Every customer who owns a backflow prevention assembly is required to have the assembly tested annually. Log into your Manatee County Utilities online account to find out when your backflow preventer was last tested and the result of your test.

Testing must be completed by a contractor registered with the Cross Connection Control office. The contractor must possess a valid, up-to-date plumbing license, current insurance, backflow preventer testing certification, and currently calibrated test kit. For testing of fireline backflow preventers, the State's Fire Marshal certificate is required.

List of Certified Potable Backflow Preventer Testers (PDF)

List of Certified Fireline Backflow Preventer Testers (PDF)

Prices vary between each company. We recommend getting multiple quotes.

If your assembly fails the annual test, you are responsible for repairing or replacing the assembly within 30 days. All replacements must be installed to Manatee County Utilities Standards and be the correct type of assembly based on the conditions on your property. Furthermore, the assembly must meet the lead free requirement of Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-6). If you are still out of compliance after the 30 days, all water services will be discontinued until the assembly is in compliance.

There are no time extensions for testing. You do not need to be present during the test. If your backflow preventer is not tested in the allotted time, the County's contract tester will be scheduled to perform the inspection and a minimum charge of $50 per backflow preventer will be charged to the property owner.