As part of the Town of Bethlehem Water Code, backflow preventers are required for all commercial and industrial water services.  All fire lines must be protected by at least a double check valve assembly-type backflow preventer.  The water department reserves the right to require backflow preventers on any water service, should the service in question result in any threat of contamination to the potable water system.

Backflow Applicant Instructions

Every backflow must go through an approval process prior to installation.  The backflow application form needed is DOH-347 and can be found on the NYS Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-0347.pdf

*Applicants must follow the steps below to submit the application.  Any questions can be directed to the Town of Bethlehem Water Department (518) 439-4955.

1. All backflow preventer applications must be prepared by a Professional Engineer licensed by the State of New York.
2. Four (4) copies of the backflow application packet must be submitted to the Town of Bethlehem DPW office with 2 checks:
   • 1 check payable to “Receiver of Taxes” for Town review and approval (see the town website fee schedule for current amount)
   • 1 check payable to “Albany County Health Department” for review and approval (see the county website fee schedule under “Community Water Supply” for current amount - https://www.albanycounty.com/home/showdocument?id=4724
3. All 4 copies of the backflow application packet must include:
   • Project Plans with water entrance detail showing all clearances
   • Specifications for the type of backflow devices that will be installed
   • An engineer’s report describing the project in detail
   • A separate application form (DOH-347) for each backflow device to be installed (no additional payment is needed for same project applications)
4. All 4 copies will be reviewed, approved and signed by the Town of Bethlehem Commissioner of Public Works.
5. Once the Town has approved the application, we will then forward all 4 copies of the application packet with payment to Albany County Department of Health for approval.
6. Albany County Department of Health will notify the owner in writing once they have approved the application.
7. Once written approval has been received from Albany County Department of Health, the backflow device can be installed as specified in the application approval letter.
8. Once installed, the backflow device must be tested and a copy of the test report must be submitted to the Town of Bethlehem Water Department.

Note:  As part of the Town Water Code, backflow devices must be tested annually by a NYS certified backflow tester and the test report must be submitted to the Water department. For a list of certified backflow testers please visit the NYS Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/cross/backflow_testers/