Backflow Testing Program

Federal and state laws require all water providers to meet certain standards to obtain, treat, and deliver water to protect public health.  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires all water providers to establish a Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program.  Generally, this includes establishing requirements for the installation of backflow assemblies or devices preventing the backpressure or back-siphonage from unwanted connections that may threaten public health.  All backflow devices or assemblies:

A guide for consumers and community water systems that explains how to prevent backflow from irrigation systems, including issues involving cross-connections, more info here:

 A Consumer's Guide to Backflow Prevention in Texas

Residential non-hazardous devices are required to be certified every three (3) years. Commercial devices are required to be certified annually.  Additional testing may be required depending on the health hazard.

Must receive a periodic Customer Service Inspection.  The inspections are intended to identify and validate all device locations, and their appropriateness, and determine if additional devices are required. 

The City of Terrell has established a Backflow Testing Program to help ensure that backflow prevention devices adequately protect the City's water system from potential health hazards.  The program requires property owners to maintain backflow prevention devices in good working order and to provide annual test reports as proof of compliance. Implementation of this program is mandated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). TCEQ Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention

Customers

Backflow testing is the owner’s responsibility and is paid for by the owner.  

All repairs, replacements, or overhaul assembly installations must be performed by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester and permitted by the City of Terrell.  Contact James Pollock at jpollock@cityofterrell.org for an up-to-date list of companies and testers or click here: Backflow Tester List

Records

The City of Terrell uses a third party, SC Tracking (SCT), to maintain electronic records of backflow testing information.  Backflow test reports, tester licensing, and gauge information are entered by testers or testing company representatives online via the internet in the SCT database.  SCT sends testing due and overdue notices to customers with the last tester of record listed on the letter as a convenience.  Testing is due on the same date every year.  

Enforcement

Failure of an owner to have the annual backflow testing performed and reported to the City through SC Tracking (SCT) will result in escalated enforcement measures that may include termination of water service and assessing a processing fee per City ordinance. Property owners may delegate testing activities to tenants, site managers, or property managers; however, the property owner is responsible and will be held accountable for compliance in enforcement proceedings.  Correspondence and enforcement notifications will be addressed to the party receiving the water bill for the address with the non-compliance.

Owners should remind their testing company to adhere to the City's procedures when submitting backflow assembly test reports.

Testers and Testing Companies

Certified backflow prevention assembly testers must register annually. The tester must show proof of current TCEQ Licensing and that testing equipment is in accordance with current TCEQ regulations.  Please visit the SCT website for registration instructions.

All backflow assembly test reports for existing and replacement backflow devices must be submitted via the SC Tracking (SCT) Online Backflow Tracking System at SC Tracking Solutions, and not through the City.

All testing companies are required to submit test reports within 48 hours of the test date.  Failure to do so will result in enforcement notification to the customer regarding the non-compliant status of their devices.  If not entered online, the ultimate escalation of enforcement could include termination of the customer's water service.

Testing can be performed by any TCEQ certified local tester. Backflow permits are required by the City of Terrell and can be obtained in the Municipal Development Department located at 201 E. Nash St. Terrell, TX 75160 or online HERE.