Charlotte Water Backflow Testing Requirements

Charlotte Water (formerly Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department) operates the Cross-Connection Control Program for properties connected to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg water system. All commercial, industrial, and select residential properties with backflow prevention assemblies must have them tested annually by a certified tester.

The program protects the public water supply from contamination caused by backflow — the unwanted reversal of water flow from a customer's plumbing system back into the public water main. Charlotte Water requires annual testing and timely reporting to maintain compliance.

Backflow testing is required for all properties with installed backflow prevention assemblies connected to the Charlotte Water system. This includes:

• Commercial buildings with fire sprinkler systems, boilers, or irrigation
• Industrial facilities with chemical feed systems or process water connections
• Multi-family residential properties with shared irrigation or fire suppression
• Properties with reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies, double check valve assemblies (DCVA), or pressure vacuum breakers (PVB)
• Any property identified by Charlotte Water as having a cross-connection hazard

Backflow testers working in the Charlotte Water service area must hold a valid North Carolina backflow prevention assembly tester certification. The state requires completion of an approved 40-hour training course and passing both written and practical examinations.

Testers must use calibrated test gauges and submit reports in the format accepted by Charlotte Water's Cross-Connection Control division. Charlotte Water maintains a list of certified testers who have submitted reports in their system.

Test reports must be submitted directly to Charlotte Water's Cross-Connection Control Program. Many certified testers in the Charlotte area submit reports electronically through Charlotte Water's online portal on behalf of property owners.

Reports must include the assembly type, serial number, test results, and tester certification number. Property owners should confirm with their tester that the report will be filed with Charlotte Water after testing is complete.

Charlotte Water requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies. Test reports are typically due within 30 days of the assembly's annual testing date.

Properties that fail to submit timely test reports may receive violation notices and face potential water service disconnection. Charlotte Water sends reminder notices before testing deadlines, but property owners are ultimately responsible for scheduling tests and ensuring compliance.

Failed assemblies must be repaired and re-tested within the timeframe specified in the violation notice, typically 30 days.