Backflow testing in Los Angeles

Who has to test in Los Angeles

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

• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power: All approved backflow assemblies must be inspected and tested annually, or more often if LADWP decides it is necessary (Rule 16-D, Section 9.2).
• Long Beach Utilities: After the Department's initial test and certification of a new assembly, assemblies connected directly to the public water system are maintained, serviced and tested annually by the owner (LBUD Rules and Regulations, Section 804).

Sources: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; Long Beach 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 Los Angeles

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

• Long Beach Utilities: LBUD's fee appendix lists Backflow Plan Check at $86 per hour, and plan check requires full payment by check to Long Beach Utilities Department.
• Long Beach Utilities: Backflow preventer plan check, required before a plumbing permit, needs full payment by check payable to Long Beach Utilities Department, with fees in Appendix B of the Rules and Regulations.

Sources: Long Beach Utilities; Long Beach Utilities

If the test is missed

• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power: After reasonable notice, LADWP will deny or discontinue water service where a required assembly is not installed, tested and maintained, has been removed or bypassed, or an unprotected cross-connection exists; service is restored only after compliance.
• Long Beach Utilities: LBUD may terminate water service if unprotected cross-connections exist, a defect is found in an assembly, or an assembly is removed or bypassed without written permission; termination can be immediate and without notice to protect water quality.

Sources: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; Long Beach Utilities

California rules behind the local programs

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

• CCCPH 3.3.3(b): water systems, the State Water Board or a local health agency may require more frequent tests for high hazard premises or assemblies at higher risk of failing.
• Also tested after installation, repair, winterizing or relocation.
• CCCPH 3.3.3(e): the water system may allow extensions if its Cross-Connection Control Plan provides for them.

Sources: California rule; California rule; California rule