
Is it a legal requirement that I test my backflow preventer every year?
Question: How often do I need to test my irrigation system for backflow? Is it really a legal requirement?
Answer: It is a legal requirement (in Charlotte, North Carolina) that you test your irrigation system once a year to ensure your backflow preventer is working properly. This is a legal requirement because backflow contamination of drinking water is a serious health problem.
Per City of Charlotte Ordinance on Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Article V Sec. 23-173- Installation and Testing of backflow prevention assemblies(link), "Each backflow-prevention assembly required by this article must be functioning properly when installed. Each customer must test, maintain and repair each required backflow-prevention assembly which is part of the customer's private water system.
What's the legal penalty if you don't test it and get caught? $100 fine, plus possible termination of water service. In most cases, only the fine is charged.
Learn More
Read official legal requirements provided by City of Charlotte Water.
Get a list of approved backflow testers. You will see that E.R. Plumbing Services is on the list. Schedule an appointment to get your backflow preventer tested today.