Fayetteville Public Works Commission: backflow testing rules

Fayetteville Public Works Commission at a glance

When the test is due

Business and commercial customers must have every testable backflow preventer inspected each year by a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester, and must schedule it themselves. Source.

If a test is missed

A nonresidential customer whose backflow inspection status has lapsed is notified and faces potential penalties, which by state law go to the Cumberland County School System. Source.

Approved testers

55 companies on Fayetteville Public Works Commission's own list, read October 6, 2026, each with a "Utility-Approved Tester" badge on its card here. The list.

Who must test

• Residential backflow prevention devices must be inspected every three years by a certified tester; PWC uses certified inspectors for residential customers, outside the home. Source.
• A PWC contractor tests residential backflow assemblies on lawn irrigation lines. A customer who refuses access must hire a tester instead. Source.

Notices and deadlines

• Residential customers receive a mailed notice when their device fails inspection and needs repair or replacement, which must happen immediately. Source.

Approved testers

• PWC lists companies that employ certified testers approved for its water system (as of April 2026) on its nonresidential backflow page, faypwc.com The list implies no preference. Source.

Program

• Fayetteville PWC is the enforcement agency for backflow rules on nonresidential properties; it does not write the rules, and penalties it collects go to local school systems. Source.

From notice to filed report, the steps are the same everywhere: how a backflow test goes.

Other water utilities in North Carolina

• Charlotte Water
• Raleigh Water
• Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
• City of Asheville Water Resources
• City of Concord Water Resources
• City of Gastonia
• City of High Point
• Greenville Utilities Commission

Read October 7, 2026. Program page: faypwc.com.

Backflow testers near Fayetteville

What the badges mean

All testers near Fayetteville · North Carolina roster