Dallas Water Utilities Backflow Testing Requirements

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) operates the Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program for all properties connected to the City of Dallas water system. The program is governed by TCEQ Title 30, Chapter 290 regulations and the Dallas City Code.

DWU serves approximately 2.5 million customers in the Dallas metropolitan area and surrounding wholesale customers. The Cross-Connection Control division conducts surveys to identify potential hazards and mandates installation and annual testing of appropriate backflow prevention assemblies. DWU maintains an active enforcement program with dedicated inspectors.

Annual backflow testing is required for all properties with installed backflow prevention assemblies on DWU water service. This includes:

• Commercial buildings with fire sprinkler systems, boilers, cooling towers, or irrigation
• Industrial facilities with process water, chemical feed, or manufacturing connections
• Restaurants, food processing plants, and commercial kitchens
• Medical facilities, laboratories, dental offices, and veterinary clinics
• Multi-family residential properties with fire suppression or shared irrigation systems
• Properties with RPZ assemblies, double check valve assemblies (DCVA), or pressure vacuum breakers (PVB)
• Facilities with swimming pools connected to fill lines from city water
• Any property identified through DWU's hazard survey program

All backflow prevention assembly testers working in Dallas must hold a valid TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) license. The TCEQ license requires completion of an approved 40-hour training course and passing the state examination.

Testers must keep their TCEQ license current and use test gauges calibrated annually by an approved calibration laboratory. DWU may request documentation of the tester's license status and gauge calibration when reviewing submitted reports.

DWU requires test reports to be submitted to the Cross-Connection Control Division. Dallas has transitioned to an electronic reporting system, and most certified testers in the Dallas area submit reports through the city's online compliance portal.

Reports must include complete assembly information (manufacturer, model, serial number, size), all test results, the tester's TCEQ license number, and gauge calibration date. Property owners should confirm their tester will submit the report to DWU after testing.

Dallas Water Utilities requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies. Testing is due by the anniversary date of the previous test, and DWU sends notification letters approximately 60 days before the deadline.

Properties that miss deadlines receive escalating enforcement actions: a second notice, followed by a non-compliance letter, and ultimately potential water service disconnection. DWU assesses administrative fees for late compliance and charges reconnection fees if service is terminated.

Failed assemblies must be repaired and re-tested within 30 days. DWU requires the passing re-test report to be submitted within that timeframe.