City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities: backflow testing rules
Serves Richmond, VA. 6 points from City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities's own pages, read October 7, 2026, each linked to the page it came from.
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities at a glance
- When the test is due
- A certified tester must check each backflow assembly at installation, every year after, after repairs and after relocation. Source.
- How the report is filed
- The tester fills out the DPU backflow test form and emails it to dpu.developmentservices@rva.gov. Source.
- If a test is missed
- Water service is subject to termination if a required device is not installed or not tested each year. Source.
- Approved testers
- No tester list on the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities pages read here. Ask a Virginia certified tester whether City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities has them on file.
Who must test
- Some multifamily residential properties and all commercial and industrial properties need backflow devices on domestic, fire and irrigation service lines. Most single family homes do not. Source.
Notices and deadlines
- DPU's database generates a reminder letter, usually sent 45 to 60 days before the annual test is due. A missing letter does not cancel the requirement. Source.
Tester registration
- Testers are private contractors who must hold valid, current certification from the Commonwealth of Virginia (checked through DPOR license lookup). Source.
Program
- The Richmond Department of Public Utilities runs a cross connection control program that tracks annual testing at commercial and industrial properties and surveys for hazards. Source.
From notice to filed report, the steps are the same everywhere: how a backflow test goes.
Other water utilities in Virginia
Read October 7, 2026. Program page: rva.gov.