East Bay Municipal Utility District: backflow testing rules
Serves East Bay, Alameda and Contra Costa counties, CA. Every point below comes from East Bay Municipal Utility District's own pages, linked; check your notice for your own deadline.
Who must test
- EBMUD Cross-Connection Control Specialists inspect sites; a backflow preventer is required where there is a well or auxiliary water, or a connection to a boiler, cooling tower, booster or recirculating pump, or any health hazard. Source.
- Annual testing and maintenance must be done by a certified tester hired by the customer, and EBMUD must receive a passing test report every year for continued water service. Source.
- After July 1, 2025, District-owned backflow preventers on residential services are no longer installed, tested or repaired at EBMUD's expense; the customer pays. Source.
Notices and deadlines
- A customer required to install a backflow preventer has 30 days to complete installation and testing. Source.
How the report is filed
- The completed test form, done by a tester on EBMUD's Approved Backflow Testers List, is mailed within 30 days of notification to the Backflow Prevention Section, MS 47, PO Box 24055, Oakland, CA 94623. Source.
Tester registration
- To join EBMUD's approved tester list, a tester files an Application for Certified Tester with a $224.00 payment per applicant, shows certification from an SWRCB-recognized agency, and passes hands-on and written exams. Source.
Approved testers
- A list of testers authorized by EBMUD is sent when the annual test is due and is posted on the program page. PDF, not downloaded). Source.
If a test is missed
- Failure to comply with backflow regulations results in water service being discontinued and fines being imposed. Source.
Read October 6, 2026. Program page: ebmud.com.