 

Any double-check backflow assemblies installed prior to the code change will not need to be removed unless they can no longer be repaired. At that time, they will need to be upgraded with a Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention Assembly (RPBP) or a Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly (PVB).