OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEYPhysical Connection Permit Online Processing
Find out more about online permit processing
Physical Connections
Plumbing cross connections are actual or potential connections between a potable and non-potable or unapproved water supply and constitute a significant public health hazard and are controlled by the use of backflow prevention valves.
This program protects the public water system from contamination by an unapproved water supply by requiring installation and testing of backflow prevention devices (double check valve assemblies and reduced pressure zone backflow preventers) installed on the public supply lines where they enter facilities, generally near the water meter on domestic lines and before the alarm check and siamese connection for fire lines.
Testing must be completed by a certified tester with a valid backflow prevention device tester certificate.
Forms & Permits
New Jersey regulations require a physical connection permit be obtained by the owner of a facility containing an unapproved water supply and a public community water supply (Permits are not required for private residences). The permit has to be renewed annually and requires each backflow prevention device covered by the permit to be tested quarterly. To apply for a Physical Connection Permit, complete the appropriate application forms (below). Further information on cross connection control is available in the EPA Cross Connection Control Manual (below).
- What Triggers a New Jersey DEP Physical Connection Permit and How to Apply
- State Law: Interconnections Between Approved Public Potable and Unapproved Water Supplies
- Regulation: NJ Safe Drinking Water Act
- Answer Links: Physical Connection Permits
- Forms
- Cancellation of Physical Connection Permit or Elimination of Valves from Permit BWSE-PCR (9/2013)
- Application for Initial Physical Connection Permit BWSE-PCI-145 (5/2014)
- Certification of Inspection & Testing Results- Initial & Quarterly Physical Connection Test & Maintenance Report Aug-22 BWSE-CITR-IQ
- Certified Backflow Prevention Device Testers
- Each backflow prevention device covered by a permit must be tested quarterly by a certified tester
Important Information
An online processing service must be used for permit renewals to be submitted through the Department’s “NJDEP Online” Business Portal. If you currently use the Portal, you will be able to add the service to your current profile. If you have not previously used the Portal you will need to register at which time you may find additional services that will benefit you. NOTE THAT AS PART OF THE RENEWAL SERVICE, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE FEE EITHER WITH A CREDIT CARD OR AN E-CHECK.
The online permitting process will consist of two processes / services:
- Submission of the Quarterly Physical Connection Test Results by the Certified Tester: Certified Testers can either submit the previous year’s test results so the permit can be renewed online as well as enter the current year’s test results.
- Submission of the annual renewal application by the Permittee, online fee payment, and download of the approved permit: Permittees must set up user accounts and facility administration rights prior to renewing online. EFFECTIVE WITH THE 2018 RENEWAL CYCLE, IT WILL BE MANDATORY TO SUBMIT ALL RENEWAL APPLICATIONS ONLINE THROUGH THE RENEWAL SERVICE.
To facilitate the automatic approval of a permit renewal the results of the quarterly tests showing that all devices have been working correctly will need to be submitted by the Certified Tester in advance of the submission of the renewal application.
A service to allow a permittee to add a new device to an existing permit or apply for a new permit will not be available, but if an existing device is replaced as part of a repair or maintenance this is able to be reported.
An overview of the Online Permit Process can be obtained from our Overview of ePermitting document.
- Detailed Instructions on completing the Quarterly Test Results Service can be obtained from our Quarterly Service Instructions .
- Video showing how to complete the Quarterly Service
- Detailed Instructions on completing the Permit Renewal Service can be obtained from our Renewal Service Instructions .
- Video showing how to complete the Renewal Service
Prior to the submission of a Permit Renewal the Owner of the Facility needs to:
- Create a user account
- Obtain the rights to electronically approve the individuals who can on their behalf certify the application. This is done by completing and submitting the Facility Site Administrator Application to the Bureau of Water System Engineering.
- Ensure that the individuals that will be submitting the renewal application create their own user account and electronically submit their request for Responsible Official rights.
As specific guidance documents are developed the appropriate links will be provided on this page. Therefore please check back periodically.
If you would like us to contact you by email as additional information and when the services are made available please email us.
Certified Agencies
To facilitate the submission of the Quarterly Test Results, the Department needs to maintain a database of the backflow prevention device testers that are certified to test the devices. Therefore effective December 2013 the Certifying Agencies shall submit electronically their list of Certified Testers using the following spreadsheet to physicalconnection@njdepwptest.net at least once a year.
- Certified Agency Tester License Report PC -05 (8/2013)