Avoid the End-of-Year Backflow Rush | Tips to Stay Ahead

September is here! 🍂While fall means cooler weather and shorter days, it also signals the start of Q4, the busiest time of year for many water purveyors and facility managers. When it comes to backflow compliance, the last quarter of the year often brings a rush of overdue tests, failed and final notices, and stressed-out stakeholders trying to catch up before the calendar year ends.

The good news? With proactive planning, you can avoid the scramble and finish the year strong. Here are some practical tips to keep your backflow program on track, compliant, and stress-free.

Take time this month to review your backflow inventory and see which properties/devices are overdue or coming due soon. Identifying potential problem areas now gives you plenty of time to act before they turn into year-end headaches. Utilize BSI Online’s reporting features to filter properties by compliance status in seconds!

Verify Tester Credentials Early and Often

Before scheduling tests, double-check that all testers have valid licenses and calibrated equipment. This ensures test results are valid and prevents any last-minute testing delays. With BSI Online, you can instantly verify tester credentials and kit calibrations.

• Validation of Tester Licenses/Test Gauge Calibrations: BSI verifies with the water purveyor all credentials required for both testers and testing companies. We track the expiration dates of all credentials, and once they expire, the tester cannot enter tests until an updated copy is uploaded into the BSI Online system. This proactive approach is integral to the integrity of your backflow program!

Did you know? Testers can easily see their ranking compared to all other users. Testers can check out their BSI Online dashboard to quickly view where they rank in the system!

The tester dashboard also tracks device testing totals year over year! This insight makes it easy to track progress, identify trends in your testing activity, and recognize high-performing testers while spotting potential slowdowns or areas for improvement in your device testing business.

Stay on Top of Failed and Final Notices

Do not let unresolved issues linger until December. Address failed test reports and final notices quickly to ensure devices are repaired or replaced before compliance deadlines. BSI Online makes it easy to track failed tests and monitor retest progress – testers can add new properties and devices directly!

Use Digital Tools to Simplify Everything

The easiest way to avoid the end-of-year scramble is by streamlining your entire program and processes with digital tools. From automated notifications to real-time reporting, our cloud-based service and solution saves time and reduces stress so you can focus on keeping your water system safe!

If your team is still relying on spreadsheets, paper tracking, and multiple systems, now is the perfect time to see how our platform can help you:

• Records Maintenance: All data and reports can be exported as a CSV at any time! BSI tracks unique identifiers such as account number, meter number, or location ID.
• Cloud-Based Test Submittal: Backflow testers submit test reports online, using a credentialed login. All test reports are electronic, easy to read, and immediately accessible upon submission!
• Water Customer and Tester Support: No longer a burden on your team! Your stakeholders can speak with a live, onshore customer service representative through phone and email. Additionally, testers have access to a live chat feature in BSI Online! Book a demo now!

September is the perfect time to get ahead of backflow compliance and prevent the typical year-end rush. By reviewing your compliance data, sending out reminders, and leveraging digital tools, you can close out the year with confidence instead of chaos.

Ready to simplify your backflow management? Schedule a demo with BSI Online and see how seamless compliance can be!