Backflow testing in Knoxville

Who has to test in Knoxville

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

• Knoxville Utilities Board: Such assemblies must be tested annually under the program.
• First Utility District of Knox County: Homes with irrigation systems must have backflow devices, and First Utility District tests these devices once a year; customers cannot choose their own tester for irrigation devices.
• Hallsdale-Powell Utility District: HPUD tests reduced pressure (RP) devices annually and double check devices twice a year.
• West Knox Utility District: All customers with a lawn irrigation system must have a reduced pressure backflow device installed and tested initially and annually.

Sources: Knoxville Utilities Board; First Utility District of Knox County; Hallsdale-Powell Utility District; West Knox Utility District

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 Knoxville

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

• First Utility District of Knox County: The District charges $50 for each irrigation backflow test, covering the test and the cost of administering the program.
• Hallsdale-Powell Utility District: HPUD will test the device annually and after repairs for a $45 fee, per the program page. The 2023 fee schedule lists $50 per RP device every 12 months, $50 per double check every 6 months and $40 for return trips.
• Hallsdale-Powell Utility District: The 2023 fee schedule charges $50 for an RP device every 12 months, $50 for a double check device every 6 months and $40 for return trips.
• West Knox Utility District: West Knox Utility District charges $65.00 to test each backflow preventer.
• Lenoir City Utilities Board, Lenoir City: LCUB annual testing fee, standard backflow preventer, $55.00 (date not shown).
• Lenoir City Utilities Board, Lenoir City: LCUB annual testing fee, fire system backflow preventer, $75.00 (date not shown).

Sources: First Utility District of Knox County; Hallsdale-Powell Utility District; Hallsdale-Powell Utility District; West Knox Utility District; Lenoir City Utilities Board, Lenoir City; Lenoir City Utilities Board, Lenoir City

If the test is missed

• First Utility District of Knox County: After a failed test the customer has 30 days to repair and retest, then 20 more days after a Second Notice, before a Notice of Violation and final notice.
• Hallsdale-Powell Utility District: A failed device must be repaired within 30 days of the failure letter; HPUD retests, and if it fails again the customer has 15 days to repair it or water service is terminated.

Sources: First Utility District of Knox County; Hallsdale-Powell Utility District

Tennessee rules behind the local programs

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

• Tennessee's rule (0400-45-01-.17(6)) sets no test interval. TDEC's Cross-Connection Control Manual, which is guidance, says assemblies should be tested at least every 12 months, and each water system enforces its own program.
• TDEC Division of Water Supply criteria in the manual tell water purveyors to see that assemblies are tested after installation and at least annually.
• The TDEC manual states it is guidance only and does not create legal rights or obligations; binding force comes from the rule plus each system's approved ordinance.

Sources: Tennessee rule; Tennessee rule; Tennessee rule