Removal of Backflow Lock-Out Tag: Only SPU is authorized to remove the tamper
seal and lock-out tag. Any alteration or removal of these by unauthorized individuals will
incur a non-refundable penalty of $250.00 charged to the owner's utility account. Unlock
requests must be requested at:
https://shakopeepublicutilities.formstack.com/forms/irrigation_system_unlock_request

The State of Minnesota requires backflow preventer assemblies on all in-ground
irrigation systems. The testing of all irrigation system backflow preventer devices must be
completed each year, preferably at the time of the system start-up.

Shakopee Utilities requires all backflow device be tested annually, which is quite smart as the older ones have more failures.

State law only requires testing of units installed after January 23, 2016. 

This isn't national plumbing code nor recommened by the manufactures of backflow devices.  Annual testing should be for all testible backflow devices, this could open city and water suppliers to legal issues and possible insurance coverage issues, because once the water leaves there water plant.  They have no idea if it may become contaminated down stream and by testing it could have been prevented by having working backflow prevention devices. 

As of Jan 2026 you can get your fine back (always check with spu there policies can change)

Shakopee Utilities backflow program states a penalty can be refunded to the customer account.

If an assembly is not tested and submitted within 30 days past the due date, it is
considered delinquent. A past due notice will be sent approximately 45 days after the due
date to the contact on file within The Compliance Engine.

For delinquent accounts, a one-time, annual testing penalty of $150 will be imposed on the
following month’s billing statement if test results are not submitted (or submitted test
results indicate a failed test) by the cut-off before the billing date (approximately ten days
before the scheduled billing date).

If the backflow preventer test fails, the owner must repair and/or replace the device within
30 days of the failed test results and a successful test submitted. No additional testing
penalties will be imposed.

At the same time, the owner’s irrigation system will be in a lock-out status. Lock-outs will
be conducted by SPU, with the majority being completed in the off-season. This will
prevent irrigation water usage in the following season without proper testing.

Upon request by the customer, the testing penalty may be refunded with a successful test
submission to The Compliance Engine within 60 days of receiving the penalty.

we currently have 3 asse 5110 testers and adding 1 more in few weeks. All are licensed by the state and are qualified to test your backflow device.

The SPU Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Policy, established by the SPU Commission on March 21, 2022, outlines requirements to ensure the safety of Shakopee’s drinking water. As the water purveyor for the City of Shakopee, SPU is committed to protecting the distributed water system and requires uniform compliance from all customers with backflow prevention assemblies. To maintain the integrity of the system, annual testing of all backflow assemblies is mandatory, regardless of installation date. Shakopee Sprinklers are proud to support this policy by offering certified backflow testing services to help residents and businesses stay compliant.

An alternative to annual testing is to have the sprinkler system locked out. You can request Shakopee Public Utilities to lock out your backflow system for free and your sprinkler system will not work and your lawn may die. Unless you drag some hoses around and water your lawn the old fun retro way.  

Back flow lock out request form <== click here

Linked to Shakopee pubilic utilities backflow lock out from Jan 2026 if link if wrong let us know please, so we can provide the best info possible.

$150 every year per there shakopee utilities website, we had a few customers that got a $150 x 2 in fall of 2024

All backflows hooked up to the city water system. For us it means home owners and businesses need to get a backflow test. If you have a sprinkler system hooked up to Shakopee City Supplied water then you need to get a Annual backflow test.