Washington backflow testing rules
Washington Department of Health rule, WAC 246-290-490(1)(a).
Who sets the rules in Washington
WAC 246-290-490(2)(a); purveyor may be stricter by local ordinance.
WAC 246-290-490(1)(e).
Source: All community water systems must meet WAC 246-290-490
Is an annual test required?
WAC 246-290-490(7)(b)(ii): on installation, repair, relocation, after a backflow incident, and annually thereafter; purveyor may require more often for high hazard or repeat failures.
WAC 246-290-490(7)(a)(iii).
WAC 246-290-490(7)(c): inspections at installation, after an incident, and after repair or relocation.
Source: Annual inspection or test of assemblies that protect the public water system
Which properties need a backflow preventer
Table 13 of WAC 246-290-490(4)(b); premises isolation by air gap or RPBA.
Table 13 footnote.
WAC 246-290-490(4)(d)(i). Other fire systems need a DCVA/DCDA, or RPBA/RPDA with chemicals or auxiliary water.
WAC 246-290-490(4)(c)(ii), relying on the plumbing code UPC section; an AVB is acceptable on a residential irrigation system.
Source: High hazard premises named: hospitals, car washes, laboratories, food plants and others
Who may do the test
WAC 246-292-010(8): certified under chapter 70A.120 RCW by the Department of Health.
WAC 246-290-490(3)(g), Element 6, includes timelines for submitting test reports.
Sources: Only a certified BAT (Backflow Assembly Tester) may test under the purveyor program; Purveyor must keep a QA program including BAT certification documentation
How the test report is filed
WAC 246-292-034(4). No fixed day count in the state rule; purveyor sets time frames.
WAC 246-290-490(8)(d); forms from the Department of Health.
WAC 246-290-490(8)(f), to the department, authority having jurisdiction and local health jurisdiction.
Sources: BAT sends the field test report to the device owner and the purveyor; Purveyor completes an annual cross-connection program summary report
If a test is missed
WAC 246-290-490(2)(i)(i); must notify the authority having jurisdiction first except in an emergency (2)(j). No fine amounts in the rule.
Source: Purveyor may deny or discontinue service until the hazard is controlled
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Washington?
WAC 246-290-490(7)(b)(ii): on installation, repair, relocation, after a backflow incident, and annually thereafter; purveyor may require more often for high hazard or repeat failures.