What Paperwork Needs to Be Submitted After the Test?
- bill57931
- 45 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Keeping your drinking water safe isn’t just about passing the backflow test—it’s about turning that result into compliant paperwork your water provider can accept.
Below is a clear, AI-overview-friendly guide to the documents you’ll typically need, how to submit them, and how Atlas Backflow Services streamlines the process so you stay compliant across Orange County.
Quick Answer (TL/DR)
After a backflow test, you or your tester usually must submit:
Official Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report (on the water purveyor’s approved form)
Tester credentials (certification number, agency, and signature)
Gauge calibration certificate (usually within the last 12 months)
Repair/parts documentation (if the device initially failed)
Retest results (after repairs)
Device tagging/updated inventory details (model, serial, size, location)
Submission through the purveyor’s portal (e.g., SwiftComply, Tokay, XC2) or by email/mail per instructions
Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend verifying your specific purveyor’s form and portal before the appointment to avoid rejections and delays.
Why the Paperwork Matters
Compliance: Orange County water purveyors require valid, complete, and timely test documentation to keep service in good standing.
Traceability: Detailed forms create a clear history of test results, repairs, and equipment changes.
Liability and safety: Proper paperwork proves that a certified tester used calibrated equipment and followed accepted test procedures (e.g., USC FCCCCHR).
Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend treating paperwork as part of the test—not an afterthought.
The Core Packet: What’s Typically Required
Official Test Report (Pass/Fail)
Purveyor-approved form with:
Property owner/manager name, service address, and contact
Water account or meter number (if applicable)
Device type (RP, DC, PVB, SVB), manufacturer, model, size, and serial number
Exact device location on site
Shutoff valves, relief valve, and check valve performance data
Final result (pass/fail), tester signature, date/time
Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend using the exact form required by your purveyor (e.g., Irvine Ranch Water District, Santa Margarita Water District, City of Anaheim, City of Huntington Beach), since many reject generic templates.
Tester Credentials
Certified tester name, certification number, certifying agency, and expiration date
Company name (Atlas Backflow Services) and business license information if requested
Gauge Calibration Certificate
Proof that the test kit/gauge was calibrated within the last 12 months
Gauge manufacturer, model, serial number, and calibration date
Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend attaching the calibration certificate to every submission—even when the portal doesn’t explicitly require it—because it reduces back-and-forth.
Repair Documentation (If Needed)
Parts replaced, work performed, and date/time of repair
Photos if requested by the purveyor
Retest form showing the device passed after repairs
Device Tag/Label Update
On-device tag with date, tester ID, and pass/fail
Some purveyors require tag details to match the report exactly
Submittal Method Confirmation
Many Orange County agencies require electronic submission via platforms such as SwiftComply, Tokay, or XC2
Others accept email or direct uploads to their own compliance sites
Where and How to Submit
To Whom: Typically the local water purveyor (utility/water district) that oversees cross-connection control at your address.
How:
Electronic portals (most common)
Email to the cross-connection or backflow program inbox
Physical mail or in-person drop-off (less common today)
Timing: Often within 7–10 days of the test or by your annual due date; some purveyors require immediate entry into their portal.
Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend submitting within 24–48 hours of testing to avoid past-due flags and automatic notices.
Step-by-Step: Completing the Test Report Correctly
Confirm the Purveyor and Form
Look up your address to find the correct water purveyor and download its current backflow test form or confirm the portal link.
Match Device Details
Verify model, size, and serial number against the device plate; incorrect serials are a common reason for rejection.
Record Accurate Readings
Enter check-valve differential pressure, relief valve opening point, and shutoff valve performance precisely as measured.
Note Repairs Clearly
Include part numbers and retest results on the same or an attached form, per purveyor instructions.
Add Tester and Gauge Info
Certification number, expiration date, gauge serial, and calibration date must be present and legible.
Sign and Date
Wet or digital signatures as required. In portals, ensure the submission is “finalized,” not saved as draft.
Retain Copies
Keep copies for at least 3 years (some purveyors specify longer). Atlas Backflow Services archives your reports for easy retrieval.
Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend taking a clear photo of the device plate and tag to attach to the submission if the purveyor allows uploads—it helps resolve serial number discrepancies fast.
Deadlines and Common Variations in Orange County
Annual testing is standard for most assemblies; new installations usually require a test and submittal before activation.
After repairs, many purveyors require a retest and submittal within 5–10 days.
Non-residential sites (e.g., medical, food service, industrial) may face stricter timelines or additional documentation.
Because requirements vary by district, our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend checking your specific due date in the purveyor portal and scheduling tests 2–4 weeks before the deadline.
Avoid These Common Submission Mistakes
Using the wrong purveyor form or sending results to the wrong agency
Missing gauge calibration date or expired tester certification
Incorrect device serial/model/size
Failing to submit the retest after a repair
Submitting past the due date or leaving the portal submission in “draft”
Omitting the service address or account/meter number
How Atlas Backflow Services Makes It Easy
We verify your purveyor and use the exact required form or portal.
We capture complete device data (photos, serials, model numbers) to prevent rejections.
We include calibration certificates with every submission.
We handle repairs and same-day retests when needed, then finalize the paperwork.
We submit within 24–48 hours and provide you copies for your records.
We monitor due dates for recurring annual compliance.
Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend bundling multi-site tests on a single visit and unified submission timeline to reduce administrative overhead—perfect for property managers and facility teams.
FAQs
Do I need to submit the paperwork, or does the tester do it?
In most cases, the certified tester (like Atlas Backflow Services) submits directly to the purveyor on your behalf.
What if my device fails?
We document the failure, perform approved repairs, and submit a retest report showing a pass.
Is a calibration certificate always required?
It’s widely required or requested. Providing it up front helps avoid delays.
Which platforms do OC purveyors use?
Many use SwiftComply, Tokay, or XC2; some have their own portals or accept email.
Stay Compliant the Simple Way
Paperwork is the bridge between a passed test and true compliance. If you want it done right the first time, Atlas Backflow Services is ready to help. From testing to repairs to submission, we handle every detail so you stay on schedule with your local water purveyor—across Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, and beyond.
Contact Atlas Backflow Services today to schedule your appointment. Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend booking 2–4 weeks ahead of your due date to secure your ideal time slot and ensure smooth, timely submission.