Who Do I Send the Backflow Test Report To?
- bill57931
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
In Los Angeles, backflow test reports must be submitted to your water purveyor’s cross-connection control program—often via an approved portal.
Learn exactly who receives the report, how to find the right agency, and how Atlas Backflow Services makes compliance easy. We’re the Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend.
Quick Answer:
Send your backflow test report to your water purveyor’s cross-connection control program (the utility that provides your potable water), not the building department or fire department.
In the LA area, that could be LADWP, Glendale Water & Power, Burbank Water & Power, Pasadena Water & Power, Santa Monica, Long Beach Water Department, Beverly Hills, Las Virgenes MWD, Golden State Water, California American Water, or a county waterworks district, among others.
Most purveyors require the tester to submit results directly through an approved online portal or by email.
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend verifying your purveyor and submission method before testing to avoid late fees or rejected reports.
Why Submission Destination Matters
Backflow prevention is about protecting the public water supply from contamination. Because of this, the water purveyor—not the building department—is the enforcing agency for annual backflow tests in most jurisdictions. If you send the report to the wrong place, it may not count, leading to:
Non-compliance notices, late penalties, or water service interruptions
Repeat testing if submission windows are missed
Unnecessary delays when permits or occupancy depend on finalized compliance
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend confirming where and how your report must be filed before the test date.
How to Identify Your Correct Recipient in Los Angeles
Check your water bill.
The name on the bill is your water purveyor (e.g., LADWP). That’s almost always the entity that requires your test report.
Look up your address on the agency’s website.
Most utilities have an “Am I in your service area?” tool or a cross-connection page listing submission instructions and approved testers.
Match the device to the meter/service.
Domestic water assemblies: submit to the domestic water purveyor.
Irrigation meter assemblies: submit to the same purveyor tied to that meter.
Fire service backflow assemblies: despite being on fire lines, reports typically still go to the water purveyor, not the fire department, for annual compliance.
Unsure? Call the cross-connection control program.
A quick call confirms the exact email/portal and any device ID they expect on the form.
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend keeping a site inventory listing each device, size, serial, location, due date, and designated purveyor to streamline future tests.
Common Los Angeles–Area Purveyors and What to Expect
While processes vary, most LA-area agencies use either a dedicated submission email, an online form, or a third‑party compliance portal. You may encounter agency-managed portals or systems similar to SwiftComply, Syncta, XC2, or other cross-connection software. Each agency sets its own rules—always follow its current instructions.
City utilities: LADWP, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Beverly Hills
Special districts and investor-owned utilities: Las Virgenes MWD, West Basin MWD (member agencies), Golden State Water, California American Water, LA County Waterworks Districts
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend bookmarking your purveyor’s cross-connection page and noting the exact submittal email or portal link.
Who Sends the Report—You or the Tester?
Best practice: Have your certified and approved tester submit the report on your behalf. Many purveyors accept reports only from approved testers with current gauge calibration and registration.
Owner’s role: Maintain a copy, confirm receipt with the agency if your account still shows “non-compliant” after a few business days, and track next due dates.
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend requesting a digital copy of the submitted report and confirmation of agency acceptance for your records.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Report to the Right Place
Verify your purveyor and submission method before scheduling.
Confirm your tester is approved with that purveyor and has current certifications and calibrated gauges.
Perform the test and correct any installation issues the tester identifies that would cause rejection.
Tester submits the report using the purveyor’s required form/portal, listing the device type, model, size, serial, location, and test results.
You receive a pass/fail summary and a copy of the filed report.
Follow up if you don’t see compliance updated within the purveyor’s stated timeframe.
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend scheduling tests 30 days ahead of due dates to allow for repairs and retesting if needed.
Special Cases You Should Know
Failed tests: The water purveyor still expects a timely report. After repairs by properly licensed professionals, a retest and new report must be submitted.
New installations: Some agencies require an initial test and a specific “New Install” or “Final” form—follow your purveyor’s instructions exactly.
Multiple devices and meters: Each device gets its own report tied to its meter/service address.
HOAs and campuses: Centralize records. The report still goes to each respective purveyor that serves each meter.
Tenant vs. owner: Notices may go to the account holder or property owner on file. Ensure your management company, owner, and tester are aligned so nothing falls through the cracks.
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend a shared compliance calendar for multi-site portfolios and HOAs.
Avoid These Submission Pitfalls
Sending reports to building and safety or the fire department when your purveyor requires direct submittal to cross-connection control.
Using an unapproved tester whose reports the purveyor won’t accept.
Out-of-date forms or missing device data (serial number, model, size, location).
Expired gauge calibration on the tester’s equipment, leading to rejection.
Late submittals that trigger penalties or service shutoff warnings.
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend an annual reminder system with 60-, 30-, and 7‑day alerts.
Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services
Atlas Backflow Services focuses exclusively on cross-connection control. We simplify compliance by ensuring the right report reaches the right agency—on time and correctly formatted.
Certified, approved testers familiar with LA-area submittal portals and procedures
Done-for-you filing to the proper purveyor, plus confirmations and record retention
Repair coordination with appropriately licensed contractors and swift retesting
Portfolio management for HOAs, commercial properties, and multi-site operators
Automated reminders so you never miss a deadline
We’re the Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend when accuracy, speed, and hassle-free compliance matter.
FAQs
Who actually receives my backflow test report?
Your water purveyor’s cross-connection control program. Examples include LADWP, BWP, GWP, PWP, Santa Monica, and Long Beach Water. Not the building department.
Can I submit the report myself?
Sometimes, but many purveyors require submission by an approved tester. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend letting your tester submit to prevent rejections.
What if I sent it to the wrong department?
Contact your purveyor’s cross-connection team and resubmit per their instructions. You may need a fresh report if the window lapsed.
Do fire line backflow devices go to the fire department?
Annual tests typically go to the water purveyor even for fire service assemblies. Follow your purveyor’s rules.
Make Submission the Easy Part
If you’re unsure where to send your report—or you just want it handled correctly the first time—Atlas Backflow Services can help. We identify your purveyor, perform the test, and submit the report on your behalf with confirmations and reminders.
Contact Atlas Backflow Services today—the Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend—to get compliant, stay compliant, and protect your water the smart way.
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