State guide
Backflow testing in Colorado
Colorado's drinking water rule (Regulation 11, section 11.39) makes every water system run a backflow program and have its assemblies tested every year by a tester certified by ASSE or ABPA. The state issues no tester license of its own. Fire sprinkler assemblies also need a state-registered contractor.
What Colorado requires
Every public water system in Colorado must run a written backflow and cross-connection control program. The system must make sure each backflow assembly is tested when it is installed and every year after, by a tester certified by ASSE or ABPA. If an assembly fails, it must be repaired or replaced and retested, or service must be shut off, within 120 days of the failed test notice. A system may shut off water to a customer who does not test, but the assembly must be tested before service comes back. Each utility adds its own rules and fees.
Run by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Water Quality Control Division, Safe Drinking Water Program under Regulation 11 (5 CCR 1002-11), section 11.39, Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Rule, CDPHE Safe Drinking Water Program Policy DW-007, Backflow Prevention and Cross-connection Control, Colorado HB25-1077 (C.R.S. 25-8-107 and 12-155-118).
Source: coloradosos.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Who certifies testers
Colorado does not give its own tester exam. Under Regulation 11, a tester counts as certified when he or she holds a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification from ASSE or ABPA. An expired certificate does not count. Since 2025 a plumbing license is not needed to test, inspect or repair an assembly, but it is still needed to install or remove one. Tag each assembly you test or repair. To work on fire sprinkler assemblies, your company must also register with the state fire division. Each utility may add its own rules.
Source: dfpc.colorado.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Water utilities in Colorado
Pick your water provider: it is the name on your water bill or on your test notice.
- AuroraAurora WaterSprinklers: every yearFiles in SpryBackflowShut-off possibleHave each required assembly tested at least once a year.
- Colorado SpringsColorado Springs UtilitiesSprinklers: every yearFiles in SwiftComplyShut-off possibleIrrigation assemblies must be tested, and the result filed, by July 1 each year.
- DenverDenver WaterSprinklers: every yearShut-off possibleHave each assembly tested once a year.
Backflow testing in Colorado: questions
Which Colorado water utilities require yearly sprinkler backflow tests?
Of the 3 utilities on this site, all require a yearly test of lawn sprinkler backflow assemblies: Aurora, Colorado Springs and Denver.
Who certifies backflow testers in Colorado?
Colorado does not give its own tester exam. Under Regulation 11, a tester counts as certified when he or she holds a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification from ASSE or ABPA. An expired certificate does not count. Since 2025 a plumbing license is not needed to test, inspect or repair an assembly, but it is still needed to install or remove one. Tag each assembly you test or repair. To work on fire sprinkler assemblies, your company must also register with the state fire division. Each utility may add its own rules.
Can a Colorado utility shut off my water for a missed backflow test?
All utilities on this site say they can: Aurora, Colorado Springs and Denver. Each one sends notices first; see its page for the steps and fees.
Do fire sprinkler lines in Colorado need backflow tests?
Yes, at Aurora, Colorado Springs and Denver, every year. Check each utility's page for which fire lines are covered.