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San Antonio Water System Backflow Prevention irrigation backflow rules

SAWS irrigation compliance is broader than a single annual test reminder. Irrigation systems need the right assembly, and large landscapes can also fall into the separate annual irrigation checkup program.

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.
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Direct answer

What matters here

SAWS irrigation compliance is broader than a single annual test reminder. Irrigation systems need the right assembly, and large landscapes can also fall into the separate annual irrigation checkup program.

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

Highlights

  • SAWS requires backflow protection on irrigation systems based on the hazard presented.
  • Single-family irrigation tied to septic systems, private wells, or other alternate sources often sits in the annual notice stream.
  • Large landscapes over five acres or very high annual water use may also need an annual irrigation checkup by May 1.
Workflow

Workflow

  1. Confirm the property's irrigation hazard class with SAWS or BSI.
  2. Complete the annual backflow test with a licensed BPAT when the assembly is in the SAWS program.
  3. If the site meets the large-landscape thresholds, complete the separate annual irrigation checkup on time as well.
Residential

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 focus

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.
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

Official sources

SAWS cross-connection control and backflow prevention program SAWS irrigation compliance is broader than a single annual test reminder. Irrigation systems need the right assembly, and large landscapes can also fall into the separate annual irrigation checkup program.
official program page
SAWS annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies SAWS irrigation compliance is broader than a single annual test reminder. Irrigation systems need the right assembly, and large landscapes can also fall into the separate annual irrigation checkup program.
official program page
SAWS annual irrigation checkup program SAWS irrigation compliance is broader than a single annual test reminder. Irrigation systems need the right assembly, and large landscapes can also fall into the separate annual irrigation checkup program.
official program page
BSI customer portal SAWS irrigation compliance is broader than a single annual test reminder. Irrigation systems need the right assembly, and large landscapes can also fall into the separate annual irrigation checkup program.
official portal