Philadelphia Water Department Backflow Testing Requirements

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) operates the Cross-Connection Control Program for all properties connected to the City of Philadelphia's public water system. The program enforces annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies under the Philadelphia Plumbing Code and Pennsylvania DEP safe drinking water regulations.

PWD serves approximately 1.5 million residents within the city and provides wholesale water to several surrounding communities. The Cross-Connection Control Program works in coordination with Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) to ensure proper installation and ongoing testing of backflow prevention devices at commercial, industrial, and applicable residential properties.

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

• Commercial buildings with fire sprinkler systems, boilers, or irrigation connections
• Industrial facilities with process water, chemical feed systems, or cooling towers
• Restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food processing facilities
• Medical offices, hospitals, dental clinics, and laboratories
• Multi-family residential properties with fire suppression or shared irrigation systems
• Educational institutions and government buildings
• Properties with RPZ assemblies, double check valve assemblies (DCVA), or pressure vacuum breakers (PVB)
• Car washes, laundromats, and photo processing facilities
• Any property where PWD or L&I has identified a cross-connection hazard

Backflow prevention assembly testers working in Philadelphia must hold a valid Pennsylvania-recognized certification. PWD accepts certifications from ASSE (Series 5110), ABPA, AWWA, and other PA DEP-recognized programs.

Testers must complete an approved training program (typically 32–40 hours) and pass written and practical examinations. All differential pressure test gauges must be calibrated annually by a certified laboratory. PWD may require testers to provide proof of certification and calibration records when submitting reports.

Test reports must be submitted to PWD's Cross-Connection Control Program. PWD accepts electronic report submissions, and most certified testers in the Philadelphia area submit reports online on behalf of property owners.

Reports must include complete device information (assembly type, manufacturer, model, serial number, size, location), all test results for check valves and relief valves, the tester's certification number, and gauge calibration date. PWD tracks compliance by account and sends notices when reports are overdue.

PWD requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies. The testing deadline is typically the anniversary date of the previous compliant test. PWD sends initial compliance reminders before the deadline.

Properties that fail to submit timely test reports receive escalating notices: a reminder, a formal compliance notice, and ultimately a violation notice. PWD can levy fines and coordinate with L&I for enforcement action. In severe cases of prolonged non-compliance, water service disconnection is possible under city code.

Failed assemblies must be repaired by a certified tester and re-tested within 30 days. Replacement is required if the assembly cannot be restored to proper working condition.