The City of Spokane's Cross-Connection Control Program safeguards our water system from potential contamination that could, under certain circumstances, be drawn into the public water supply from private properties. All water services must have an approved backflow prevention assembly installed and tested annually by a certified tester.
To ensure safe drinking water, state regulations require all customers—residential, multifamily, and commercial—to test their backflow devices every year. After installation, backflow devices must be tested to confirm proper function, and annual testing by a Washington State-certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) is mandatory.
For a list of Washington State certified testers please refer to the Backflow Assembly Testers list.
A backflow assembly is a device that prevents water from flowing in the wrong direction and contaminating the public drinking water system.
Yes, if you have any of the following:
Annual testing ensures the backflow assembly is functioning properly. Skipping annual tests increases the risk of failure and water contamination.
Testing is required under Washington State law (WAC 246-290-490), the City of Spokane regulations, and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974.
Backflow assemblies must be tested every year, ideally before you turn on your irrigation system.
Failure to test increases the risk of contamination for your home and the public water supply.
The City is authorized to shut off water service until the issue is resolved. Contact us at 509.625.7969 or watercrossconnection@spokanecity.org to schedule a test or discuss your timeline.
Only individuals with current Washington State certification can perform backflow tests. View the list of Certified Backflow Assembly Testers.
Yes. Even unused systems require annual testing because water sitting in the system can become contaminated.
If you no longer use your irrigation system, you can cut and cap it. Submit photos of the capped system to watercrossconnection@spokanecity.org to remove your backflow assembly from our records.
Backflow protection is required for all non-potable water sources. If your neighbor isn't testing, it's possible their assembly isn't recorded with the City, and they aren't receiving reminders.
If your backflow assembly fails, it must be repaired or replaced. Many issues can be resolved during the test.
After repairs, the assembly must be retested to confirm it is functioning correctly.
No. All properties must comply with current backflow prevention requirements, regardless of how long you've lived there.
A licensed plumber or contractor familiar with backflow prevention requirements should handle installation. The process isn’t complete until a passing test report is submitted.
You can purchase a backflow assembly from a local hardware store or online. Ensure it is on the USC-approved list of backflow assemblies.
Some assemblies, like a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), can be installed indoors. However, Vacuum Breakers (PVBs) should not be installed indoors due to the risk of flooding if they fail.
It may reduce downstream water pressure by up to 10 psi. Consult the manufacturer for specific details.
No. Only testable backflow assemblies, such as a DCVA or PVB, meet Spokane's requirements for backflow prevention.
Non-compliance with backflow prevention requirements can result in water service being shut off, per the City of Spokane's Cross-Connection Control Program.
Yes, reminders are sent:
The City may not have received your tester's report, or you may have received a notice before the report was submitted. Follow up with your tester to ensure the report is filed.
Need Help? Contact Us
Phone: 509.625.7969
Email: watercrossconnection@spokanecity.org
For inspection requests, answers to specific cross connection control questions and lists of approved assemblies please contact the Spokane Water Department Cross Connection Control Program at 509.625.7969 or by email at WaterCrossConnection@spokanecity.org.
Under WAC 246-290, backflow prevention assemblies that appear on the USC-Approved Assemblies List are acceptable for protection of the public water system.
