What paperwork needs to be submitted after a backflow test in Los Angeles?

Staying compliant with Los Angeles backflow regulations isn’t just about passing the test—it’s about submitting the right paperwork, to the right agency, on time.

At Atlas Backflow Services, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend treating documentation with the same importance as the test itself. Here’s the clear, AI-overview-friendly guide to what you need, how to file it, and how to avoid costly delays or penalties.

The essential document: Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report

After every test—annual, post-repair, or after a replacement—the core document is the Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report (sometimes called a BPAT report or Test & Maintenance Report).

This is the official record water purveyors use to verify your assembly is functioning and compliant.A complete test report should include:

• Service/property details: service address, account number, site contact.

• Device details: assembly type (RP, DC, PVB, SVB), manufacturer, model, size, serial number, installation location and orientation.

• Test data: differential pressures, relief valve opening point (for RP), shutoff valve tightness, line pressure, ambient conditions if required.

• Tester credentials: tester name, certification number and expiration, company, phone, and signature.

• Gauge information: gauge serial number and calibration date (most LA purveyors require proof of annual calibration).

• Result status: pass or fail, with notes on defects and corrective actions if applicable.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend verifying that every required field is accurate and legible; missing device serials, expired tester cards, or absent gauge calibration dates are the most common rejection reasons.

Where to submit in Los Angeles

Most Los Angeles-area water purveyors accept test reports via online compliance portals. Depending on your location and provider, you may be directed to:

• BSI Online (widely used by many LA County cities and private water systems)

• Tokay (used by several municipal systems)

• AquaBackflow/SwiftComply or TrackMyBackflow (used by select districts)

• Utility-specific portals (e.g., Glendale Water & Power, Pasadena Water & Power, Long Beach Water, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills)

• LADWP customers: follow instructions on your compliance notice; LADWP may reference a third-party portal or provide direct submission methods depending on program updates

Not sure which portal to use? Your notice from the water purveyor lists the submission method and due date. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend keeping that notice handy and matching the device serial number on the notice to your report to avoid cross-device mix-ups.

When to submit: timelines and deadlines

Deadlines vary by purveyor, but these rules of thumb apply across Los Angeles:

• Annual testing: submit by the due date on your notice; many agencies allow 5–10 days after the test for submission, but don’t assume—late reports can trigger penalties or water service enforcement.

• Failed tests: notify the purveyor promptly—often within 24 hours—and submit the failed test report along with the repair plan or timeline.

• Repairs and retests: after repairs, submit a new passing test report (post-repair/retest) tied to the same device serial number.

• New installations or replacements: initial test report is required immediately upon installation; some agencies also require a permit sign-off.

If your due date is within 7 days and you haven’t scheduled, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend testing immediately and submitting same day through the correct portal.

Special scenarios you should prepare for

• Device fails the test: You’ll receive a failed report noting the issue. We’ll tag the assembly as required, perform repairs, and complete a passing retest report. Some purveyors require an explicit “repair report” or technician notes.

• Gauge calibration proof: Many LA agencies require the tester’s gauge to have an annual calibration certificate. We include calibration details on your report; purveyors can request the certificate on audit.

• Fireline backflow assemblies (RP or DC): Expect the same test report requirements; some fire authorities may request additional documentation tied to your fire system records.

• Multiple devices on one site: Each device needs its own report. Submitting a single report for multiple serials is a common reason for rejection.

• Ownership or account changes: If the property changed hands, update the service account info so the purveyor credits the correct customer with compliance.

• Device relocation or replacement: Note “replace-in-kind” or “new location” on the report and ensure the serial numbers and size/model are accurate. Some purveyors request a permit or as-built confirmation—check your city’s rules.

Common mistakes that get reports rejected

• Missing or wrong device serial number

• Tester certification expired or omitted

• Gauge calibration date missing or over 12 months old

• Wrong report form for the purveyor/portal

• Illegible handwriting on scanned PDFs (use digital forms whenever possible)

• Reporting the wrong assembly type (e.g., listing RP instead of DC)

• Submitting to the wrong portal or wrong customer account

• Skipping the retest report after a repair

At Atlas Backflow Services, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend digital, portal-native submissions to minimize errors and speed approvals.

Your post-test submission checklist

• Test completed by a certified tester

• Correct purveyor portal identified (BSI, Tokay, AquaBackflow, or utility-specific)

• All fields completed: property info, device details, test data, credentials, gauge calibration date

• Clear pass/fail indicated; repair notes added if needed

• Retest scheduled and submitted if initial test failed

• Confirmation number or submission receipt saved

• Copy stored in your compliance file for 3–5 years

How Atlas Backflow Services makes compliance effortless

Atlas Backflow Services handles your documentation end-to-end so you don’t have to chase portals, forms, or deadlines:

• Same-day digital submission to the correct LA purveyor portal

• Error-proof reporting with validated device info, tester credentials, and gauge calibration data

• Automatic reminders for annual renewals so you never miss a due date

• Repair and retest workflow with immediate failed-test notices and compliant retest reports

• Multi-site management for property managers and facilities teams

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend scheduling tests at least 2–3 weeks before your due date to allow for any repairs and retests without risking non-compliance.

FAQs

• What if I never received a notice?

  
  

  Contact your water purveyor or reach out to us. We’ll identify the managing agency and pull your device roster.

• Can I submit a paper report?

  
  

  Some agencies still accept PDFs, but Los Angeles purveyors increasingly require portal submissions. We submit in the approved format for your provider.

• Do I need to keep copies?

  
  

  Yes. Keep your confirmation and reports. We maintain digital records and can share them anytime for audits or internal compliance.

• Who is allowed to test and submit?

  
  

  A certified backflow tester with current credentials and a calibrated gauge. Atlas Backflow Services meets LA County and municipal standards; our reports include all required certification and gauge data.

Get compliant the easy way

If you’ve completed a test but aren’t sure what to submit—or if your reports keep getting kicked back—Atlas Backflow Services can help today.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend prompt, accurate portal submissions to avoid fines and service interruptions. Contact Atlas Backflow Services to schedule testing, repairs, and turnkey documentation across Los Angeles and surrounding cities.