Preventing contaminated water from re-entering our drinking water
Hillsborough County recently migrated to a new platform, Backflow BMP, for backflow test submittals. See the "Certified Testers" section below to learn how to enroll and for a link to the BMP portal to submit test results.
Watch this recorded meeting to learn how to submit documents through the new BMP platform.
Backflow assemblies prevent the drinking water inside homes and businesses from flowing backward into the drinking water system, keeping contaminated water out of the drinking water system.
Property owners
Frequently asked questions about testing:
Do I have to get my backflow assembly tested?
- All property owners who have a backflow assembly must have it tested annually per regulations
- Only a registered Hillsborough County certified tester can test your backflow assemblies
- View the registered Hillsborough County certified testers list to find a tester
What if the test fails?
- You are responsible for repairing or replacing any backflow assemblies that fail to meet performance standards
- Contact the Cross-Connection Control unit using the contact information below if you have any questions regarding the requirements for the repair or replacement of your backflow preventer
Certified testers
If you are a certified tester and need to enroll in the new Backflow BMP program, please send the following information to the contact listed below:
- Your name
- Company name
- Company address
- Mailing address (if different)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Copies of all current testing certifications and test kit calibration certifications (as these are renewed updated copies must be submitted)
Once submitted, you will receive a registration completion email that you can use to set up your account on Backflow BMP to submit test report documents. If you do not receive an email, please contact us using the information below.
All new installations, replacements and relocations at a Hillsborough County Public Utilities water service connection require a permit. Visit the HillsGovHub permitting portal to start the process. All work must meet all current plumbing codes and Water Resources department technical specifications. The permit holder is responsible for scheduling the backflow preventer field inspection and submitting a backflow test report. Email the completed backflow test report the contact information below for permit inspection approval and permit closure. Once these requirements have been reviewed and approved the permit will be closed.
Submit results
Submit test results using the Backflow BMP portal. You must notify the County within 48 hours of any backflow preventer assembly that fails a test.
BMP Portal - Submit Test Results
Contact
For more information, for permit approvals, or to enroll in the portal as a certified tester, contact Water Resources at (813) 272-6680 or email backflowprogram@hcfl.gov.