Seattle Public Utilities: backflow testing rules
Serves Seattle and Shoreline, WA. Every point below comes from Seattle Public Utilities's own pages, linked; check your notice for your own deadline.
Who must test
- All installed backflow assemblies must be tested every year by a State of Washington certified backflow assembly tester, and after any repair or replacement; a copy of the report goes directly to SPU. Source.
- High health hazard facilities need premises isolation, and SPU requires a reduced pressure backflow assembly (RPBA/RPDA) for it. DCVA, SVBA and PVBA are accepted for low hazards such as irrigation and fire systems. Source.
How the report is filed
- After the test, the certified tester submits the test report directly to Seattle Public Utilities. Source.
- SPU is moving to the SAMS Cross-connection database from NJBSoft, which has a tester portal for online report entry; for now reports go to SPU_TestReports@Seattle.gov. Source.
Tester registration
- Testing must be done by a State of Washington certified Backflow Assembly Tester, and the tester must give SPU copies of the current state certification and test kit calibration certificates; reports cannot be submitted without them. Source.
Approved testers
- SPU does not publish its own tester list; it points customers to the Washington Certification Services listing of state certified testers. Source.
If a test is missed
- If testing is not completed, SPU may assess non-compliance charges and may terminate water service. Source.
How to file your backflow test with Seattle Public Utilities
- Read your notice. It names the assembly, its location and the date the report is due.
- Book a tester Seattle Public Utilities accepts. See finding a tester below; book early so there is time to repair a failed assembly.
- The tester tests the assembly and fills in the test report. A failed assembly is repaired and tested again.
- The report is filed. After the test, the certified tester submits the test report directly to Seattle Public Utilities.Source.
- Keep a copy and set a reminder for next year. Set a free test-due reminder.
Finding a tester Seattle Public Utilities accepts
Seattle Public Utilities posts a list of testers it accepts on seattle.gov. Open the list. The testers on this site hold a state certificate; check the list or ask the tester whether Seattle Public Utilities accepts them.
Before you book, ask the tester:
- Are you registered with Seattle Public Utilities?
- Will you file the report in SAMS (NJBSoft) 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 WA
Read October 6, 2026. Program page: seattle.gov.