City water utility · Texas
Backflow testing in Houston, TX
City of Houston (Houston Public Works, Houston Water)'s rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Houston requires every testable backflow assembly to be tested each year, and after installation, repair or a move. A city-approved tester must file the report online (SwiftComply, fees apply) within 2 business days. Missed tests can bring fines up to $2,000 a day and possible water shut-off.
- Who
- Businesses: every year
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year
- Due
- Test each assembly once a year.
- Testers
- City of Houston (Houston Public Works, Houston Water)'s list (PDF, October 2026)
- Filing
- Your tester files online in SwiftComply. Fee: Submission fees apply.
- If late
- Water can be shut off. Citation fine: Up to $2,000 per day.
Who must have a backflow test
Houston requires installation, upkeep and yearly testing of backflow assemblies on cross connections. Every testable assembly must be tested once a year, and also when it is relocated, repaired or newly installed. The type of assembly depends on how serious the hazard is.
- BusinessesRequiredat least once a year, plus after installation, repair or relocation
Applies to every testable assembly at a site with a cross connection. Call the program to ask how this applies to a home or a sprinkler system.
- Fire sprinkler linesRequiredat least once a year, plus after installation, repair or relocation
Only a tester employed by a State of Texas approved fire line contractor may test or fix fire line assemblies. These companies are marked in red on the city's tester list.
Source: houstonpublicworks.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Test each assembly once a year. Test a new, repaired or moved assembly right away. A site gets credit only after the tester has filed the report and paid the filing fees.
Source: houstonpublicworks.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a TCEQ-licensed tester whose company is on the city's Backflow Tester Company List. The city updates the list monthly. It shows each company's phone number and when its insurance runs out. Companies marked in red can work on fire lines. Ask the company to file your report with the city.
PDF · dated Oct 1, 2026
Source: houstonpublicworks.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in SwiftComply
- Deadline
- Within 2 business days after the test
- Fee
- Submission fees apply (paid by the tester)
The testing company enters the report in SwiftComply and pays the filing fees. Your site is not in compliance until that is done, so keep a copy of the report on site and ask your tester when it was filed. A report with missing or wrong details is sent back for correction, and the site gets no credit until the fixed report is approved. If an assembly was removed, have your plumber, engineer or tester email the program a Backflow Prevention Assembly Removal Form.
Source: houstonpublicworks.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
The city can issue citations with fines of up to $2,000 per day and can suspend water service when testing is not done. The Houston Municipal Courts set the final fine, not the program.
- Citation fine: Up to $2,000 per day
Failed test: A failed test does not make your site compliant. The site stays out of compliance until a passing test report is filed. Your tester must tell you right away about repairs or replacement.
Source: houstonpublicworks.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Houston
Testers must register with City of Houston (Houston Public Works, Houston Water) before their reports are accepted.
- Current TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license for each tester
- City of Houston Backflow Testing Company Application, approved before you test
- Current gauge calibration report and a photo of the serial number for each gauge
- Liability insurance certificate naming the City of Houston as certificate holder
- Copy of a government photo ID for each person listed
- Fire lines: the company must be an Approved Fireline Contractor with the Texas Department of Insurance
- File every report, pass or fail, in SwiftComply within 2 business days and pay the fees
Get your TCEQ license first. Then fill out the city's Backflow Testing Company Application and email it as one PDF with your licenses, gauge calibration reports, gauge photos, ID copies and insurance certificate. The city emails you if anything is missing or when you are approved. Your SwiftComply account is turned off if your insurance runs out. Breaking the rules can lead to a warning, a suspension of up to 30 days, or loss of testing privileges in Houston.
Source: houstonpublicworks.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- City of Houston Plumbing Code and local amendments: Requires testing at installation, repair, relocation and yearly after.
- 30 TAC § 290.44(h): State backflow rule that the city's program also applies.
Contact City of Houston (Houston Public Works, Houston Water)
- Program
- Cross Connection Control Program
- Phone
- 832-395-3800
- hpwcrosscon@houstontx.gov
- Run by
- SwiftComply
Source: houstonpublicworks.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Houston: questions
When is my backflow test due in Houston?
Test each assembly once a year. Test a new, repaired or moved assembly right away. A site gets credit only after the tester has filed the report and paid the filing fees.
How do I find a backflow tester in Houston?
Hire a TCEQ-licensed tester whose company is on the city's Backflow Tester Company List. The city updates the list monthly. It shows each company's phone number and when its insurance runs out. Companies marked in red can work on fire lines. Ask the company to file your report with the city.
Who sends the backflow test report to City of Houston (Houston Public Works, Houston Water)?
Your tester files the test report in SwiftComply, within 2 business days. Filing fee: Submission fees apply, paid by the tester. The testing company enters the report in SwiftComply and pays the filing fees. Your site is not in compliance until that is done, so keep a copy of the report on site and ask your tester when it was filed. A report with missing or wrong details is sent back for correction, and the site gets no credit until the fixed report is approved. If an assembly was removed, have your plumber, engineer or tester email the program a Backflow Prevention Assembly Removal Form.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Houston?
The city can issue citations with fines of up to $2,000 per day and can suspend water service when testing is not done. The Houston Municipal Courts set the final fine, not the program.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
A failed test does not make your site compliant. The site stays out of compliance until a passing test report is filed. Your tester must tell you right away about repairs or replacement.
Every fact on this page comes from City of Houston (Houston Public Works, Houston 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.