BackflowNear Test-Due Reminder

Pennsylvania American Water: backflow testing rules

Serves Pittsburgh area, PA; Scranton, PA; Wilkes-Barre, PA; Harrisburg area, PA; Norristown, PA. Every point below comes from Pennsylvania American Water's own pages, linked; check your notice for your own deadline.

Who must test

  • Every testable device must be tested and reported each year. Non-testable residential dual checks must be inspected, repaired or replaced every five years. The test or inspect letter says which kind a customer has. Source.

Notices and deadlines

  • Customers get a test or inspect letter that shows whether their device is testable or non-testable. Source.

How the report is filed

  • Annual test results for testable devices are reported through BSI Online; questions go to BSI at 888-966-6050 or support@backflow.com. Source.

Approved testers

  • The page links an outside list of ASSE certified testers in Pennsylvania and says it endorses no tester. Source.

If a test is missed

  • Failing to comply can lead to water service disconnection after repeated requests from BSI Online; disconnection letters go to the Cross Connection Hotline at 1-877-290-1769. Source.

Program

  • Pennsylvania American Water keeps a cross connection control program so backflow preventers are tested every year, and runs it with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI Online). Source.

How to file your backflow test with Pennsylvania American Water

  1. Read your notice. Customers get a test or inspect letter that shows whether their device is testable or non-testable.Source.
  2. Book a tester Pennsylvania American Water accepts. See finding a tester below; book early so there is time to repair a failed assembly.
  3. The tester tests the assembly and fills in the test report. A failed assembly is repaired and tested again.
  4. The report is filed. Annual test results for testable devices are reported through BSI Online; questions go to BSI at 888-966-6050 or support@backflow.com.Source.
  5. Keep a copy and set a reminder for next year. Set a free test-due reminder.

Finding a tester Pennsylvania American Water accepts

Pennsylvania American Water posts a list of testers it accepts on nawsc.net. Open the list. The testers on this site hold a state certificate; check the list or ask the tester whether Pennsylvania American Water accepts them.

Before you book, ask the tester:

  • Are you registered with Pennsylvania American Water?
  • Will you file the report in BSI Online for me, and pay or pass on any filing fee?
  • When is my report due? The date is on your notice; the tester needs time to test, repair if needed and file.

Other water utilities in Pennsylvania

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

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