Colorado Springs, CO
Backflow testing in Colorado Springs
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Colorado Springs Utilities requires commercial, multifamily and dedicated irrigation backflow assemblies to be tested every year, with commercial and multifamily irrigation results submitted by July 1. Single-family homeowners are encouraged to test annually. Missing tests can bring a $405 fine per assembly and suspension of water service.
What's different in Colorado Springs
State law and City Code require backflow assemblies to be tested and results submitted annually; commercial and multifamily irrigation assemblies must be tested and results submitted by July 1. [1]
Commercial, multifamily and dedicated irrigation backflow assemblies require annual testing under Colorado law, and single-family homeowners are encouraged to test annually. [1]
Failure to comply can result in fines of $405 per backflow assembly and suspension of water service pending compliance. [1]
Assemblies must be tested by licensed backflow testers, who enter pass or fail results into Colorado Springs Utilities' system; questions go to [email protected] or (719) 668-4388. [1]
Who must test
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Commercial and multifamily irrigation | Annual test, results by July 1 |
| Dedicated irrigation services | Annual test |
| Single-family homes | Annual testing encouraged |
High-altitude freezes
Colorado Springs gets early and late freezes, and a pressure vacuum breaker left full of water can crack overnight. Drain assemblies and blow out lines each fall, and test after spring startup so winter damage is found before the season. For what a backflow preventer does, the device types and how a test works anywhere, see backflow testing.
Further reading: How backflow happens and which devices homes use.
Common questions
When are Colorado Springs backflow results due?
Commercial and multifamily irrigation assemblies must be tested and results submitted by July 1 each year.
Do single-family homes in Colorado Springs need annual backflow testing?
Colorado Springs Utilities encourages it; annual testing is required for commercial, multifamily and dedicated irrigation assemblies.
What is the fine for missing a backflow test in Colorado Springs?
$405 per backflow assembly, plus possible water service suspension until compliant.
Who enters my Colorado Springs backflow test results?
The licensed tester enters pass or fail results into Colorado Springs Utilities' system.
How do I contact Colorado Springs Utilities about backflow?
Email [email protected] or call (719) 668-4388.
Why is backflow testing required in Colorado?
State law and City Code require annual testing for the assemblies they cover, to protect drinking water.
My HOA irrigation is on a dedicated meter. Does it need testing?
Yes, dedicated irrigation backflow assemblies require annual testing.
When should Colorado Springs homeowners winterize a backflow preventer?
Before the first hard fall freeze, which can come early at Colorado Springs' altitude: shut the irrigation supply, drain the assembly and blow out the lines.
Can Colorado Springs Utilities suspend water over backflow?
Yes, service can be suspended pending compliance.
Who fixes failed backflow assemblies in Colorado Springs?
A licensed tester or plumber, followed by a passing retest entered into the system.
More plumbing help in Colorado Springs
How other cities handle it
- Backflow testing in AustinAustin Water's backflow testing rules: who may test, the 5-day report deadline, online filing, and the irrigation rebates that pair with an upgrade.
- Backflow testing in San AntonioSAWS backflow testing rules for San Antonio: the June 30 annual deadline, the codes behind it, reminder notices, and what a 10-day notice means.
- Backflow testing in DenverDenver Water's backflow rules: annual testing, the May–September irrigation testing season, required device types, 30-day reminders, and where results go.
- Backflow testing in SeattleSeattle Public Utilities backflow testing rules: annual tests by your anniversary date, Washington-certified testers, reporting, and non-compliance charges.
- Backflow testing in PortlandPortland Water Bureau backflow rules: yearly testing by a state-certified tester, the spring timing it prefers, reminder letters with labels, and shutoff risk.
- Backflow testing in CharlotteCharlotte Water backflow rules: residential irrigation tested every 3 years, residential domestic yearly, approved testers, and RP assemblies on irrigation.
- Backflow testing in RaleighRaleigh Public Utilities backflow rules: residential irrigation tested by July 1 every three years, commercial yearly, owner-paid certified testing, and contacts.
- Backflow testing in TampaCity of Tampa Water Department backflow rules: residential tests every two years, commercial yearly, certified technicians, and the 7-day online reporting rule.
- Backflow testing in Salt Lake CitySalt Lake City Public Utilities backflow rules: tests within 10 days of installation and yearly after, which homes need protection, and secondary water.
- Backflow testing in Fort WorthFort Worth backflow rules: annual tests for commercial and health-hazard assemblies, a three-year cycle for low-hazard irrigation, and registered testers.
- Backflow testing for JEA customers in JacksonvilleJEA residential backflow rules: testing at least every two years by JEA Qualified Vendors, dual checks replaced every five years, and reclaimed-water irrigation.
- Backflow testing in Fort LauderdaleFort Lauderdale backflow rules: residential irrigation tested every two years, commercial yearly, only PVB or RP devices on irrigation meters, and certified testers.
- Backflow testing in DallasDallas backflow rules: lawn irrigation assemblies don't need annual tests, only when new, repaired or replaced; high-hazard assemblies need annual registered tests.
- Backflow testing in HoustonHouston backflow testing: testing companies must register with the city, testers need TCEQ licenses, and gauges need annual calibration reports filed with Houston.
- Backflow testing in PhoenixPhoenix backflow rules: assemblies tested at least yearly, 60 days to test after the reminder letter, then a 72-hour disconnection notice. Who needs one at home.
- Backflow testing in PhiladelphiaPWD backflow rules: test at installation, after any repair and yearly by a City-certified technician, file Form 79-770 within 48 hours.
Sources (1)
- Colorado Springs Utilities, Backflow Prevention · checked 2026-10-03