Hillsborough County, FL
Backflow testing for Hillsborough County water customers
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
If your water comes from Hillsborough County Public Utilities, which serves much of the unincorporated county, any backflow assembly must be tested every year by a tester registered with the county. New, replaced or relocated assemblies need a permit and inspection, results go through the county's online portal, and a failed test must be reported within 48 hours.
What Hillsborough County handles
All property owners with a backflow assembly must have it tested annually, and only a certified tester registered with Hillsborough County may test it. [1]
New installations, replacements and relocations at a county water service connection require a permit; the permit holder schedules the field inspection and submits a test report. [1]
Test results are submitted through the county's Backflow BMP portal, and the county must be notified within 48 hours of any assembly that fails a test. [1]
County water or Tampa water?
Hillsborough County Public Utilities serves unincorporated communities such as Brandon, Riverview and Town 'n' Country. The City of Tampa runs its own water department with its own schedule; see Tampa backflow testing. Your bill shows which utility you're on.
If the assembly fails
- The tester or owner notifies the county within 48 hours.
- Repair or rebuild the assembly, then retest.
- Replacing it entirely counts as a replacement and needs a permit.
Related
See backflow testing and the backflow prevention guide.
City-specific guides in Hillsborough County
Common questions
How often is backflow testing required in Hillsborough County?
Every year for any property with a backflow assembly on county water.
Who can test backflow assemblies for Hillsborough County?
Only certified testers registered with the county.
Does a new backflow assembly need a permit in Hillsborough County?
Yes; new installations, replacements and relocations need a permit and inspection.
How fast must a failed Hillsborough test be reported?
Within 48 hours.
Where are Hillsborough County backflow results submitted?
Through the county's Backflow BMP portal.
Do Tampa city residents follow county backflow rules?
No; the City of Tampa has its own water department and schedule.
Which communities use Hillsborough County water?
Much of the unincorporated county, such as Brandon and Riverview; check your bill.
Who schedules the inspection for a new assembly?
The permit holder.
Is replacing a failed assembly a permitted job?
Yes, replacements require a permit.
Can any plumber test my Hillsborough assembly?
Only if they're a certified tester registered with the county.
Cities and services in Hillsborough County
Other Florida counties
- Septic-to-sewer conversion in Miami-Dade CountyConverting from septic to sewer in Miami-Dade: about 120,000 septic systems still in use, groundwater risk.
- Backflow protection and reclaimed water in Orange County, FloridaOrange County Utilities cross-connection rules: dual check valves at meters in reclaimed-water areas since 2020, ASSE 1024 standards, and irrigation backflow risk.
Sources (1)
- Hillsborough County, Backflow and cross-connection service testing · checked 2026-10-03