City water utility · Texas
Backflow testing in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Water System (SAWS)'s rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
SAWS requires a licensed tester to test each backflow assembly every year. The report must reach SAWS through BSI Online by June 30. Late owners pay a cost recovery fee and get a 10-day notice; water can be shut off if no report arrives.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Businesses: every year
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Other connections: every year
- Due
- Test results must reach SAWS by June 30 every year.
- Testers
- San Antonio Water System (SAWS)'s list (online search)
- Filing
- Your tester files online in BSI Online. Fee: BSI charges testers a fee for receiving and tracking test reports.
- If late
- Water can be shut off. Cost recovery fee, 1 to 3 assemblies (FY2026): $87.
Who must have a backflow test
Every backflow assembly must be tested when it is installed and at least once a year after that by a licensed tester. This covers outside assemblies that protect the SAWS system and inside assemblies that protect your own plumbing. Lawn sprinkler systems need an assembly too.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredat least once a year
SAWS sends quarterly reminders for home sprinkler systems. SAWS rules also allow low-hazard home sprinkler assemblies to be tested every 3 years, though SAWS urges yearly tests. Call SAWS to confirm which applies to you.
- BusinessesRequiredat least once a year
Restaurants, hospitals, gas stations, factories and other sites with a hazard.
- Fire sprinkler linesRequiredat least once a year
Must be tested by a tester licensed for fire lines.
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Someat least once a year
Homes with an alternative water source or an on-site sewage system get annual test notices. Home sprinkler systems are listed separately.
- Other connectionsRequiredat least once a year
Recycled water service: the tester must use a gauge set aside for recycled water.
Source: saws.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Test results must reach SAWS by June 30 every year. The tester must file each report within 10 days after the test. A new, repaired or moved assembly is tested when it is installed.
Notices: BSI sends due and past-due notices for SAWS, by letter. Home sprinkler owners also get quarterly reminders. For assemblies in the public right of way, the test is due within 30 days of the due notice. If SAWS has no report for the year, it sends a 10-day notice by certified mail.
Source: saws.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a tester with a current TCEQ license. For fire lines, the tester must be licensed for fire lines. Search the BSI customer portal for registered testing companies, then call a few for prices. Tests often start around $40. You and the tester set up the visit yourselves.
Online search
Source: saws.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in BSI Online
- Deadline
- Within 10 days after the test after the test
- Fee
- BSI charges testers a fee for receiving and tracking test reports (paid by the tester)
- Form
- Test report form
The tester fills out a Test and Maintenance Report for each assembly. SAWS and TCEQ-approved forms are accepted. The tester files it with BSI Online. A report that says the assembly failed counts as late. You can check your property's status in the BSI customer portal. Keep each report for 3 years.
Source: saws.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
If SAWS has no report by June 30, it adds a cost recovery fee to your bill and sends a written notice. If you still do not send a passing report, SAWS can turn off your water. Its rules allow this 90 days after the notice, but its letters sent by certified mail give only 10 working days, so act as soon as a notice arrives. Fines can reach $2,000 per violation, and each day counts as a new violation.
- Cost recovery fee, 1 to 3 assemblies (FY2026): $87
- Cost recovery fee, 4 to 9 assemblies (FY2026): $120
- Cost recovery fee, more than 9 assemblies (FY2026): $184
- Trip fee to turn water back on: $15 to $35
- Criminal fine per violation: $200 to $2,000
- Civil penalty per violation: Up to $5,000
Failed test: A failed test counts as late. Repair or replace the assembly, have a licensed tester test it again, and file the passing report. Do not put a failed assembly back in service.
Rule: San Antonio City Code §§ 34-1077, 34-1078 and 34-1081
Source: saws.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in San Antonio
Testers must register with San Antonio Water System (SAWS) before their reports are accepted.
- Current TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license
- Registration with BSI to file reports for SAWS customers
- BSI charges testers a fee for receiving and tracking reports
- Calibrated test gauge
- Fire lines: tester must be licensed for fire lines
- Recycled water: use a gauge set aside for recycled water
- File each report within 10 days after the test
Get your TCEQ license first. Then register with BSI Online to file reports for SAWS customers. BSI has a separate help line for testers. Testers do not work for SAWS.
Source: saws.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- San Antonio City Code, Chapter 34, Division 8 (Backflow Prevention), §§ 34-1075 to 34-1081: Yearly test, June 30 report date, fees and penalties.
- SAWS Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program Guidelines (July 2026): Cost recovery fees and BSI rules.
- San Antonio Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code, Chapter 24: Cited by SAWS for annual testing.
- 30 TAC § 290.44(h): State testing rule.
Contact San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
- Program
- Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program
- Phone
- 210-233-2910
- backflow@saws.org
- Run by
- Backflow Solutions Inc. (BSI) · 888-966-6050
Source: saws.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in San Antonio: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in San Antonio?
Yes. San Antonio Water System (SAWS) requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested at least once a year. SAWS sends quarterly reminders for home sprinkler systems. SAWS rules also allow low-hazard home sprinkler assemblies to be tested every 3 years, though SAWS urges yearly tests. Call SAWS to confirm which applies to you.
When is my backflow test due in San Antonio?
Test results must reach SAWS by June 30 every year. The tester must file each report within 10 days after the test. A new, repaired or moved assembly is tested when it is installed. BSI sends due and past-due notices for SAWS, by letter. Home sprinkler owners also get quarterly reminders. For assemblies in the public right of way, the test is due within 30 days of the due notice. If SAWS has no report for the year, it sends a 10-day notice by certified mail.
How do I find a backflow tester in San Antonio?
Hire a tester with a current TCEQ license. For fire lines, the tester must be licensed for fire lines. Search the BSI customer portal for registered testing companies, then call a few for prices. Tests often start around $40. You and the tester set up the visit yourselves.
Who sends the backflow test report to San Antonio Water System (SAWS)?
Your tester files the test report in BSI Online, within 10 days after the test. Filing fee: BSI charges testers a fee for receiving and tracking test reports, paid by the tester. The tester fills out a Test and Maintenance Report for each assembly. SAWS and TCEQ-approved forms are accepted. The tester files it with BSI Online. A report that says the assembly failed counts as late. You can check your property's status in the BSI customer portal. Keep each report for 3 years.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in San Antonio?
If SAWS has no report by June 30, it adds a cost recovery fee to your bill and sends a written notice. If you still do not send a passing report, SAWS can turn off your water. Its rules allow this 90 days after the notice, but its letters sent by certified mail give only 10 working days, so act as soon as a notice arrives. Fines can reach $2,000 per violation, and each day counts as a new violation.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
A failed test counts as late. Repair or replace the assembly, have a licensed tester test it again, and file the passing report. Do not put a failed assembly back in service.
Every fact on this page comes from San Antonio Water System (SAWS)'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.