As a Dorchester County Water and Sewer customer you expect pure and healthy drinking water. Our program is designed to help identify and prevent cross-connections.

Our customers also have a responsibility to help keep the public water supply safe. To avoid contamination, backflow preventers are required whenever there is an actual or potential hazard for a cross-connection.

Backflow preventers are mechanical check valves with springs and rubber parts. These parts will fail to work properly on occasion due to age, use and debris caught under the sealing surface of the valves. 

• Annual tests by a certified tester are required to help ensure the device is working and is part of Dorchester County’s Backflow Program. Click for a list of certified testers.
• Residential and commercial customers will be notified annually by mail of this requirement. 
• It is recommended that the Certified testers submit the test electronically via Backflow BMP. However, if the tester prefers to submit a paper copy, they must print and complete the form here; return instructions are on the form.

For more information contact the Dorchester County Water and Sewer Department at be 843-832-0075 or 843-563-0075 and ask for backflow prevention.

 SCDES - Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

Helpful links:

American Backflow Prevention Association 

Commercial Backflow Preventor	Residential Backflow Preventor

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