DEP BACKFLOW FILINGS
To protect the integrity of New York City's public water supply, property owners are required to install an approved backflow prevention device on any water service connection that poses a potential or actual cross-connection hazard. This device must be installed at the point where the water service enters the property, ensuring that no contaminated water can flow back into the city's water system.
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The application process involves the submission of installation plans by a licensed professional engineer (PE) or registered architect (RA) to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for approval. Once the DEP approves the plans, a Licensed Master Plumber must obtain a work permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB) to complete the installation.
Common scenarios in which property owners in New York City may be required to obtain Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approval include:
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Unacceptable annual test results: If a required annual test for an existing backflow preventer fails, the owner must take action to repair or replace the device and obtain DEP approval.
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Missing device: Properties that require a backflow preventer but do not have one installed must submit plans and applications to the DEP for approval before installation.
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Devices installed but not approved: Owners who discover a backflow preventer was installed without proper DEP approval need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals retroactively.
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New construction: Any new building or construction project with a potential cross-connection hazard requires a backflow prevention device, with plans submitted for DEP approval.
In each of these situations, the property owner must work with a licensed professional engineer (PE) or registered architect (RA) to submit the required applications and installation plans to the DEP. Once approved, the device can be installed by a Licensed Master Plumber to ensure compliance with city regulations.
BUILT Engineers will prepare and submit the required plans and applications to the NYC DEP, ensuring accuracy and completeness to prevent delays in the approval process.
After DEP reviews and approves the submitted documents, a Licensed Master Plumber will install the approved backflow preventer(s) according to the plans.​
The devices are tested after installation by A NYS Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester, often included in your plumber's scope of work.
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The tester completes the GEN215B form, and a professional engineer or architect signs off to certify compliance with the DEP-approved plans.
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The signed GEN215B form is submitted to the NYC DEP to close out the project.