City water utility · Washington
Backflow testing in Bellevue, WA
City of Bellevue Utilities's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Bellevue requires a yearly test of every backflow assembly (sprinklers, fire lines, boilers, businesses) by a state-certified tester, who files online with the code on your letter. Letters start with about 30 days to comply and can end in a water shutoff notice.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year
- Businesses: every year
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Due
- Test every year.
- Testers
- City of Bellevue Utilities's list (PDF)
- Filing
- Your tester files online in Backflow Assembly Testing Portal. No filing fee listed.
- If late
- Water can be shut off.
Who must have a backflow test
Every backflow assembly on a Bellevue water service must be tested every year by a state-certified tester, and also when installed, repaired, moved, or after a backflow incident. The owner pays for testing, repairs and replacement. High-hazard businesses must have an assembly or air gap right at the meter.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredevery year
Lawn irrigation systems are on the city's list of connections that need an assembly.
- Fire sprinkler linesRequiredevery year
Fire sprinkler systems are on the city's list of connections that need an assembly.
- BusinessesRequiredevery year
High-hazard sites need a reduced pressure assembly or air gap at the meter. Examples: car washes, laundries, food and beverage plants, farms, labs, hospitals and clinics, metal plating, and sites with a well, lake or stream supply.
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Someevery year
Applies if the home has a boiler, pool or spa, water feature, photo development equipment, or a well, lake or stream water supply.
Assemblies tested: Reduced pressure assembly (RP or RPZ), Reduced pressure detector assembly (fire lines), Double check valve assembly, Double check detector assembly (fire lines), Pressure vacuum breaker, Spill-resistant vacuum breaker. What these are
Source: bellevuewa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Test every year. Bellevue sends a letter each year with a due date, usually about 30 days out. Test as soon as you can, and have your tester file the results in the city's online portal before the date on the letter.
Notices: A first letter goes out every year, usually with 30 days to comply. It lists your assemblies and has a code for your tester. If the city has nothing by the due date, a second letter warns that water may be shut off. A third letter, usually with 7 days to comply, warns of enforcement under city code. Then a door hanger says water will be shut off. Ignore the letter if your tester already filed.
Source: bellevuewa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Use the city's list of backflow testing companies, or any other state-certified tester. Your letter also has a random list on the back. You are not limited to these companies, but your tester must be certified and must file in the city's online portal. Get more than one price.
Source: bellevuewa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in Backflow Assembly Testing Portal
- Fee
- None listed by the utility
- Form
- Test report form
Your letter has a code. Give it to your tester, who enters the results in the city's online portal before the due date. If you lost the letter, email the program to get a code. For a new or replacement assembly, the tester sends the city's paper test form instead. The customer is responsible for making sure the report gets filed on time.
Source: bellevuewa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
If you do not respond, Bellevue sends a second letter warning that water may be shut off, then a third letter with about 7 days to comply. A door hanger then says water will be shut off. The city can also require an assembly at your meter. Call the program for fee amounts.
Failed test: A failed assembly must be repaired and retested, or replaced right away. Call the program if you have questions.
Rule: Bellevue City Code 24.02.190 (cross-connection control); enforcement under BCC 1.18.075
Source: bellevuewa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Bellevue
Testers must register with City of Bellevue Utilities before their reports are accepted.
- Current Washington BAT certification on file with the city
- Current test kit calibration on file with the city
- Latest state-approved (USC) test procedures; other methods only with the city's approval
- Report with everything WAC 246-292-036 requires
- The customer's code from their notice letter to file results in the portal
Keep your BAT certification and test kit calibration on file with the city; contact the program to send updated copies. To file results online, ask the customer for the code printed on their notice letter. If the customer lost it, they can email the program for a new one. The city accepts reports only from currently certified testers.
Source: bellevuewa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Bellevue City Code 24.02.190, Cross-connection abatement and control: All backflow assemblies must be tested and certified every year by a state-certified tester. The owner pays all costs and fees.
- Bellevue City Code 24.02.250 and 24.02.280: Fees and civil enforcement for water utility rules.
- Bellevue City Code 1.18.075: Escalating enforcement named in the city's notice steps.
- WAC 246-290-490: State cross-connection control rule.
Contact City of Bellevue Utilities
- Program
- Backflow Prevention (Cross Connection Control Program)
- Phone
- 425-452-5208
- [email protected]
Source: bellevuewa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Bellevue: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Bellevue?
Yes. City of Bellevue Utilities requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested every year. Lawn irrigation systems are on the city's list of connections that need an assembly.
When is my backflow test due in Bellevue?
Test every year. Bellevue sends a letter each year with a due date, usually about 30 days out. Test as soon as you can, and have your tester file the results in the city's online portal before the date on the letter. A first letter goes out every year, usually with 30 days to comply. It lists your assemblies and has a code for your tester. If the city has nothing by the due date, a second letter warns that water may be shut off. A third letter, usually with 7 days to comply, warns of enforcement under city code. Then a door hanger says water will be shut off. Ignore the letter if your tester already filed.
How do I find a backflow tester in Bellevue?
Use the city's list of backflow testing companies, or any other state-certified tester. Your letter also has a random list on the back. You are not limited to these companies, but your tester must be certified and must file in the city's online portal. Get more than one price.
Who sends the backflow test report to City of Bellevue Utilities?
Your tester files the test report in Backflow Assembly Testing Portal. Your letter has a code. Give it to your tester, who enters the results in the city's online portal before the due date. If you lost the letter, email the program to get a code. For a new or replacement assembly, the tester sends the city's paper test form instead. The customer is responsible for making sure the report gets filed on time.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Bellevue?
If you do not respond, Bellevue sends a second letter warning that water may be shut off, then a third letter with about 7 days to comply. A door hanger then says water will be shut off. The city can also require an assembly at your meter. Call the program for fee amounts.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
A failed assembly must be repaired and retested, or replaced right away. Call the program if you have questions.
Every fact on this page comes from City of Bellevue Utilities'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.