Texas backflow testing rules

Who sets the rules in Texas

30 TAC 290.44(h)(1): no water connection to any residence or establishment with an actual or potential contamination hazard unless protected.

290.44(h)(1)(A): additional protection at the meter as an air gap or backflow prevention assembly.

30 TAC 290.46(j): CSI required for all new construction, existing connections with suspected hazards, and after material plumbing changes.

Source: Every public water system must adopt a plumbing ordinance, regulations or service agreement

Is an annual test required?

30 TAC 290.44(h)(4): all required assemblies tested on installation; assemblies protecting against health hazards must be tested at least annually.

RG-478 (Feb 2026), whether at the meter or part of an internal program.

RG-478 explains TCEQ requires nonhealth-hazard assemblies to be tested upon installation; local code or ordinance may require annual tests.

Systems' ordinances must be at least as stringent as TCEQ rules and may be stricter.

Source: Tested on installation; health-hazard assemblies tested at least annually by a recognized tester

Which properties need a backflow preventer

Examples of businesses required to install high-grade assemblies and have them tested annually by a certified tester under water system CCC programs.

Landscape irrigation rule reproduced in RG-478: assemblies on irrigation systems designated as health hazards (for example chemical additives, OSSF sites) tested annually; all irrigation assemblies tested after installation.

30 TAC 344.52(c).

30 TAC 290.44(h)(4)(A)(ii) limits who may test and repair assemblies on firelines.

RG-345 (revised Oct 2008) states the purveyor is responsible and cites 290.44(h)(4) annual test for health hazards.

30 TAC 290.44(h)(6): no assembly required at a residence with no actual or potential contamination hazard.

Sources: TCEQ page: mortuaries, surgery centers, hospitals, chemical plants example of annual testing; Irrigation systems designated health hazards must be tested annually (30 TAC 344.50(e)); TCEQ guidance on fire systems: water purveyor ensures backflow requirements are met

Who may do the test

Recognized testers have completed a TCEQ-approved course, passed an exam administered by the executive director and hold a current license.

TCEQ BPAT page: licence required to repair or test backflow prevention assemblies.

From the TCEQ BPAT page.

Sources: Tester must hold a current TCEQ BPAT license; State licence authority: person who tests or repairs assemblies must hold a TCEQ licence

How the test report is filed

30 TAC 290.44(h)(4)(C): signed and dated original submitted to the public water supplier; TCEQ Form 20700. No state day deadline found (local ordinance sets it).

RG-478 says the BPAT forwards the signed original and the PWS retains it at least three years.

Source: Signed test report goes to the public water supplier

If a test is missed

RG-478: PWS may terminate service where an unprotected health hazard is found and restore only when isolated.

RG-478 lists enforcement tools for water suppliers.

Source: Water system may terminate service to unprotected health-hazard connections

Finding a tester

Texas licensed testers are found through TCEQ's online licence search at www2.tceq.texas.gov (robots.txt disallows automated access, not fetched; manual look-up only).

Source: TCEQ BPAT licence page lists the licence search tools (Individual Search, Group Search)