City water utility · Colorado
Backflow testing in Aurora, CO
Aurora Water's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Assemblies on fire lines, commercial meters, irrigation systems and hydrant meters are tested when installed and at least yearly by a certified tester, who files online in SpryBackflow before the annual due date. The bill payer or owner is responsible. A missed test can bring a shut-off.
- Who
- Businesses: every year
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year
- Other connections: see note
- Due
- Have each required assembly tested at least once a year.
- Testers
- Hire a certified backflow tester with a valid ASSE or ABPA certification.
- Filing
- Your tester files online in SpryBackflow. No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off.
Who must have a backflow test
Aurora Water requires a backflow assembly at connections for fire sprinkler systems, commercial meters and irrigation systems. Each assembly is tested when installed and at least once a year. The person billed for water is responsible, and the owner is solely responsible if the bill goes to someone else. Apartment residents should ask their property manager.
- BusinessesRequiredupon installation and at least every year
Applies to commercial water meters. It matters most for industrial, medical and lab sites, premises with a second or reclaimed water supply, restricted facilities and tall buildings.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredupon installation and at least every year
- Fire sprinkler linesRequiredupon installation and at least every year
- Other connectionsRequiredmust have current test data
Hydrant meters need a reduced pressure (RP) assembly with current test data. Premises with a second or reclaimed water supply are also covered.
Source: auroragov.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Have each required assembly tested at least once a year. Each assembly has an annual due date, and the test result must be filed online before that date. A new assembly is tested when it is installed. After a repair or replacement, a new test is filed.
Notices: Aurora Water contacts the responsible party when a test report is missing or failed. Before any water shut-off, a notice is posted on the door of each home or business affected.
Source: auroragov.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a certified backflow tester with a valid ASSE or ABPA certification. The tester must use properly calibrated gauge equipment and must have an account on Aurora Water's SpryBackflow portal, because results are filed there. Call the Cross-Connection Control office with questions.
Source: auroragov.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in SpryBackflow
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
Results are filed online, and the filing must be in before the annual due date. If an assembly fails and is repaired or replaced, a new test report is filed after the repair. Expect the water to be off for about 30 minutes during a test.
Source: auroragov.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
Aurora Water contacts the responsible party about a missing or failed test report. A water shut-off is possible, and a notice is posted on the door of each home or business affected first. Call the Cross-Connection Control office about fees and deadlines.
Failed test: If an assembly fails, have it repaired or replaced and tested again by a certified tester. A new test report is filed after the repair. Call the office for the repair deadline.
Rule: Aurora City Code § 138-170
Source: auroragov.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Aurora
Testers must register with Aurora Water before their reports are accepted.
- Valid ASSE or ABPA tester certification, with the certificate number, expiration date and a copy uploaded
- Test equipment make, model, serial number and most recent calibration date, with a copy of the calibration certificate
- Properly calibrated gauge equipment
- A work email address, used to sign in to the portal
Create a tester account on the SpryBackflow portal. Upload your ASSE or ABPA certificate and the calibration certificate for each test kit. A valid certificate is needed before you can enter tests. You can enter tests for other certified testers if you mark that choice when you register.
Source: sprybackflow.aurorawater.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Aurora City Code § 138-170, Cross-connection control program: The ordinance the program page cites for assemblies and yearly tests.
- Colorado Regulation 11, section 11.39 (state backflow rule): State rule that requires yearly testing by an ASSE or ABPA certified tester.
Contact Aurora Water
Source: auroragov.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Aurora: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Aurora?
Yes. Aurora Water requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested upon installation and at least every year.
When is my backflow test due in Aurora?
Have each required assembly tested at least once a year. Each assembly has an annual due date, and the test result must be filed online before that date. A new assembly is tested when it is installed. After a repair or replacement, a new test is filed. Aurora Water contacts the responsible party when a test report is missing or failed. Before any water shut-off, a notice is posted on the door of each home or business affected.
How do I find a backflow tester in Aurora?
Hire a certified backflow tester with a valid ASSE or ABPA certification. The tester must use properly calibrated gauge equipment and must have an account on Aurora Water's SpryBackflow portal, because results are filed there. Call the Cross-Connection Control office with questions.
Who sends the backflow test report to Aurora Water?
Your tester files the test report in SpryBackflow. Results are filed online, and the filing must be in before the annual due date. If an assembly fails and is repaired or replaced, a new test report is filed after the repair. Expect the water to be off for about 30 minutes during a test.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Aurora?
Aurora Water contacts the responsible party about a missing or failed test report. A water shut-off is possible, and a notice is posted on the door of each home or business affected first. Call the Cross-Connection Control office about fees and deadlines.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
If an assembly fails, have it repaired or replaced and tested again by a certified tester. A new test report is filed after the repair. Call the office for the repair deadline.
Every fact on this page comes from Aurora Water's own pages, forms or code, checked Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: your notice and the utility have the final word. Spot a mistake? Tell us.