Houston Public Works Backflow Testing Requirements

Houston Public Works administers the Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program for all properties connected to the City of Houston water system. The program operates under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules (Title 30, Chapter 290) and Houston's Code of Ordinances.

Houston's program covers one of the largest municipal water systems in the United States, serving over 2.3 million residents. All commercial, industrial, and applicable residential properties with backflow prevention assemblies must have annual testing performed by a TCEQ-licensed tester. Houston Public Works actively enforces compliance through their customer service and inspection divisions.

Houston Public Works requires annual backflow testing for all properties with installed backflow prevention assemblies. This includes:

• Commercial buildings with fire sprinkler systems, boilers, or irrigation systems
• Industrial facilities with chemical feed systems, cooling towers, or process water
• Restaurants and food processing facilities
• Medical and dental offices, hospitals, and veterinary clinics
• Multi-family residential properties with fire suppression or shared irrigation
• Properties with reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies, double check valve assemblies (DCVA), or pressure vacuum breakers (PVB)
• Car washes, laundromats, and facilities using chemical dispensing equipment
• Any property where Houston Public Works has identified a cross-connection risk

Texas requires all backflow prevention assembly testers to hold a valid TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) license. To obtain this license, testers must complete a TCEQ-approved 40-hour training course and pass a state-administered examination.

Testers must maintain their license through continuing education and renewal with TCEQ. All test gauges must be calibrated annually by an approved laboratory. Houston Public Works may request proof of current TCEQ licensure and gauge calibration before accepting test reports.

Test reports must be submitted to Houston Public Works Cross-Connection Control Division. Houston accepts reports submitted through their online compliance system. Many certified testers in the Houston area submit reports electronically on behalf of property owners.

Reports must include the TCEQ-standard test form information: assembly details (manufacturer, model, serial number, size), test results for each check valve and relief valve, the tester's TCEQ license number, and gauge calibration date. Property owners are responsible for ensuring reports are filed on time.

Houston Public Works requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies. The testing deadline is based on the anniversary of the device's installation or previous test. The city sends compliance notification letters before the testing deadline.

Properties that fail to comply receive escalating notices. Houston Public Works can assess administrative penalties and, for continued non-compliance, may discontinue water service per city ordinance. Reconnection fees apply if service is terminated for non-compliance.

Failed assemblies must be repaired by a TCEQ-licensed tester and re-tested with passing results. Repair and re-test reports must be submitted within 30 days.