The purpose of the Backflow Advisory Board (“Board”) is to advise the Superintendent of the Division of Industrial Compliance in matters pertaining to the training, testing, and certification of Backflow Testers. The Board consists of not more than ten members: one from the Plumbing Section of the Division of Industrial Compliance, three recommended by the Plumbing Administrator of the Division of Industrial Compliance, one from the Drinking Water Program of the Ohio EPA, three recommended by the Ohio EPA Director, and not more than two who are not employed by the Plumbing or Water Industry. The Board is appointed by the Superintendent and is directly involved in investigations, disciplinary actions, and public concerns related to the Division’s backflow program.

In addition to providing oversight in the drafting of the Ohio Department of Commerce Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection-Control Manual, the Board provides necessary collaboration between the Ohio EPA and the Department of Commerce resulting in consistent training and testing procedures between the two agencies; both utilize the same training manual and the same testing procedures, thereby, avoiding duplication. Additionally, the Board provides mediation of conflicts that may arise between water purveyors and plumbing contractors.