Backflow & Cross Connection Program

What is Backflow?

Water flowing opposite to its intended direction, either from a loss of pressure in the supply lines or an increase in pressure on the customer’s side (in either of these situations, if any affected customer’s pipes include a cross connection, contaminants could be drawn through the cross connection into that customer’s pipes—and, if the backflow continues, perhaps even into the water mains).

What is a Cross Connection?

A physical connection between drinkable water and a liquid or gas that could make the water unsafe to drink (wherever there is a cross connection, there is a potential threat to public health from the liquid or gas contaminants).

Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies

All backflow protection assemblies must be tested upon installation, replacement, repair or relocation. Because backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical devices that will degrade over time, all backflow assemblies should be tested annually to ensure they are in working order.

The City of Aledo has chosen to partner with the Envirotrax® system to allow for the online submission of Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Reports. All testing information will be entered directly by the tester into the online password protected Envirotrax® system. Testers will no longer be able to submit paper test reports directly to the city.

Finding or Becoming a Registered Tester

All Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers (BPATs) are required to register with the Envirotrax® system. Upon registration and verification of license, insurance, and test gauge accuracy, the tester will be added to the approved list of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers.

Note: Backflow prevention assemblies on fire protection sprinkler systems are required by the State Fire Marshal to be tested and/or repaired by a BPAT who is a full‐time employee of a fire protection sprinkler company that is licensed with the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Quick Links

City of Aledo | Backflow Prevention & Cross Connection Program Brochure

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality | Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

Click here to download a Quick Start Guide with information on how to become a registered BPAT.

Click here to find a BPTA registered to work in Aledo.