A Consumer’s Guide to Backflow Prevention in Texas

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires all public water systems to maintain a cross-connection control program that protects the distribution system delivering drinking water to your home or business.

A cross-connection control program includes:

• An inspection of the customer’s private plumbing to identify and prevent cross-connections and potential contamination, including contamination from high lead levels in the plumbing.
• Installation and testing of backflow- prevention assemblies, where required.
• Rules to prevent cross-connections and unacceptable plumbing practices—ordinances, regulations, service agreements, and a plumbing code.

Some public water systems may have more stringent requirements than the TCEQ. TCEQ regulations are the minimum requirement.

How can backflow be prevented?

Backflow into a potable-water system can be prevented by using a backflow-prevention assembly, or an air gap, which is a physical separation between the water supply and a potential source of pollution. Licensed professionals as well as your public water system are responsible for determining the type of backflow-prevention assembly required, based on the degree of hazard.

Testing backflow-prevention assemblies

Backflow-prevention assemblies are mechanical assemblies that can fail, therefore the TCEQ requires testing of all backflow-prevention assemblies at installation by a TCEQ-licensed tester. Backflow-prevention assemblies installed to protect against a health hazard must be tested annually.

How can I find out more information about backflow?

For more information about backflow and cross-connection control, visit tceq.texas.gov/goto/cc or abpa.org

Questions about The City of Pearland’s Backflow and Cross Connection Program please contact:

Nathaniel Smith
Backflow Compliance Coordinator 
nsmith@pearlandtx.gov 
281.652.1817

Backflow Ordinance

Pearland Certified BackflowTester List

Types of high hazard locations

Frequently Asked Questions for Backflow Prevention