Houston Public Works (City of Houston): backflow testing rules

Who must test

• All testable backflow prevention assemblies must be tested immediately after installation, when relocated, when repaired, and at least once a year. Source.

Notices and deadlines

• Testers must submit every test report to SwiftComply within 2 business days of the test and may not withhold a report because the customer has not paid. Source.

How the report is filed

• Test results must be uploaded by the testing company into SwiftComply, with the associated fees paid, before the location receives test credit. Source.

Tester registration

• All backflow assembly testing must be done by a TCEQ-licensed tester listed on Houston's Backflow Testing Company List, which is updated monthly. Source.
• A tester needs a current TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license and must submit a City of Houston tester application and be approved by the program before testing. Source.
• The annual Backflow Testing Company Application requires a copy of each tester's TCEQ BPAT license, a current gauge calibration report and photo for each gauge, driver's licences, and liability insurance naming the City of Houston as certificate holder, emailed as one PDF to HPWCrossCon@houstontx.gov. Source.
• Testing companies must email valid insurance to the program; the company's SwiftComply account is inactivated if its insurance is expired. Source.
• Only testers employed by a State of Texas approved fire line contractor may test and fix assemblies on fire lines; those companies are highlighted in red on the city's list. Source.

Fees

• The tester pays all required fees tied to submitting the report in SwiftComply. Source.

Approved testers

• Houston publishes a Backflow Tester Company List (PDF), updated monthly. not downloaded). Source.

If a test is missed

• Failing to install, maintain and test assemblies leads to citations with fines of up to $2,000 per day and possible suspension of water service. Fines are set by the Houston Municipal Courts. Source.
• A location whose assembly fails its test stays out of compliance until a passing test report is submitted. Source.

Program

• Houston's Cross Connection Control Program (CCCP) requires the installation, maintenance, and annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies on cross connections, or proper air gaps. Source.

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

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