August 2026 · Orevant Compliance Intelligence
Water system operators managing cross-connection control programs face a compliance obligation that varies significantly by state — but one that every sanitary survey evaluates. Backflow prevention assembly testing is not optional, and gaps in your program show up on your SDWIS record and in inspection findings.
The EPA's Surface Water Treatment Rule and Total Coliform Rule both address cross-connection control as a sanitary survey element. Under 40 CFR 141.72 and the sanitary survey framework (40 CFR 141.33), states must evaluate each system's cross-connection control program as part of the eight-element survey. A deficient cross-connection program is a sanitary survey significant deficiency — the same classification as operator certification gaps or treatment failures.
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Testing frequency and certification requirements vary. Here are the primary requirements for the states with the largest small-system populations — confirm with your primacy agency for your specific system type and service connections.
California Title 22 requires all backflow prevention assemblies installed on service connections to be tested at installation, repair, or relocation, and at least annually thereafter. Testers must be certified by AWWA or an equivalent state-approved program, and test records must be kept on file and submitted to the local water purveyor.
Texas requires annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies on customer service connections posing a high or moderate hazard (30 TAC §290.44). Testers must hold a TCEQ-recognized certification. Systems without a documented cross-connection control program covering all high-hazard connections are cited for significant deficiencies.
Florida Rule 62-555.360 requires community water systems to maintain a cross-connection control program. Assemblies must be tested upon installation and at intervals in the program plan — typically annually for reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies. FDEP evaluates the program during sanitary surveys; untested assemblies or a missing program plan produce significant deficiency findings.
Washington requires cross-connection control programs for all Group A community water systems. Assembly testing must be conducted at least annually by testers certified to Washington State BAT standards, with records submitted to the local health jurisdiction and maintained at least five years (WAC 246-290-490).
Illinois requires annual testing by a certified tester, with heightened scrutiny on high-hazard connections such as hospitals and manufacturing facilities. New Jersey requires annual testing of all testable backflow prevention devices by NJDEP-certified testers, with results reported to the local water purveyor within 30 days (NJAC 7:10-11).
Orevant's compliance scan evaluates your cross-connection control and backflow program status as part of survey-readiness assessment. It identifies whether your state requires a formal program for your system type, your current SDWIS status for cross-connection findings, and whether you have open deficiencies from prior surveys. The $87/mo compliance monitoring subscription tracks changes to your SDWIS record and alerts you when new findings are posted — including backflow and cross-connection items.
Check Your Water System's Backflow Compliance — Free at orevant.com
Most states require annual testing of testable assemblies, but frequency and certification rules vary. Orevant maps the requirement for your specific state and system type.
Orevant is compliance information tooling, not a backflow testing service. It shows you what your state requires and what your SDWIS record reflects so you can stay ahead of survey findings.
Free water system lookup — search by system name or PWSID. See your EPA profile, current violations, and upcoming deadlines in minutes.
Orevant provides compliance information tools. Content on this page does not constitute legal advice. Compliance determinations should be verified with your state primacy agency.