Backflow testing in Oakland and San Francisco

Who has to test in Oakland and San Francisco

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

• East Bay Municipal Utility District: EBMUD Cross-Connection Control Specialists inspect sites; a backflow preventer is required where there is a well or auxiliary water, or a connection to a boiler, cooling tower, booster or recirculating pump, or any health hazard.
• San Jose Water: Backflow devices are required on fire services and some domestic services, and testing and recordkeeping are required on all backflow preventers at least once a year.
• San Francisco Public Utilities Commission: Properties with a potential cross-connection, such as boilers, chemical feed equipment, dedicated irrigation, interconnected fire sprinklers or buildings four stories or taller, must install an approved assembly and test it at least once a year.

Sources: East Bay Municipal Utility District; San Jose Water; San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

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 Oakland and San Francisco

No utility or testing company in the Oakland and San Francisco area has a published price on file here yet. Prices published elsewhere are in our cost guide; ask two or three companies below for a written quote.

If the test is missed

• East Bay Municipal Utility District: Failure to comply with backflow regulations results in water service being discontinued and fines being imposed.
• San Francisco Public Utilities Commission: Failure to test as required can lead to termination of water service, fines, or both.

Sources: East Bay Municipal Utility District; San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

California rules behind the local programs

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

• Backflow prevention assemblies must be field tested at least once a year (CCCPH 3.3.3(b)); the water system, the State Water Board or a local health agency may require more frequent tests for high hazard premises.
• Assemblies are also tested after installation, repair, depressurizing for winter or relocation (CCCPH 3.3.3(a)).
• Assemblies that fail must be repaired or replaced within 30 days of notice of the failure (CCCPH 3.3.3(e)); a water system may allow extensions if its plan provides for them.

Sources: California rule; California rule; California rule