Austin Water Backflow Testing Requirements

Austin Water operates the Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program for all properties connected to the Austin municipal water system. The program operates under TCEQ Title 30, Chapter 290 regulations and Austin City Code Chapter 15-8.

Austin Water serves over one million customers in the Austin metro area. The Cross-Connection Control team conducts hazard assessments, requires installation of appropriate backflow prevention assemblies, and enforces annual testing compliance. Austin Water has been recognized for maintaining one of the more proactive cross-connection control programs in Texas.

Austin Water requires annual testing for all properties with installed backflow prevention assemblies. This includes:

• Commercial buildings with fire sprinkler connections, boilers, or irrigation systems
• Restaurants, breweries, and food processing facilities
• Medical offices, dental clinics, dialysis centers, and hospitals
• Industrial facilities with process water, chemical storage, or manufacturing
• Multi-family residential properties with fire suppression or shared irrigation
• Properties with RPZ assemblies, double check valve assemblies (DCVA), or pressure vacuum breakers (PVB)
• Properties using reclaimed water in addition to potable Austin Water service
• Residential properties with in-ground irrigation systems connected to city water (if equipped with a backflow device)

Backflow testers in Austin must hold a valid TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) license. Texas requires completion of an approved 40-hour training program and passing the TCEQ-administered exam to obtain this license.

Testers must maintain current licensure through TCEQ renewal requirements and continuing education. All differential pressure test gauges must be calibrated annually by an approved laboratory. Austin Water may verify tester credentials and gauge calibration when processing submitted reports.

Austin Water accepts test reports through their online reporting system. The majority of certified testers in the Austin area submit reports electronically directly to Austin Water's Cross-Connection Control division.

Reports must include the assembly type, manufacturer, model, serial number, size, physical location, test results, tester's TCEQ license number, and gauge calibration date. Austin Water sends confirmation to property owners when a compliant test report is received.

Austin Water requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies. The testing deadline is based on the annual anniversary of the previous compliant test. Austin Water sends initial notification approximately 90 days before the deadline, with follow-up reminders.

Properties that fail to comply within the initial deadline receive a second notice with a 30-day extension. Continued non-compliance results in an administrative compliance fee added to the water bill. Persistent violations may lead to water service disconnection under Austin City Code.

Failed assemblies must be repaired and re-tested with passing results within 30 days. Austin Water tracks repair and re-test status through their compliance system.