This article is designed to present information about annual backflow testing, what it is and what are your responsibilities concerning it.  For more information you can call us at (817) 996-2000.

In accordance with the Clean Water Act of 1971, and subsequent water safety acts, all cities in the United States are required to have legislation in place regarding backflow, backflow testing, backflow installation, and backflow repairs.

What does annual backflow testing look like?

We will use our own company as an example.   City Backflow Testing in Fort Worth follows these backflow testing steps for any backflow service contract:

Notify- Notify the customer we are here for testing

• Identify- Make sure serial number is correct and that we have the right assembly
• Inspect- Make sure there are 4 test ports and 2 Shut off handles
• Observe- Attach test equipment and follow proper testing  procedures  for this assembly
• Test Reports- Enter values for the  assemblies
• Turn in all test Reports to the local water Purveyor or City

Who must have annual backflow testing?

The answer to this question depends upon the individual city governments.  As a general rule, only those properties which are at greatest risk of backflow occurring are required to undergo annual backflow testing. These usually include all commercial and industrial properties, as well as private properties where irrigation occurs or where there is a fire sprinkler system in place.  Most private homeowners are not subject to this regulation.  To find out if you are, call your local Water Department or Public Works Department. They will have a complete list of those properties which are required to have annual backflow testing.

What other backflow regulations are there?

If you are one of those property owners required to have a backflow device, you should also know that only certified and approved backflow parts can be used for backflow repairs.  In addition, only licensed and certified backflow inspectors can work on a backflow system or conduct backflow testing.  Each city requires that the backflow tester not only be certified by the state, but he/she must also be licensed by each individual city where they do business.  Even though this is primarily a plumbing task, not all plumbers are certified by their state, so make sure you check with your city officials for a complete list of approved backflow testing companies.

And then what?

Once you have contacted a certified backflow company, they will come to your property, conduct the backflow testing, and report their findings to the city officials. At the same time they will automatically schedule you for another backflow test the following year.  If the process happens the way it is supposed to happen, you the property owner will hardly know anything is happening, other than when it comes time to pay for the backflow testing.

For more information give City Backflow Testing a call, or call your local Water Department for clarification about the backflow regulations in your city.  Backflow is a serious public risk and not to be trifled with.  It is better to have too much information about backflow rather than too little.