Bureau of Operations - Drinking Water
Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention
Backflow Assembly Testing Requirements

Atlanta City Code § 154-66 requires commercial and certain residential customers to install, maintain, and test backflow assemblies on their property to prevent possible contamination and pollution of the City of Atlanta’s potable water supply. These customers are responsible for annual device testing at their expense and to correct any malfunction of the backflow assemblies revealed by annual testing.

If you are interested in obtaining your registration to perform backflow assembly testing services for the City of Atlanta, please contact the Backflow Division Environmental Compliance manager at 404-982-1486.

Click here for a complete list of approved Registered Testers.

Tester Qualifications and Requirements

The inspection and testing of each mandatory Backflow Prevention Assembly shall be performed only by an individual who is currently registered with the City of Atlanta. To qualify as a Registered Tester, a tester must comply with the following:

1. Certification – All required field testing shall be performed by persons who are certified in the testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies by the Georgia Statewide Backflow Prevention Assembly Certification Program, as approved by the GA EPD, the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA), the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) or the University of Florida TREEO Center.

2. License – A Registered Tester, or company employing a Registered Tester, must have a valid business license in good standing with the City. A Copy of the license and subsequent annual renewals must be submitted to the City.

3. Equipment Calibration - Backflow Prevention Assembly testing equipment shall be re-calibrated annually and such calibration and associated serial numbers shall be registered with the City.

4. Submittals – A Registered Tester is responsible for submitting initial verification documents and proof of renewals for all certifications, licenses and calibrations. All submittals shall be sent to:

City of Atlanta
Bureau of Drinking Water
Backflow Division
651 Fourteenth St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

5. Testing Protocol – A Registered Tester is responsible for performing testing services in accordance with the following:

(a) Inspect and test the Backflow Prevention Assembly in accordance with the procedures established by the approved certification programs.
(b) Utilize registered equipment with current calibrations
(c) Complete a City of Atlanta Test and Maintenance Report form and submit the original copy to the City, within seven (7) days of the test date.
(d) Provide the customer with a copy of the test report form for their records.
(e) Notify the City within 48 hours when an assembly has failed a test.