Backflow testing in Austin

Who has to test in Austin

The rule depends on the utility that sends your water bill. Each line below is from that utility's own page.

• Austin Water: Annual testing is required for all backflow prevention assemblies on high hazard cross connections, done by a state licensed tester registered with the City of Austin.
• City of Georgetown Utility Systems: Backflow test results must be submitted at the building final inspection and as part of an annual or semiannual testing process.
• City of Round Rock: High hazard devices, typically non-residential such as hospitals, restaurants and industry, plus residential pools with auto-fill, must be tested every year.

Sources: Austin Water; City of Georgetown Utility Systems; City of Round Rock

How each utility takes the test report

Most utilities here take the report online through a vendor portal; the tester files it. Open a utility for its own deadline, filing steps and fees.

What testing costs in Austin

These are amounts the utility or a company published on its own page, shown as published, never averaged.

• City of Georgetown Utility Systems: A fee of $11.50 is paid per test report through the VEPO website.
• City of Round Rock: Testers pay $12.95 for each test report submitted through BSI Online; this does not apply to new installations.

Sources: City of Georgetown Utility Systems; City of Round Rock

If the test is missed

• Austin Water: Customers who miss test, maintenance and reporting requirements violate Austin City Code Chapter 15-1, with criminal fines up to $2,000 per offence or civil penalties up to $5,000 per offence; each day may be a separate violation.
• City of Round Rock: If a device is not tested in time, the city has it tested and charges a $75 fee plus the actual test cost to the water bill.

Sources: Austin Water; City of Round Rock

Texas rules behind the local programs

State rules set the minimum; the utilities above add their own deadlines and tester registration.

• 30 TAC 290.44(h)(4): all required assemblies tested on installation; assemblies protecting against health hazards must be tested at least annually.
• RG-478 (Feb 2026), whether at the meter or part of an internal program.
• RG-478 explains TCEQ requires nonhealth-hazard assemblies to be tested upon installation; local code or ordinance may require annual tests.

Sources: Texas rule; Texas rule; Texas rule