City water utility · Washington
Backflow testing in Renton, WA
City of Renton Water Utility's rules: who must test, when it's due, testers, filing and penalties.
Renton requires a yearly test of every backflow assembly (businesses, apartments, sprinklers, fire lines) by a state-certified tester, who files online in iBackflow at no charge. Reports are due 30 days after the yearly notice. Not testing can end in a water shut-off.
- Who
- Lawn sprinkler systems: every year
- Fire sprinkler lines: every year
- Businesses: every year
- Apartments and condos: every year
- Homes (other than sprinklers): every year (some)
- Due
- Test every year.
- Testers
- 25 testers on City of Renton Water Utility's list (PDF, March 2026)
- Filing
- Your tester files online in iBackflow. Fee: No charge to testers (the city supplies the report credits).
- If late
- Water can be shut off.
Who must have a backflow test
Owners of backflow assemblies on Renton water service must have them tested every year by a state-certified tester, at the owner's cost, whether or not a notice arrives. The most common cases are businesses, apartment buildings, lawn sprinklers and fire sprinkler systems. A new assembly is tested when it is installed.
- Lawn sprinkler systemsRequiredevery year
Lawn sprinkler systems need an assembly. The type depends on the system, and a pump or chemical additives call for a stronger one. Call the program before you install or change a system.
- Fire sprinkler linesRequiredevery year
Fire sprinkler systems and fire service lines are on the city's list of connections that need an assembly.
- BusinessesRequiredevery year
Examples: medical, dental and vet clinics, hospitals, labs, food and drink plants, car washes, metal plating, film processors, post-mix soda machines and boilers.
- Apartments and condosRequiredevery year
Apartment and other multi-family services are among the most common places the city requires an assembly.
- Homes (other than sprinklers)Someevery year
Applies if the home has lawn irrigation, a boiler or another connection that needs an assembly. A home with a private water source may need an assembly at the service entrance, even if that source is not connected to city pipes.
Assemblies tested: Reduced pressure assembly (RP or RPZ), Double check valve assembly, Pressure vacuum breaker, Double check detector assembly (fire lines), Air gap. What these are
Source: codepublishing.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
When the test is due
Test every year. Renton sends a yearly test notice to each owner. The test report must reach the city within 30 days after you receive it. The test is your duty even if no notice arrives.
Notices: The city sends owners a yearly Backflow Assembly Test Notice. You must return the test report within 30 days after you receive it. Have your tester file as soon as the test is done.
Source: codepublishing.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
Finding a tester
Hire a Washington State certified Backflow Assembly Tester. Renton accepts reports from any of them. The city posts a partial list of testers who work in the area, but it does not recommend any company on it. The state's Hire-a-BAT lookup lists certified testers by county. Make sure the company you hire is licensed for the work, and get more than one price.
PDF · 25 testers · dated Mar 18, 2026
Source: rentonwa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Filing the test report
- Who files
- Your tester
- How
- Online in iBackflow
- Deadline
- Within 30 days of completing the test after the test
- Fee
- No charge to testers (the city supplies the report credits)
Your tester files the report online in iBackflow, the city's reporting system. The city pays for the report credits, so testers do not buy any. Each tester needs a personal iBackflow account. A short training video on the city's program page shows how to file a report. The owner is still responsible for making sure the report reaches the city on time.
Source: rentonwa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
If the test is late or fails
Failing to cooperate in testing is grounds for ending your water service, or for requiring an air gap. If a problem is still not fixed at the first reinspection, the city sends a letter and allows 15 more days. If it is still not fixed at the second reinspection, a letter says water will be shut off within 5 days. A serious health threat can mean an immediate shut-off with no notice.
Failed test: When an assembly fails, the city writes to the owner. The assembly must be repaired or replaced, and a passing test report sent to the city. Call the program to ask how long you have.
Rule: Renton Municipal Code 4-6-020(F) (owner and utility duties; termination of service)
Source: codepublishing.com · checked Oct 18, 2026
For testers working in Renton
Testers must register with City of Renton Water Utility before their reports are accepted.
- Washington State Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) certification
- A personal iBackflow account for each tester, with a separate email address for each
- Certificate number and expiration date on the account
- Test kit make, model, serial number and last calibration date (two kits per tester at first)
Registration fee: No charge to testers
Email iBackflow support (the address is on the city's program page) with each tester's name, phone, email, certificate number and expiration date, and test kit details. Each tester needs their own email address. Office staff who enter reports for testers need a separate service provider admin account, which support also sets up. A short training video shows how to file a report.
Source: rentonwa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
The rules behind it
- Renton Municipal Code 4-6-020, Cross connection control standards: Owners must have assemblies tested every year by a certified tester and return reports within 30 days after the yearly notice. Failing to cooperate is grounds to end water service.
- WAC 246-290-490: State cross-connection control rule.
Contact City of Renton Water Utility
- Program
- Cross Connection Control Program
- Phone
- 425-430-7207
- [email protected]
- Run by
- iBackflow
Source: rentonwa.gov · checked Oct 18, 2026
Backflow testing in Renton: questions
Do I need a backflow test for my sprinkler system in Renton?
Yes. City of Renton Water Utility requires backflow assemblies on lawn sprinkler systems to be tested every year. Lawn sprinkler systems need an assembly. The type depends on the system, and a pump or chemical additives call for a stronger one. Call the program before you install or change a system.
When is my backflow test due in Renton?
Test every year. Renton sends a yearly test notice to each owner. The test report must reach the city within 30 days after you receive it. The test is your duty even if no notice arrives. The city sends owners a yearly Backflow Assembly Test Notice. You must return the test report within 30 days after you receive it. Have your tester file as soon as the test is done.
How do I find a backflow tester in Renton?
Hire a Washington State certified Backflow Assembly Tester. Renton accepts reports from any of them. The city posts a partial list of testers who work in the area, but it does not recommend any company on it. The state's Hire-a-BAT lookup lists certified testers by county. Make sure the company you hire is licensed for the work, and get more than one price.
Who sends the backflow test report to City of Renton Water Utility?
Your tester files the test report in iBackflow, within 30 days of completing the test. Filing fee: No charge to testers (the city supplies the report credits). Your tester files the report online in iBackflow, the city's reporting system. The city pays for the report credits, so testers do not buy any. Each tester needs a personal iBackflow account. A short training video on the city's program page shows how to file a report. The owner is still responsible for making sure the report reaches the city on time.
What happens if I skip my backflow test in Renton?
Failing to cooperate in testing is grounds for ending your water service, or for requiring an air gap. If a problem is still not fixed at the first reinspection, the city sends a letter and allows 15 more days. If it is still not fixed at the second reinspection, a letter says water will be shut off within 5 days. A serious health threat can mean an immediate shut-off with no notice.
What if my backflow assembly fails the test?
When an assembly fails, the city writes to the owner. The assembly must be repaired or replaced, and a passing test report sent to the city. Call the program to ask how long you have.
Every fact on this page comes from City of Renton Water Utility'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.