City water utility · Texas
Backflow testing in Dallas, TX
Dallas Water Utilities's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Dallas requires a yearly test of high-hazard backflow assemblies by a city-registered tester, who files it in SwiftComply ($15 per passed test). Lawn sprinkler assemblies need a test only when new, repaired or replaced. A failed device must be fixed and retested within 30 days.
- Who
- Businesses: every year (some)
- Lawn sprinkler systems: when installed or repaired (some)
- Due
- High-hazard devices must be tested every year.
- Testers
- Dallas Water Utilities's list (online search)
- Filing
- Your tester files online in SwiftComply. Fee: $15 fee for passed tests, failed tests exempt.
- If late
- Water can be shut off.
Who must have a backflow test
High-hazard backflow assemblies must be tested every year by a licensed tester who is registered with the City of Dallas. Lawn sprinkler assemblies do not need a yearly test. They are tested only when they are new, repaired or replaced.
- BusinessesSomeevery year for high-hazard devices
Sites with high-hazard devices on record get a notification letter.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsSomeonly when newly installed, repaired or replaced
No yearly test is required for lawn sprinkler assemblies.
Source: dallascityhall.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
High-hazard devices must be tested every year. If you get a notification letter from the city, hire a registered tester. Sprinkler assemblies are tested only when new, repaired or replaced.
Notices: Dallas Water Utilities sends notification letters to sites on record with high-hazard devices that need a test. If you get a letter, hire a registered tester.
Source: dallascityhall.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a licensed backflow tester who is registered with the City of Dallas and enrolled in SwiftComply. Dallas posts a list of registered testers online. Check that your tester is on it before you book.
Online search
Source: dallascityhall.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in SwiftComply
- Fee
- $15 fee for passed tests, failed tests exempt (paid by the tester)
Ask your tester to upload the test report in SwiftComply. Since September 25, 2026, tests tied to a permit also go only through SwiftComply. Dallas Water Utilities reviews them and passes approved reports to Planning and Development under the permit number. Testers should not send those reports to the plumbing inspector. A rejected report goes back to the tester to fix and resubmit.
Source: dallascityhall.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
Dallas sends notification letters to sites that need a test. A device that fails must be repaired and retested within 30 days. The city can refuse or shut off water service if a required device is not installed, tested or fixed. If you ignore a notice to fix a broken device, you can also be sent to municipal court, and each day counts as a separate violation.
Failed test: If your device fails the test, you have 30 days to have it repaired and retested.
Rule: Dallas City Code § 49-29
Source: dallascityhall.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Dallas
Testers must register with Dallas Water Utilities before their reports are accepted.
- Current Texas backflow tester license (pocket license) and photo ID
- Registration with the City of Dallas Building Inspection office, renewed each year with the state license
- Registration fee of $120
- An individual tester account in SwiftComply, with your testing certification and test kit information
- $15 SwiftComply fee for each passed test (failed tests exempt)
- All test reports filed through SwiftComply
Registration fee: $120
First registration: go in person to the Planning and Development office at 320 E Jefferson Blvd with the completed form, your pocket license, a photo ID and $120 (check to City of Dallas). Renewals can be done at any Building Inspection office or online, and the form must be notarized if you do not go in person. A record change costs $30. Then enroll in SwiftComply, request your tester account and upload your license and test kit information.
Source: dallascityhall.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Dallas City Code § 49-29 (Backflow prevention devices): Requires a test at installation for every assembly and a yearly test for health-hazard assemblies, done by a city-registered, state-licensed tester. Lets the city refuse or shut off service if a device is not installed, tested or fixed.
- 30 TAC § 290.44(h): State testing rule.
Contact Dallas Water Utilities
- Program
- Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program
- Phone
- 214-670-0910
- DWUBackflowInspections@dallas.gov
- Run by
- SwiftComply
Source: dallascityhall.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Dallas: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Dallas?
Only some systems need it, and then only when newly installed, repaired or replaced. No yearly test is required for lawn sprinkler assemblies.
When is my backflow test due in Dallas?
High-hazard devices must be tested every year. If you get a notification letter from the city, hire a registered tester. Sprinkler assemblies are tested only when new, repaired or replaced. Dallas Water Utilities sends notification letters to sites on record with high-hazard devices that need a test. If you get a letter, hire a registered tester.
How do I find a backflow tester in Dallas?
Hire a licensed backflow tester who is registered with the City of Dallas and enrolled in SwiftComply. Dallas posts a list of registered testers online. Check that your tester is on it before you book.
Who sends the backflow test report to Dallas Water Utilities?
Your tester files the test report in SwiftComply. Filing fee: $15 fee for passed tests, failed tests exempt, paid by the tester. Ask your tester to upload the test report in SwiftComply. Since September 25, 2026, tests tied to a permit also go only through SwiftComply. Dallas Water Utilities reviews them and passes approved reports to Planning and Development under the permit number. Testers should not send those reports to the plumbing inspector. A rejected report goes back to the tester to fix and resubmit.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Dallas?
Dallas sends notification letters to sites that need a test. A device that fails must be repaired and retested within 30 days. The city can refuse or shut off water service if a required device is not installed, tested or fixed. If you ignore a notice to fix a broken device, you can also be sent to municipal court, and each day counts as a separate violation.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
If your device fails the test, you have 30 days to have it repaired and retested.
Every fact on this page comes from Dallas Water Utilities'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.