What matters here
SAWS fire line work is stricter than a normal domestic test. Fireline assemblies must be tested by a licensed fireline tester, and some right-of-way installations stay under SAWS operational control.
Fire line
San Antonio Water System Backflow Prevention fire line backflow rules
SAWS fire line work is stricter than a normal domestic test. Fireline assemblies must be tested by a licensed fireline tester, and some right-of-way installations stay under SAWS operational control.
Utility: San Antonio Water System Backflow Prevention
Last verified: 2026-04-04
Due basis: Annual testing is required by City of San Antonio ordinance and state regulations. SAWS uses BSI to manage notices, customer service inspections, and customer tracking.
Highlights
- A licensed fireline tester is required for fireline assembly testing.
- Assemblies located in the public right-of-way may stay under SAWS inspection and maintenance rules.
- Fireline failures do not pause the delinquency clock; the annual record is still unresolved until the assembly passes.
Workflow
Workflow
- Confirm whether the fireline assembly is customer-side or in a SAWS-controlled right-of-way location.
- Use a licensed fireline tester rather than a generic backflow-only contractor.
- Make sure the passing result reaches the SAWS and BSI workflow before the deadline window closes.
Residential
- Residential users most often see SAWS through annual notices for irrigation, fire sprinkler, septic, well, or alternative-water conditions.
- SAWS is not a one-size-fits-all page because internal and external assemblies can sit on different compliance tracks.
Commercial and managed properties
- Commercial owners should expect SAWS customer service inspection and development workflows to overlap with annual testing when hazard conditions change.
- The public materials are clearer on BSI workflow and notice handling than on retail tester pricing.
Tester routing
Use the governing authority's official tester list first, then only treat any sponsor placement as secondary routing.
FAQ
Local questions people actually ask
Does San Antonio Water System Backflow Prevention require annual backflow testing?
Annual. Annual testing is required by City of San Antonio ordinance and state regulations. SAWS uses BSI to manage notices, customer service inspections, and customer tracking.
Who is affected by San Antonio Water System Backflow Prevention backflow rules?
Properties with connections that can contaminate the public water system and customers requiring external or internal backflow assemblies.
How do I submit or confirm a backflow test for San Antonio Water System Backflow Prevention?
Use the official utility workflow and submission methods listed on this page: SAWS backflow prevention program, BSI customer portal, BSI submission portal. Program phone: 210-233-2910.
Where should I look for testers for San Antonio Water System Backflow Prevention?
Start with the governing authority's published tester list. This utility has an official approved-tester route and it should be treated as the primary source.
Official sources
SAWS cross-connection control and backflow prevention program
SAWS fire line work is stricter than a normal domestic test. Fireline assemblies must be tested by a licensed fireline tester, and some right-of-way installations stay under SAWS operational control.
official program page
SAWS annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies
SAWS fire line work is stricter than a normal domestic test. Fireline assemblies must be tested by a licensed fireline tester, and some right-of-way installations stay under SAWS operational control.
official program page
SAWS annual irrigation checkup program
SAWS fire line work is stricter than a normal domestic test. Fireline assemblies must be tested by a licensed fireline tester, and some right-of-way installations stay under SAWS operational control.
official program page
BSI customer portal
SAWS fire line work is stricter than a normal domestic test. Fireline assemblies must be tested by a licensed fireline tester, and some right-of-way installations stay under SAWS operational control.
official portal