Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW): backflow testing rules

Who must test

• Stated on MLGW's backflow testing procedures and guidelines page for testers and customers. Source.
• Frequency in the MLGW Cross Connection Control Program policy (June 2024), tested by a TN certified tester approved on MLGW's system. Source.
• Residential premises with e.g. underground irrigation or fire protection systems must take protective measures, per policy. Source.

Notices and deadlines

• MLGW tracks test due dates by period (12 months RP, 6 months DC). Source.
• Residential, commercial or industrial customers who refuse to have devices tested are subject to shut off, with a reconnect fee on the bill. Source.

How the report is filed

• Page lists the MLGW Cross Connection office contact points: phone (901) 528-7757, fax (901) 528-4658, email crossconnection@mlgw.org, mail P.O. Box 430, Memphis TN 38101. Tester reports must be on an MLGW-approved form. Source.
• Policy requires reports on the MLGW-approved type with Passed or Failed status for all parts of the procedure. Source.

Tester registration

• MLGW will not accept test reports from a certified tester who has not attended one of the free yearly meetings. Source.
• Dates Jan 30 through Sep 25, 2026 at 4949 Raleigh LaGrange; sign up to crossconnection@mlgw.org or fax 901-528-4658; testers in good standing with the State and MLGW qualify to test for 2026. Source.
• Only tests by such persons are official tests. Source.
• Tests use a 3 or 5 valve test kit with valid annual certification; MLGW publishes a list of approved test kit calibrators. Source.
• Tag shows company name, tester name, date tested, pass or fail, manufacturer, model, size and serial number. Source.
• Testing company can determine pass or fail; Memphis and Shelby County requires a permit for repair, replacement, removal or installation. Source.

Fees

• $8.28 per month charged to all commercial and industrial customers (2026 Schedule of Charges). Source.
• $160 per student for the Friday class at the Cross Connection Training Lab; includes the $60 State of Tennessee fee. Source.

Approved testers

• List lives at mlgw.com (the same list appears in the Testing Procedures and Guidelines PDF). Source.

Program

• MLGW web page for the program with the policy PDF, tester list, tester meeting sign up, calibrators list and contact details. Source.

Also

• MLGW publishes an addresses PDF of Cross Connection program recipients for Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown and others (separate programs). Source.

Read October 6, 2026. Program page: mlgw.com.

Certified backflow testers near Memphis

All certified testers near Memphis · Tennessee roster