City water utility · Texas
Backflow testing in Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Water Department (Fort Worth Water)'s rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Fort Worth requires a yearly test of backflow assemblies on commercial property and of any assembly that guards against a health hazard. A city-registered tester files the report online with Vepo. Home sprinklers need a test when installed or repaired. Non-compliance can bring fines or shut-off.
- Who
- Businesses: every year
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year (some)
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Other connections: when installed or repaired
- Due
- Test each assembly that needs a yearly test once every year.
- Testers
- 464 testers on Fort Worth Water Department (Fort Worth Water)'s list (online search)
- Filing
- Your tester files online in Vepo (Envirotrax). No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off.
Who must have a backflow test
Fort Worth requires a yearly test of every backflow assembly on commercial property and of every assembly that protects against a health hazard, on any kind of property. Any assembly must also be tested when it is installed, repaired or moved. Testers must be licensed and registered with the city.
- BusinessesRequiredevery year
Covers all backflow assemblies on commercial property.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsSomeevery year for commercial-class irrigation; at installation or repair for other sprinkler systems
Commercial-class irrigation assemblies are tested every year. Other sprinkler assemblies must be tested when installed or repaired. Any assembly that protects against a health hazard is tested every year.
- Fire sprinkler linesRequiredevery year
Only a registered tester who works full time for a fire sprinkler company licensed by the State Fire Marshal may test fire lines. Schedule fire line tests with the Water Department 48 hours ahead.
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Someevery year, for assemblies that protect against a health hazard
Applies to homes only when the assembly guards against a health hazard.
- Other connectionsRequiredat installation, repair or relocation
Contractor meters and sites with an extra (auxiliary) water source need a backflow assembly or air gap.
Source: fortworthtexas.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Test each assembly that needs a yearly test once every year. Also test any assembly when it is installed, repaired or moved.
Notices: Vepo, LLC mails the annual testing notices for the city.
Source: fortworthtexas.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Use the city's list of registered backflow testers. It is a search page run by Vepo, and it can show only testers licensed for fire line testing. Registered testers are independent contractors, not city staff, so call a few for prices.
Online search · 464 testers
Source: fortworthtexas.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in Vepo (Envirotrax)
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
Your tester enters the test results in Vepo's Envirotrax system. Keep a copy of the results the tester gives you. For permitted work, a form that is incomplete, wrong or hard to read is invalid and fails the inspection.
Source: fortworthtexas.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
Not following the backflow rules can lead to penalties, fines or discontinued water service. A device that fails must be repaired or replaced promptly and tested again. Call the city's backflow enforcement office to ask about amounts and deadlines.
Failed test: Repair or replace a failed device promptly. Then have it tested again to show it works.
Rule: Fort Worth Ordinance No. 12274 (Environmental Protection and Compliance) and the city Plumbing Code
Source: fortworthtexas.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Fort Worth
Testers must register with Fort Worth Water Department (Fort Worth Water) before their reports are accepted.
- Tester registration form
- TCEQ backflow license
- Confined space certificate
- Valid driver's license
- Gauge calibration certificate
- General liability insurance of at least $500,000, with the City of Fort Worth Cross Connection Section as certificate holder
- Fire line companies: copies and updates of current SCR and RME licenses
- Fire sprinkler assemblies: tester must be a full-time employee of a fire sprinkler company licensed by the State Fire Marshal
- File every test report yourself online with Vepo
Registration fee: No cost to register with the city
Register with Vepo, LLC. When Vepo has checked your license, insurance and gauge accuracy reports, you are added to the approved list. The city's backflow page has a Quick Start Guide for new testers. You enter every report in Vepo's Envirotrax system. New installations and moves need a plumbing backflow permit from Development Services, and the assembly must be tested by a registered tester before the inspection is requested.
Source: fortworthtexas.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Fort Worth Environmental Protection and Compliance Ordinance No. 12274: Annual testing by a registered tester is required under this ordinance.
- 30 TAC § 290.44(h): State testing rule.
Contact Fort Worth Water Department (Fort Worth Water)
- Program
- Backflow and Cross Connection Control
- Phone
- 817-392-8007
- wtrbackflowenforcement@FortWorthTexas.gov
- Run by
- Vepo, LLC
Source: fortworthtexas.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Fort Worth: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Fort Worth?
Only some systems need it, and then every year for commercial-class irrigation; at installation or repair for other sprinkler systems. Commercial-class irrigation assemblies are tested every year. Other sprinkler assemblies must be tested when installed or repaired. Any assembly that protects against a health hazard is tested every year.
When is my backflow test due in Fort Worth?
Test each assembly that needs a yearly test once every year. Also test any assembly when it is installed, repaired or moved. Vepo, LLC mails the annual testing notices for the city.
How do I find a backflow tester in Fort Worth?
Use the city's list of registered backflow testers. It is a search page run by Vepo, and it can show only testers licensed for fire line testing. Registered testers are independent contractors, not city staff, so call a few for prices.
Who sends the backflow test report to Fort Worth Water Department (Fort Worth Water)?
Your tester files the test report in Vepo (Envirotrax). Your tester enters the test results in Vepo's Envirotrax system. Keep a copy of the results the tester gives you. For permitted work, a form that is incomplete, wrong or hard to read is invalid and fails the inspection.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Fort Worth?
Not following the backflow rules can lead to penalties, fines or discontinued water service. A device that fails must be repaired or replaced promptly and tested again. Call the city's backflow enforcement office to ask about amounts and deadlines.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
Repair or replace a failed device promptly. Then have it tested again to show it works.
Every fact on this page comes from Fort Worth Water Department (Fort Worth 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.