To test backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) in the Austin Water distribution area, Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers (BPATs) must be licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and registered with Austin Water. 

BPATs are trained to test and repair backflow prevention assemblies and play an important role in protecting the public water system.

 

BPAT Information

Testing Standards 

BPAs must be tested for operational effectiveness using methods approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and printed in the University of Southern California’s Cross Connection Manual (USC-CCM). Each BPAT must use equipment that has been calibrated by an Approved Gauge Testing Company and is within acceptable tolerances as specified by USC-CCM. 

BPAT testers must strictly abide by all licensing or state certification requirements. Any classification applicable to the BPAT license will be identified by the State on the backflow technician’s license. Enforcement of state law is the responsibility of the appropriate state agency. 

Testing and Maintenance Reports (TMRs) 

Each BPAT must submit a complete and legible Test and Maintenance Report (TMR) to the Austin Water for each BPA tested. Each TMR must include: 

  • BPA physical address and location on the premises 
  • Cause to require backflow protection 
  • BPA manufacturer 
  • BPA size 
  • BPA model number or designation 
  • BPA serial number 
  • BPA operational test results 
  • Description of BPA repairs (if applicable) 
  • Retest of BPA after repairs (if applicable) 
  • Name of owner/occupant responsible for the BPA 
  • Name of owner’s representative (person responsible to have the BPA tested/repaired) 
  • Owner/occupant’s complete mailing address 
  • BPAT printed name and signature 
  • BPAT license number 
  • Test gauge serial number 
  • Date of operational test 

TMR Due Dates: Each BPAT must submit a TMR to Austin for each BPA tested within five calendar days of the test. As of 7/25/2022, these reports must be entered online in the WEIRS Database (paper copies are no longer accepted). 

Illegal Installations: Each BPAT must document any illegal or unapproved BPA installations or unprotected potential backflow or cross connection sources. Such documentation must be submitted to the Austin Water. 

BPA or Hazard Removal: For each BPA removed, the BPAT must complete and submit a TMR to Austin Water indicating that the BPA has been removed or replaced. If the hazard is not removed, then the BPA must be replaced to assure uninterrupted backflow prevention. In the event that the hazard is eliminated, the BPA may remain, but the elimination of the hazard must be reported to the SSD in order to document the respective assembly's "out of service" status. Such reporting would allow the SSD to remove the testing requirements that would apply to the BPA as tracked by the WEIRS database. 

Compliance and Enforcement 

  • Austin Water will review records and conduct investigations to determine compliance with all applicable rules. Falsifying records submitted to Austin Water will result in criminal prosecution against the BPAT. Falsification includes, but is not limited to:
  • Submitting a TMR without actually conducting the operational test.
  • Intentionally submitting inaccurate testing results on a TMR. 
  • Submitting a name, signature or certification number on a TMR other than the actual person performing the operational test. 
  • Testing a BPA before installation and submitting the TMR as if the BPA had been tested after installation. 
  • Using a backflow test gauge that does not meet required calibration specifications 
  • Using unapproved or unregistered testing equipment. 

Other violations noted may be addressed by a Notice of Violation (NOV) or other administrative enforcement response as appropriate. BPATs who receive three (3) NOVs within a two (2) year period will have their registration suspended with the City of Austin for one year.

BPAT Registration Instructions

The Water Protection Program has modified the BPAT registration process and is no longer accepting in-person registrations. Please review the “Registering Your BPAT License and Test Gauge with Austin Water” information below to see how to register via mail or email. 

BPAT License and Registration Requirements 
To receive a TCEQ BPAT license, applicants must complete a 40-hour backflow prevention license course accredited and accepted by the TCEQ, pass the TCEQ license exam, and pay the applicable TCEQ license fee. 

  • After receiving the TCEQ license, the BPAT must complete and submit the following: 
    • An Austin Water Water Protection Technician Registration Application. 
    • A Backflow Gauge Registration Form for the test gauge the applicant will use. If the tester will be using their employers existing registered gauges, then a gauge registration form is not required. 
    • A photo of the front and back of the test gauge. 
    • A certificate showing that the test gauge was tested and passed calibration requirements within the last 12 months. 
  • If approved, the BPAT’s City registration shall remain in effect for the duration of the TCEQ license (not to exceed three years). 
  • The BPAT must complete 24 hours of TCEQ-accredited continuing education, including 8 hours of practical skills to renew the TCEQ BPAT license. 

After renewing the license, the BPAT must email proof of renewal to awcrossconnection@austintexas.gov. 

The BPAT must notify Austin Water of any changes to their Technician Details, by submitting a new registration form with the new information by mail or email. 

Registering Your BPAT License & Test Gauge with Austin Water 
The required documents to register your BPAT license and test gauge are: 

  • A copy of your current TCEQ BPAT license. 
  • A copy of your driver’s license or passport. 
  • A completed Water Protection Technician Registration Application, including a current email address. 
  • A completed Backflow Gauge Registration Form. If the tester will be using their employers existing registered gauges, then a gauge registration form is not required. 
  • A photo of the front and back of the test gauge. 
  • A current calibration certificate. 

Incomplete or unsigned forms will not be processed. 

To register, submit the required information by mail to: 

Austin Water, Special Services Division 
3907 South Industrial Dr, Suite 100 
Austin, TX 78744 
or by email to awcrossconnection@austintexas.gov 

What to Expect After Registering 
The Water Protection staff will enter your BPAT license and gauge registration in the WEIRS database. Afterwards, a Water Protection Specialist will email instructions on how to: 

  • Correctly fill out Test and Maintenance Report (TMR) forms 
  • Navigate through the WEIRS Database with your WEIRS username and password 
  • Access the Water Protection website for information, forms and more. 
  • Submit TMRs electronically in the WEIRS Database or by mail. 
  • Re-register/Update tester information.
Approved Backflow Gauge Testing Companies

Calibration of backflow test kits is vital to ensure they are working properly. Below is a list of local approved backflow gauge testing companies: 

Company Address Telephone
Fluid Meter Service Corp 7304 McNeil Drive, Suite 604, Austin TX 78729 512-258-3594
Test Gauge & Backflow Supply 3321 Garden Brook Drive, Farmers Branch TX 75234 469-206-3741

If you are a backflow gauge testing company and would like to be added to this list, please email your company name, address and telephone number to awcrossconnection@austintexas.gov.

BPAT Forms & Resources

Forms 

Lists 

Misc. 

For more information, contact the Austin Water Protection team by phone at 512-972-1060 or via email at awcrossconnection@austintexas.gov.