District of Columbia backflow testing rules
DC Water (the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority) administers the Cross-Connection Control Program and enforces the DC Plumbing Code rules on backflow prevention.
Who sets the rules in District of Columbia
Inspections review the plumbing, existing backflow preventers and the latest test and maintenance logs; DC Water says they do not interrupt water service.
From DC Water's list of its own program duties.
Source: DC Water runs the District's cross-connection control program
Is an annual test required?
DC Water lists this as the customer's responsibility.
DC Water customer guidance; failing assemblies should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Sources: Customers contract approved providers for annual testing; DC Water tells customers to have assemblies inspected every year
Which properties need a backflow preventer
DC Water residential guidance.
Source: Home risk usually comes from pools with submerged inlets or irrigation systems
Who may do the test
Testers must appear on DC Water's approved Backflow Service Provider list for their results to count.
Source: Only DC Water-listed providers may submit test results
How the test report is filed
DC Water customer guidance.
From DC Water's list of service provider duties.
Acquaa launched in June 2024 and replaced the backflow module of the Third-Party Portal.
Sources: Annual inspection reports go to the DC Water Compliance Program; Providers report survey, installation and test results to DC Water; Test results are filed through DC Water's Acquaa portal
Finding a tester
Columns show whether each provider does commercial or residential installations and inspections and fire hydrant permit tests.
Source: DC Water publishes its approved provider list as PDF and Excel, updated monthly
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in District of Columbia?
DC Water lists this as the customer's responsibility.