San Antonio, TX
Backflow testing in San Antonio
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) requires backflow prevention assemblies to be tested every year, with results submitted by June 30. Residential irrigation reminders arrive with bills, and customers who miss the deadline get a 10-day notice before water service can be turned off.
What's different in San Antonio
SAWS customers must have backflow prevention assemblies tested annually and the results submitted by June 30 of each year. [1]
The requirement comes from Chapter 24 of the City of San Antonio Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code, Chapter 34 of the City Code of Ordinances, and the SAWS Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention Control Program. [1]
Residential reminders for lawn irrigation backflow testing are sent quarterly with bill notices. [1]
Customers without a current-year test report receive a 10-day non-compliance notice, and failure to submit a report within 10 working days may lead to water service being turned off. [2]
The SAWS backflow calendar
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Throughout the year | Quarterly reminders with bill notices for residential irrigation assemblies |
| By June 30 | This year's passing test report must be on file with SAWS |
| After the deadline | A 10-day non-compliance notice is mailed |
| 10 working days after the notice | Water service may be turned off if no report is filed |
Why testing in spring makes sense
Scheduling the test in early spring, before the June 30 deadline and the heavy summer watering season, leaves time for repairs and a retest if the assembly fails. Testers get busy close to the deadline. 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 is the SAWS backflow test due?
Every year by June 30.
Why does SAWS require annual backflow testing?
It's required by the City of San Antonio Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code, the City Code of Ordinances and SAWS's cross-connection control program.
What is a SAWS 10-day notice about backflow?
It means SAWS has no test report for the current year. You have 10 working days to submit one before water service may be turned off.
Will SAWS remind me about my sprinkler backflow test?
Yes. Residential irrigation reminders are sent quarterly with bill notices.
Can SAWS shut off water for a missing backflow test?
Yes, if a report isn't submitted within 10 working days of the non-compliance notice.
When should I book my San Antonio backflow test?
In early spring, so there's time for repairs and a retest before June 30.
Does a failed test count toward the June 30 deadline?
No. The assembly must be repaired and pass a retest, and the passing report must be on file.
Who files my San Antonio backflow test results?
The certified tester who performs the test submits the test and maintenance report.
What backflow device is on most San Antonio sprinkler systems?
Residential irrigation systems commonly use a pressure vacuum breaker or a double check assembly, depending on the installation and code requirements.
Who can repair a San Antonio backflow assembly?
A certified tester or licensed plumber can repair it; then it must be retested.
More plumbing help in San Antonio
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- Water bill suddenly high in San AntonioA high SAWS bill usually means a leak. How to find it, which leaks SAWS reviews for a credit, the 60-day deadline after repair, and the paperwork it wants.
- Sewer Line Repair in San AntonioSan Antonio sewer clogs: a licensed plumber clears your side, and if the blockage is past your property, SAWS may reimburse costs. Marking, the call and paperwork.
- Pipe Repair in San AntonioSAWS Plumbers to People: free repairs of leaking faucets, toilets and broken pipes for income-qualified homeowners, who qualifies, and what isn't covered.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in San AntonioFrozen pipes in San Antonio: pipes past the SAWS meter are the owner's, how to shut water off at the meter, SAWS freeze tips, and what not to do.
- Drain backing up in San AntonioWhy San Antonio drains back up: grease causes nearly 70% of local sewer blockages, the surprising sources of it, safe checks, and how to get rid of grease.
- Water Line Repair in San AntonioSAWS's service line inventory: over half of 600,000 lines unidentified, yearly letters to unknown, lead or galvanized lines, and free inspections for pre-1989 homes.
- Backflow Testing in TexasBackflow testing in Texas: the TCEQ tester license anyone testing or repairing assemblies must hold, test-at-install and annual rules, and gauge accuracy checks.
- Backflow Testing: the full guideWhat backflow is, which homes and businesses need backflow preventers, how annual backflow testing works, and what happens if a device fails.
- Plumbing in San AntonioLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls San Antonio homes need most.
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 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 Colorado SpringsColorado Springs Utilities backflow rules: who must test annually, the July 1 deadline, the $405 fine, licensed testers entering results, and single-family guidance.
- 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 (2)
- SAWS, Annual Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies · checked 2026-10-03
- SAWS, 10-Day Notification Letters FAQs · checked 2026-10-03