Backflow testing in Philadelphia

Who has to test in Philadelphia

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

• Philadelphia Water Department: The regulations require a City approved backflow assembly at all domestic and fire service connections, installed by a City certified technician; an RP is generally required on domestic lines and a DC is generally allowed on fire sprinkler lines without chemicals.
• Pennsylvania American Water: Every testable device must be tested and reported each year. Non-testable residential dual checks must be inspected, repaired or replaced every five years. The test or inspect letter says which kind a customer has.
• Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority: Customers required to have a backflow device must have it tested every year by a qualified technician. All non-residential customers must comply, and most fire and lawn sprinklers need a testable device.

Sources: Philadelphia Water Department; Pennsylvania American Water; Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority

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 Philadelphia

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

• Philadelphia Water Department: A permit (Form CP-100) from L&I is required for any containment assembly on a City service connection, and only City Certified Backflow Technicians can apply for it.

Source: Philadelphia Water Department

If the test is missed

• Philadelphia Water Department: The IWBC Unit enforces testing as it reviews accounts and issues notices to non-compliant accounts as a prelude to further enforcement.
• Pennsylvania American Water: Failing to comply can lead to water service disconnection after repeated requests from BSI Online; disconnection letters go to the Cross Connection Hotline at 1-877-290-1769.
• Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority: Under Pennsylvania Code Section 109.709, the authority can shut off water service until the customer complies.

Sources: Philadelphia Water Department; Pennsylvania American Water; Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority