Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Backflow Testing Requirements

Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) operates one of the largest water and wastewater utilities in the southeastern United States, serving approximately 2.4 million residents. The department's Cross-Connection Control Program requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies connected to the county water system.

The program is governed by Florida Administrative Code 62-555.360 and the Miami-Dade County Code. Due to South Florida's unique environmental conditions — including high water tables, frequent flooding, and proximity to saltwater — cross-connection control is especially critical in the Miami-Dade service area.

Miami-Dade WASD requires annual backflow testing for all properties with installed backflow prevention assemblies. This includes:

• Commercial buildings with fire sprinkler systems, boilers, or irrigation connections
• Hotels, resorts, and hospitality properties with pool fills and irrigation
• Restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food service operations
• Medical facilities, dental offices, hospitals, and laboratories
• Industrial facilities with process water or chemical feed systems
• Multi-family condominiums and apartments with fire suppression or irrigation
• Properties with RPZ assemblies, double check valve assemblies (DCVA), or pressure vacuum breakers (PVB)
• Marina and waterfront properties with potable water connections
• Properties with wells or auxiliary water sources in addition to county water service

Florida requires backflow prevention assembly testers to hold a current certification from an approved certifying organization. Accepted certifications include ABPA, AWWA, ASSE, and the University of Florida TREEO Center.

Testers must complete a minimum 40-hour training program and pass written and practical examinations. All test gauges must be calibrated annually by a certified calibration facility, and testers must carry proof of certification and gauge calibration. Miami-Dade WASD maintains records of certified testers who have submitted reports to their system.

Test reports must be submitted to Miami-Dade WASD's Cross-Connection Control division. The department accepts reports through their electronic reporting system, and most certified testers in the Miami-Dade area submit reports online on behalf of property owners.

Reports must include complete device information (type, manufacturer, model, serial number, size), test results for all check valves and relief valves, the tester's certification number, and gauge calibration date. Miami-Dade WASD maintains compliance records and will contact property owners if reports are not received by the deadline.

Miami-Dade WASD requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies. Testing is due within 12 months of the previous test. The department sends notification letters prior to the testing deadline.

Properties that fail to submit test reports by the deadline receive compliance warning letters. Escalating enforcement includes administrative fines and potential water service disconnection per Miami-Dade County Code. The county has authority to assess daily fines for continued non-compliance.

Failed assemblies must be repaired and re-tested within 30 days. If the device cannot be repaired, replacement and testing of the new assembly must be completed within the same 30-day window.