City water utility · Texas
Backflow testing in Arlington, TX
Arlington Water Utilities (City of Arlington)'s rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Arlington requires a city-registered tester to test health-hazard backflow assemblies at least yearly, and any assembly after installation, repair or a move. Testers file online in Envirotrax within 10 days. High-hazard sites pay $37.93 a year. Skipping tests is a misdemeanor.
- Who
- Businesses: every year (some)
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year (some)
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year (some)
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Due
- Test an assembly right after it is installed, replaced or repaired, and whenever it is moved.
- Testers
- 437 testers on Arlington Water Utilities (City of Arlington)'s list (online search)
- Filing
- Your tester files online in Envirotrax. Fee: $37.93 a year for each high-hazard assembly (annual registration).
- If late
- Failing or refusing to have assemblies tested is a misdemeanor, and each day is a separate offense.
Who must have a backflow test
Every backflow assembly must be tested right after it is installed, replaced or repaired, and whenever it is moved. Assemblies that protect against health hazards must be tested at least once a year. The city tells owners to test their assembly once a year. Testers must be certified and registered with the city.
- BusinessesSomeat least once a year for health hazard or high hazard assemblies
Owners of high-hazard assemblies also register each assembly every year and pay a fee.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsSomeevery year if the system is a health hazard; at installation if not
A sprinkler system with no health hazard needs the test only when installed.
- Fire sprinkler linesSomeat least once a year if it protects against a health hazard
Only a tester who is permanently employed by a state-approved fire line contractor may test fire lines.
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Someat least once a year if the assembly protects against a health hazard
A home with a cross connection must remove it or install an approved assembly.
Source: arlingtontx.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Test an assembly right after it is installed, replaced or repaired, and whenever it is moved. Test health-hazard assemblies at least once a year. A building empty for a year needs a test before anyone moves back in. Your tester must report the result to the city within 10 days.
Source: arlingtontx.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Use the city's list of registered backflow testers on Envirotrax. It can show only testers licensed for fire line testing. Your tester must hold a state license and be registered with Arlington.
Online search · 437 testers
Source: arlingtontx.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in Envirotrax
- Deadline
- Within 10 days of testing after the test
- Fee
- $37.93 a year for each high-hazard assembly (annual registration) (paid by the customer)
Testers enter results online in Envirotrax. Paper reports are no longer accepted. Owners of high-hazard assemblies also register each assembly every year and pay the annual fee.
Source: arlingtontx.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
Failing or refusing to have assemblies tested is a misdemeanor, and each day is a separate offense. Fines can reach $500, or $2,000 if intent is shown. The city can cut off water without notice to stop a backflow that is an immediate danger. New buildings get no permanent water until assemblies pass a test.
- Fine per offense: Up to $500
- Fine per offense when intent is shown: Up to $2,000
Failed test: A repaired or replaced assembly must be tested again right away.
Rule: Arlington City Code, Backflow Prevention Chapter, §§ 2.12, 3.01 and 5.01
Source: arlingtontx.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Arlington
Testers must register with Arlington Water Utilities (City of Arlington) before their reports are accepted.
- State (TCEQ) backflow tester certification
- Register with the city every year
- Register through Envirotrax with proof of license, insurance and test gauge accuracy
- Test kit able to hold a calibration of plus or minus 0.2 psid
- Test each recorded kit for accuracy every year, to a 2 percent accuracy factor
- Register the serial number of each test kit
- Report each test to the city within 10 days and give the owner a copy
- Keep testing and repair records for 3 years
- Fire lines: permanent employee of a state-approved fire line contractor
Registration fee: Annual non-refundable fee set by City Council
Create an account in Envirotrax. Add your license, your insurance and a test for accuracy certificate for each gauge. After the city verifies them, you are added to the approved list. Registration lasts one year from the date you register. The city can revoke it for false reports, bad gauges, expired insurance or reports filed late three or more times in a year.
Source: arlingtontx.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Arlington City Code, Backflow Prevention Chapter: Testing (§ 2.12), tester registration (§§ 2.15 and 2.16), fees (Art. IV), penalties (§ 5.01).
- Arlington City Code, Irrigation Chapter § 4.04: Health-hazard irrigation assemblies are tested at installation and yearly; others at installation.
- 30 TAC § 290.44(h): State testing rule.
Contact Arlington Water Utilities (City of Arlington)
- Program
- Cross Connection Program
- Phone
- 817-459-6777
- Run by
- Envirotrax
Source: arlingtontx.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Arlington: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Arlington?
Only some systems need it, and then every year if the system is a health hazard; at installation if not. A sprinkler system with no health hazard needs the test only when installed.
When is my backflow test due in Arlington?
Test an assembly right after it is installed, replaced or repaired, and whenever it is moved. Test health-hazard assemblies at least once a year. A building empty for a year needs a test before anyone moves back in. Your tester must report the result to the city within 10 days.
How do I find a backflow tester in Arlington?
Use the city's list of registered backflow testers on Envirotrax. It can show only testers licensed for fire line testing. Your tester must hold a state license and be registered with Arlington.
Who sends the backflow test report to Arlington Water Utilities (City of Arlington)?
Your tester files the test report in Envirotrax, within 10 days of testing. Filing fee: $37.93 a year for each high-hazard assembly (annual registration), paid by the customer. Testers enter results online in Envirotrax. Paper reports are no longer accepted. Owners of high-hazard assemblies also register each assembly every year and pay the annual fee.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Arlington?
Failing or refusing to have assemblies tested is a misdemeanor, and each day is a separate offense. Fines can reach $500, or $2,000 if intent is shown. The city can cut off water without notice to stop a backflow that is an immediate danger. New buildings get no permanent water until assemblies pass a test.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
A repaired or replaced assembly must be tested again right away.
Every fact on this page comes from Arlington Water Utilities (City of Arlington)'s own pages, forms or code, checked Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: your notice and the utility have the final word. Spot a mistake? Tell us.