Preventing contaminated water from re-entering our drinking water
On November 4, Hillsborough County migrated to a new platform, Backflow BMP, for backflow test submittals. See the "Certified Testers" section below for how to enroll and a link to the BMP portal to submit test results.
Click the button below to watch a recording of a meeting to learn how to submit documents through the new BMP platform.
Backflow assemblies allow potable water to move in only one direction to the point of delivery, preventing contaminated water from re-entering our drinking water.
Property owners
Common questions you may have 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
- You must test your backflow assemblies using only a registered Hillsborough County certified tester
- View the registered Hillsborough County certified testers list
What if the test fails?
- You are responsible for repairing or replacing any backflow preventers that fail to meet performance standards
- Contact the Cross-Connection Control unit at backflowprogram@hcfl.gov 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 backflowprogram@hcfl.gov:
- 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 you submit this information you should receive a registration completion email from backflowprogram@hcfl.gov 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 at backflowprogram@hcfl.gov.
All new installations, replacements and relocations (at a Hillsborough County Public Utilities water service connection) require a permit to be pulled through the HillsGovHub permitting portal. The installation or replacement will need to 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. Make sure a copy of the completed backflow test report is emailed to backflowprgram@hcfl.gov for permit inspection approval and subsequent permit closure. Once these requirement have been reviewed and approved the permit will be deemed 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, please contact our Water Resources department at (813) 272-6680 or email backflowprogram@hcfl.gov.