“Do I really have to do this every year?” is the question we hear most from homeowners. The honest answer: it depends on your water utility, what your backflow device protects, and sometimes whether your home is on septic. Texas sets the minimum rules, and each city builds its own program on top of them. Below is what the utilities in our service area publish, with links so you can check the source yourself.
The state baseline (TCEQ)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires every community water system to run a cross-connection control program. Under TCEQ rules, every backflow prevention assembly must be tested when it is installed, repaired, replaced or relocated. Assemblies that protect against a health hazard must also be tested at least once a year after that (30 TAC §290.44(h)(4); TCEQ RG-478).
For lower-risk (“non-health hazard”) devices, the state leaves the retest schedule to the local utility. That’s why your neighbor in another city may be on a different schedule than you. TCEQ’s own guidance also notes that if a city’s adopted plumbing code is stricter than the state rule, the stricter requirement applies.
City-by-city: what the utilities say
Round Rock
The City of Round Rock is very clear on its backflow page:
- Low hazard devices, typically residential irrigation systems, are tested once every 7 years.
- High hazard devices are tested annually. That includes residential pools with auto-fill.
- The city sends notices through BSI Online 30 days before the test is due.
See our Round Rock Backflow Testing page for more.
Leander
Leander’s cross-connection page lists:
- Residences without septic: backflow testing every five years.
- Residences with septic: annual testing. Under the TCEQ requirement the city cites, homes on septic need a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly on the irrigation system, tested every year. Older double check assemblies that were already in service were grandfathered, but must be replaced with an RPZ when they need replacement.
- Swimming pools with auto-fillers: annual testing.
More on our Leander Backflow Testing page.
Cedar Park
Cedar Park’s backflow page says the city uses BSI Online for “all annual test report submittals,” and that reports must be filed electronically by the testing company. The full requirements are in Cedar Park Code of Ordinances section 18.09. If you have a notice from Cedar Park, follow the due date on it. See Cedar Park Backflow Testing.
Austin Water
Austin Water generally requires a backflow assembly where water service connects to a dedicated irrigation or fire protection system, and says mechanical assemblies that protect against a health hazard must be tested at installation and at least once a year after that (Austin Water FAQ). Testers must be licensed by TCEQ and registered with Austin Water (Austin Water overview). Bluebonnet Backflow is on Austin Water’s approved tester list. See Northwest Austin Backflow Testing.
Other cities we serve
Georgetown, Pflugerville, Liberty Hill, Lago Vista, Jonestown, Bertram and Taylor, plus local MUDs and water districts, each run their own program. Schedules vary, so the notice from your utility is the final word. If you have no notice and aren’t sure, call your water provider or give us a call and we’ll help you find out.
Quick reference
| Utility | Typical home irrigation device | Pool auto-fill / septic |
|---|---|---|
| Round Rock | Every 7 years (low hazard) | Pool auto-fill: annual |
| Leander | Every 5 years (no septic) | Septic or pool auto-fill: annual |
| Cedar Park | Annual submittals via BSI | Per your notice |
| Austin Water | Annual for health-hazard assemblies | Per your notice |
Rules change. Always check the date on your city’s notice and its website.
Why the schedule matters
A backflow preventer is a mechanical device with springs, seals and check valves that wear out. Round Rock puts it simply: routine testing is necessary “to ensure the device is working appropriately.” Skipping it can also cost you. In Round Rock, if a device isn’t tested on time, the city will have it tested and add a fee plus the test cost to your water bill.
Every test we run helps keep your family’s and your neighbors’ drinking water safe. It’s why we call ourselves your neighborhood Water Protectors.
FAQ
Is a backflow test required every year in Texas?
Only for assemblies protecting a health hazard under state rules. Your city may set a different schedule for other devices, from every year to every 7 years.
My neighbor got a notice and I didn’t. Why?
Devices are tracked individually by install or last test date, so due dates differ house to house.
What does a test cost?
Our residential test is $100, and city filing fees are included in the price. We file your report electronically with your city once payment is received.
Do you test fire sprinkler backflow devices?
No. Fire-line backflow devices must be tested by a tester working for a state-registered fire sprinkler company.
Ready when you are
Got a notice, or just want to know where you stand? Book Online or call or text 512-835-2211. Still have questions? Visit our Backflow Testing FAQ.
Need a backflow test?
$100 residential test. City filing fees included. Your report is filed electronically with your city once payment is received.