Backflow testing in Riverside and the Inland Empire

Who has to test in Riverside and the Inland Empire

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

• Riverside Public Utilities: Assemblies must be tested right after installation, relocation or repair and at least once a year, at the customer's cost.

Source: Riverside Public 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 Riverside and the Inland Empire

No utility or testing company in the Riverside and the Inland Empire 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

• Riverside Public Utilities: Refusal or unnecessary delay in installing, testing, repairing or replacing a required assembly is grounds for terminating water service; the valve is locked until the violation is corrected.

Source: Riverside Public Utilities

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