California backflow testing rules
The Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH), adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board on December 19, 2023 and amended April 21, 2026, sets the cross-connection rules for California public water systems.
Who sets the rules in California
CCCPH 1.2: applies to all public water systems as defined in Health and Safety Code section 116275(h); adopted under Health and Safety Code section 116407.
Sources: State Water Board Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook in force since July 1, 2024; Compliance is mandatory for every public water system
Is an annual test required?
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.
CCCPH 3.3.3(a).
CCCPH 3.3.3(e): the water system may allow extensions if its Cross-Connection Control Plan provides for them.
Source: Backflow prevention assemblies field tested at least once a year
Which properties need a backflow preventer
CCCPH Appendix D lists examples, including sewage facilities, mortuaries, medical and dental facilities, laboratories, car washes, hotels and motels, gas stations, agricultural premises and sites with an auxiliary water supply. Each water system does hazard assessments of the premises it serves (CCCPH 3.2.1).
CCCPH 3.2.2(e): high hazard fire systems (for example with chemical additives or an auxiliary supply) need at least an RP.
CCCPH 3.2.2(e)(3): exempt only with one service connection, a split service line, a single meter, NSF/ANSI 61 piping, and piping looped to a routinely used fixture.
State Water Board FAQ (June 27, 2025): water systems may assess homes using GIS, building records or customer surveys.
Sources: High hazard premises need an air gap or reduced pressure principle assembly; Residential connections get hazard assessments, but not necessarily in person
Who may do the test
CCCPH 3.3.3(a).
CCCPH 3.4.1(a). Article 4 (tester certification) took effect July 1, 2026; three years after the CCCPH effective date, only certifications from organizations accredited by ANSI ANAB (or a mutual recognition partner) to ISO/IEC 17024 count.
Source: All required field tests must be done by certified testers
How the test report is filed
CCCPH 3.5.1(a)(4): records include the tester's name, test date, repair date and certification number, and are available to the State Water Board on request.
CCCPH 3.3.3(f).
CCCPH 3.3.3(d).
Source: Water systems keep three calendar years of test results with the tester's certificate number
If a test is missed
CCCPH 3.1.3(a)(1): when a customer does not install, inspect, test or maintain a required assembly, the water system must be able to deny or discontinue service, do the work itself, or otherwise address the failure in a timely manner.
CCCPH 3.3.3(f): service is restored only after a passing field test.
Source: Water systems must have legal power to deny or discontinue service for noncompliance
Finding a tester
CCCPH 3.4.1(b)(5): the list gives name, certification number and expiry date, plus testers revoked in the past three years.
Source: Certifying organizations must publish a public list of their certified testers
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in California?
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.