First Utility District of Knox County: backflow testing rules

Who must test

• Homes with irrigation systems must have backflow devices, and First Utility District tests these devices once a year; customers cannot choose their own tester for irrigation devices. Source.
• Each customer must ensure commercial and fire backflow prevention assemblies are tested yearly, hiring a vendor for domestic and fire devices. Source.

Notices and deadlines

• Commercial customers with a fire line backflow device have 30 days from the First Notice to Test to have it tested; a Second Notice follows, and after 50 days a final notice. Source.

Tester registration

• A failed backflow preventer may be repaired by anyone, but a state-certified tester must test and certify it. Source.
• State certified backflow assembly testers must keep their state certification, calibrate test equipment at least annually and give current certification and calibration information to FUD. Source.

Fees

• The District charges $50 for each irrigation backflow test, covering the test and the cost of administering the program. Source.

Approved testers

• The program page links a list of state-certified testers. PDF dated 2023; not downloaded). Source.

If a test is missed

• After a failed test the customer has 30 days to repair and retest, then 20 more days after a Second Notice, before a Notice of Violation and final notice. Source.
• Failing to keep a backflow device in proper working order is grounds for discontinuing water service. Source.

Program

• First Utility District's Cross Connection Department tests all irrigation backflow devices in the District. Source.

Read October 6, 2026. Program page: fudknox.org.

Certified backflow testers near Knoxville

All certified testers near Knoxville · Tennessee roster