From the Fort Worth Water Department regarding Fort Worth Backflow Prevention services:

“The Fort Worth Water Department is changing its procedures associated with the initial testing of backflow assemblies. Starting September 10, 2012, the department will no longer perform the initial tests of backflow assemblies. These must now be performed by a city registered and certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT).

The change applies to newly installed, replaced, relocated, or removed backflow assemblies associated with the following:

Commercial Facilities

Residential Facilities When Applicable

Irrigation (Commercial and Residential)

Note: backflow assemblies must be tested by a registered tester prior to requesting an inspection. Incomplete, inaccurate and /or illegible test forms will be considered invalid and will result in a failed inspection.

All registered testers are independent contractors and are not associated with the City of Fort Worth. Contact the Cross Connection Control Section (817-392-8375) for a complete list of registered testers or click here.”

We are City Backflow Testing, and we can answer any questions you have about backflow testing. Give us a call at (817) 996-2000.

Now let’s take a look at each of those terms so you have a complete understanding of your responsibilities within the city limits of Fort Worth.

What is backflow?

Most of you reading this has never seen backflow in action, and that is because backflow assemblies are doing their job and have been regularly tested. Backflow occurs when the water pressure in the water distribution system drops drastically. That drop in water pressure results in a reversal of flow of that water.  In other words, contaminated water will flow from the homes and businesses back to the Fort Worth water supply, and the only thing preventing that from happening is the backflow prevention program.

What are backflow preventers?

There is a variety of them available, but basically back flow preventers are valves which sense the drop in water pressure and automatically shut down a reversal in water flow.  They are basically one-way valves, not allowing contaminated water to flow in two directions.

Who are these certified backflow testers?

The City of Fort Worth keeps a list of backflow testing companies which have passed testing requirements and which are certified to handle backflow repairs, backflow inspections, and installations.  Anyone checking out your backflow system should be on that list.  Otherwise, any work they do on your backflow assemblies will not be recognized by the City of Fort Worth.

The backflow testing must be conducted yearly on all commercial properties as well as those where irrigation exists and on some public-use facilities.  Licensed backflow testers will keep records and will appear annually to take care of your testing on your backflow prevention device so you don’t have to worry about it, and after testing they will file the necessary paperwork and forms with the city so you don’t have to be concerned about any of it.

We are City Backflow Testing and we handle backflow testing for the City of Fort Worth and surrounding areas.  Our number, again, is (817) 996-2000.  Give us a call if you have questions; give us a call if you want an estimate; and give us a call to make an appointment.  We’ve got you covered in backflow testing year after year after year.