There is a single check/Y-strainer device plumbed in-line with a domestic hot water recirculation loop. Is this allowed?

Because you are dealing with domestic hot water, there is no requirement for backflow protection. If a backflow situation were to occur, you would only have potable domestic hot water going back into potable domestic cold water. The check valve is there simply to stop the hot water from backing up into the cold water.

What are the legal ramifications if the fire backflow valve is not tested annually?

We are not sure if you are a water customer or a water purveyor, but the list below actually covers both.

There could be several ramifications:

1) You are not complying with State of Illinois Plumbing Code and Illinois EPA guidelines
2) You may contaminate not only the water within the building, but your distribution system as well if there is a reduction or loss of pressure, such as: nearby fire, water main break, etc.
3) You are creating a potential health hazard by not requiring or having the backflow preventers tested annually. Fire system water is not only stagnant, it may contain harmful chemicals (antifreeze).
4) You, the water purveyor and/or water user, may be liable for a clean-up of the water distribution system, the health of all water customers who were exposed to potentially contaminated water, etc
5) You can and WILL receive fines that may be imposed by several authorities, such as the Illinois Department of Public Health, The IEPA, etc

Is a RPZ Backflow Device ok to use in a underground pit if a floor drain is installed to remove any ground waterseepage into pit or discharge from RPZ

Illinois does not allow for any type of backflow preventer to be placed underground or in a pit. Even if the pit has a sump pit/pump, floor drain, etc.

Section 890.1130 Protection of Potable Water

g) Installation of Devices or Assemblies.

5) Double Check Valve, and Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer Assemblies. No in-line double check valve backflow preventer assembly (DCV) or reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly (RPZ) shall be located more than 5 feet above a floor, or be installed where it is subject to freezing or flooding conditions.

Are testing requirements required by state law?

"Yes. Section 890.1130 of the new Illinois Plumbing Codes states that backflow prevention assemblies be tested and approved by a CCCDI before initial operation and at least annually thereafter. Also, Title 35 section 653.802.e.1 states that each device shall be tested anuually or more frequently if recommended by the manufacturer."

Do you control cross connections to the last outlet of the customers tap?

Per IEPA Regulations, the water purveyor is responsible to the curb stop of each connection. Per Dave McMillan of the IEPA: 'To have an effective program, a community will need to recognize that their water supply is ultimately responsible for protecting their distribution system. A significant point that must be recognized is that the community water system is not responsible for what goes on within an individual service connection.' Your ordinances may be stricter and require 'isolation' and/or 'containment.'

What are your programs based on

"The cross connection control program in Illinois is implemented/coordinated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC). The Illinois EPA (pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code Section 607.104 and 653.801, 653.802 and 653.803) requires that all community water supplies have a cross-connection control program. For the most part, the Illinois DPH deals with the plumbing aspects of the cross-connection control program. Under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890, backflow prevention devices are regulated. Under 225 ILCS 320, Illinois Plumbing License Law is detailed."

Lawn Irrigation

If I have a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) on my lawn irrigation system, do I need to change it?