Received a Backflow Testing Notice?
Do not panic — but do not wait either. We help hundreds of property owners every year resolve their water district testing notices quickly and stress-free. Most appointments are completed within the same week, and we handle all the paperwork so you do not have to deal with the water district directly.
Why You Received The Notice
First — take a breath. Receiving a backflow testing notice does not mean something is wrong with your water. It is a routine compliance requirement that water districts send to all property owners with backflow prevention devices. By law, these devices must be tested annually by a certified tester to ensure they are still functioning properly and protecting the public water supply.
Your water provider maintains a database of every backflow device in their service area. When a device's annual certification expires, the system automatically generates and mails a testing notice to the property owner. It is purely administrative — but it does have a real deadline you need to meet.
The notice typically includes your device's location, its last test date, the deadline for completing the test, and instructions for submitting the certification report. If any of this information looks incorrect, we can help you sort it out with the water district.
Local Water Providers We Work With
San Jose Water Company
San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga
Santa Clara Valley Water District
All of Santa Clara County
San Jose Municipal Water System
North San Jose, Alviso, Evergreen
California Water Service
Cupertino, Los Altos, parts of Sunnyvale
City of Sunnyvale Water Division
Sunnyvale
City of Santa Clara Water & Sewer
Santa Clara
What Happens If You Ignore It
Ignoring a backflow testing notice is not like ignoring a junk mail flyer. Water districts have real enforcement powers, and the consequences escalate quickly.
Financial Penalties
Water districts can and do issue fines for non-compliance. Fines typically start at $50 to $200 but can escalate to $500 or more for repeated violations. Some districts charge daily fines until compliance is achieved.
Water Service Shutoff
If you ignore repeated notices, your water provider has the legal authority to shut off water service to your property until the backflow test is completed and certification is filed. No property is exempt — residential, commercial, and industrial all face the same enforcement.
Property Liens
In some jurisdictions, unresolved backflow compliance violations can result in a lien being placed on your property. This can block a home sale, complicate refinancing, and create title issues that are expensive to resolve.
Legal Liability
If a contamination event occurs and your property's backflow device is found to be non-compliant, you could face significant legal liability. Insurance policies may not cover damages resulting from known code violations.
Bottom line: The fastest and cheapest way to resolve a notice is to schedule your test as soon as you receive it. Ignoring it only makes things worse and more expensive.
How Long Do You Have?
Deadlines vary by water provider. The most common deadline is 30 days from the notice date — but do not wait until the last minute. Scheduling early ensures you meet the deadline even if your device needs a repair.
San Jose Water Company
10-day extension may be available if test is already scheduled
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Extensions considered on a case-by-case basis with proof of scheduling
San Jose Municipal Water System
15-day extension available upon written request
California Water Service
Contact directly — policies vary by service area
City of Sunnyvale Water Division
Extensions available with scheduled appointment confirmation
City of Santa Clara Water & Sewer
One 30-day extension available if requested before deadline
What if your device fails the test?
If your device fails its certification test, most water districts give you an additional 14 to 30 days to complete repairs and re-test. This is why scheduling early is critical — it gives you a buffer in case repairs are needed. We handle both testing and repair, so you are covered either way.
What Is Backflow Testing?
Backflow testing is a technical inspection that verifies your backflow prevention device is working correctly. A certified tester connects a calibrated gauge kit to the device and measures water pressure at specific test points to confirm that each check valve is sealing properly and preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the public water supply.
The test itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes for a standard residential device. The tester records all pressure readings, gauge serial numbers, and pass/fail results on an official certification form. If the device passes, you receive a completed certification report that must be filed with your water district.
Takes 15-30 Minutes
Quick, non-invasive test at your property
Immediate Results
You know pass or fail on the spot
Certified Technician
AWWA-certified tester with calibrated equipment
District Filed
Paperwork submitted to your water provider
How The Process Works
Four simple steps from the moment you call us to having your notice fully resolved. We designed this process to be as stress-free as possible for property owners.
Call or Book Online
Contact us with your notice details — or just send us a photo of the notice. We will identify your water provider, confirm the deadline, and schedule a convenient appointment. No complicated forms, no phone tree.
We Come to Your Property
A certified technician arrives at the scheduled time with calibrated test equipment. The device is typically located outside near your water meter — you do not even need to be home for most properties.
Testing & Results
The technician connects the test kit and measures pressure at each check valve. If the device passes, you receive the certification report immediately. If it fails, the technician will explain the issue and provide repair options.
Paperwork Filed for You
We submit the certification report to your water district on your behalf. You receive digital and printed copies for your records. We also set a reminder for next year so you never miss another deadline.
Schedule Your Service
The fastest way to resolve your notice is to schedule right now. We will confirm your water provider deadline, assign a certified technician, and get your test completed — typically within the same week. All paperwork is handled for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resolve Your Notice Today
The fastest and easiest way to put that notice behind you. We handle everything — testing, certification, and filing the paperwork with your water district. Same-week appointments available. Serving San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and all South Bay cities.
Do not wait until your deadline is days away. Schedule now and get it taken care of.