Backflow Prevention — Annual Testing

What Is Backflow Prevention Testing?

A backflow prevention assembly stops contaminated water from being siphoned back into the public drinking-water supply. Restaurants commonly have several: on irrigation systems, boilers, carbonated-beverage dispensers, mop/utility sinks, and combination fixtures.

The City of Atlanta operates a Cross-Connection Control Program through its Department of Watershed Management. Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and Georgia's Rules for Safe Drinking Water (Chapter 391-3-5), every backflow prevention assembly must be tested at least annually to confirm it still works.

Why It Matters

A failed or untested assembly is both a public-health hazard and a code violation. Water purveyors can issue notices, levy fines, or in serious cases discontinue water service until testing is brought current.

Requirements

• Annual test of each backflow prevention assembly on the property
• Testing performed by a state-certified backflow prevention assembly tester
• Test results submitted to the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (the water purveyor)
• New assemblies must be tested upon installation

Who Performs the Test

Use a tester holding a current Georgia backflow tester certification. Many licensed plumbers and dedicated cross-connection-control companies provide this service. Confirm the tester's certification is current before hiring.

What Proof You Receive

A Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report for each device, including:

• Date of test
• Tester name and certification number
• Assembly type, make, model, size, and location
• Pass/fail result and any repairs made

Who May Request This Proof

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management — administers the program
• Health inspector — may confirm plumbing/cross-connection compliance
• Landlord — often required by lease

City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management Website: atlantawatershed.org

Verify your exact assemblies and submission process with Atlanta Watershed Management — requirements vary by the fixtures present at your location.

What SpoonSeal tracks

The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.