Backflow Testing in Rio Verde, AZ

Local conditions in Rio Verde

Rio Verde is an unincorporated, age-restricted community near the Verde River and the Tonto National Forest. Its water comes from EPCOR's Rio Verde system, about 3,100 connections fed entirely by EPCOR wells, built on infrastructure EPCOR bought from Rio Verde Utilities in 2018. EPCOR's Cross Connection Control Department applies here: the customer installs, maintains and tests required assemblies, tests are done by a certified backflow tester at installation, after repair or relocation and annually, and reports are due within 30 days. Assemblies should be within 36 inches of the meter unless EPCOR directs otherwise. Contact: 480-450-2077.

Rio Verde Foothills shares the ZIP area but is a separate community that relies on hauled water, so EPCOR's meter rules don't reach those homes. Their concern is keeping hoses and tank fills clean.

EPCOR reports hardness of 11 to 14 grains per gallon here. Permits for new or moved assemblies come from Maricopa County Planning and Development.

If you are away for part of the year, plan around the 30-day reporting window: arrange access to the meter area ahead of time, and ask the plumber to email you a copy of the report so you can confirm it reached EPCOR.

Rio Verde vs. Rio Verde Foothills

Signs it is time

• EPCOR asked for your annual test result
• The device near the meter leaks or sprays
• A repair was done and no retest followed
• The assembly sits well away from the meter and is due for replacement
• A tank fill on a Foothills property has its hose submerged
• Water pools around the meter box with no obvious source

Seasonal notes

Desert sun out toward McDowell Mountain Regional Park bakes exposed devices, so a cover extends the life of seals. Winter nights can drop below freezing now and then; drain or insulate exposed parts. When an EPCOR reminder arrives, book early in the window so a failed result still leaves time for a repair and a passing retest.