Backflow testing in Washington, DC

Who has to test in Washington, DC

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

• DC Water: Water customers must contract with DC Water approved backflow service providers for installation, annual testing and maintenance of their backflow prevention assemblies, and allow DC Water cross-connection site inspections.
• WSSC Water: Testable backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually, as mandated by the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code.
• Fairfax Water: Under the Virginia Construction Code, backflow prevention assemblies are tested at installation, right after repairs or relocation, and at least once a year.

Sources: DC Water; WSSC Water; Fairfax Water

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 Washington, DC

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

• DC Water: DC Water's fee schedule lists a Cross-Connection/Back Flow Prevention Monthly Fee of $6.20 per backflow prevention assembly per month; residential fire sprinkler assemblies are exempt (per the BPA fee FAQ).
• DC Water: Only customers with testable assemblies pay the backflow prevention assembly fee, and assemblies on residential fire sprinkler systems are exempt.

Sources: DC Water; DC Water

If the test is missed

• Fairfax Water: Failure to install, maintain, test and get proper test reports submitted is a violation and may lead to additional fees or disconnection of water service.

Source: Fairfax Water

the District of Columbia rules behind the local programs

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

• DC Water makes annual testing the customer's job: customers hire approved backflow service providers to install their assemblies, test them every year and maintain them.
• DC Water tells customers to have each assembly inspected every year by a certified backflow inspector, and to repair or replace a failing assembly right away.
• Only providers on DC Water's approved Backflow Service Provider list may submit test results.

Sources: the District of Columbia rule; the District of Columbia rule; the District of Columbia rule