Backflow testing in Houston

Who has to test in Houston

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

• Houston Public Works: All testable backflow prevention assemblies must be tested immediately after installation, when relocated, when repaired, and at least once a year.
• City of League City: League City owners are responsible for the annual test of their backflow prevention devices and pay for the testing.
• City of Sugar Land Utilities: Property owners, mainly industrial and commercial, must keep their backflow devices working and send annual test reports; testing is paid for by the owner.

Sources: Houston Public Works; City of League City; City of Sugar Land Utilities

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 Houston

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

• Houston Public Works: The tester pays all required fees tied to submitting the report in SwiftComply.
• City of Pasadena: Tester registration costs a nonrefundable $75, renewed annually on or before January 31; card payments add a $3 processing fee.
• City of League City: Owners pay a one-time registration fee of $35 for each backflow device.

Sources: Houston Public Works; City of Pasadena; City of League City

If the test is missed

• Houston Public Works: Failing to install, maintain and test assemblies leads to citations with fines of up to $2,000 per day and possible suspension of water service. Fines are set by the Houston Municipal Courts.
• City of League City: An owner who does not get the annual test performed and reported through BSI faces escalated enforcement that may include termination of water service and a $40 processing fee.
• City of Sugar Land Utilities: Failing to have annual testing done and reported leads to escalating enforcement that can include termination of water service; the property owner is held accountable.

Sources: Houston Public Works; City of League City; City of Sugar Land Utilities

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.
• TCEQ's guidance RG-478 (February 2026) says health hazard assemblies must be tested when installed and at least once a year by a licensed tester, whether at the meter or inside the property.
• 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