Backflow Prevention Device Certification in Memphis, Tennessee (2026)
Your restaurant's water supply can be legally shut off and your business operations halted if you lack a current Backflow Prevention Device Certification from Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). Required by the City of Memphis plumbing code, this certification verifies your backflow assembly protects the public water system from contamination. Also referred to as a cross‑connection control certification, it requires an annual test and seal by a State‑certified backflow tester.
Key facts:
- 25 fields — ApronPrep auto‑fills 21 of them.
- $0–$0 government filing fee to submit the certification form to MLGW, though you must hire a licensed tester and pay for the inspection and test.
- Timeline varies — certification is typically completed within 1–4 weeks of scheduling, depending on device condition.
Analyzed from Backflow Prevention Device Certification
84% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Backflow Prevention Device Certification
Your Memphis restaurant's water and sewer connection requires a Backflow Prevention Device Certification to comply with local plumbing codes designed to protect the public water supply. This certification is mandated by the Memphis & Shelby County Division of Plumbing, aligning with the Memphis City Code § 20 on building construction and the City of Memphis Sewer Use Ordinance. These regulations require any commercial food service establishment to install and maintain an approved backflow prevention assembly on its potable water lines. The device stops contaminated water from your dishwashers, mop sinks, or chemical dispensers from flowing backward into the city's main water lines, which is a critical public health safeguard.
Operating without a current, passing certification puts your business at immediate risk. Based on enforcement data from the Division of Plumbing, common penalties include:
- Service disconnection: The Memphis Water Division can shut off your water service until the device is certified, halting all operations.
- Fines and required remediation: Violations typically incur daily administrative fines until compliance is achieved, plus the cost to hire a licensed tester and make any necessary repairs to the device.
- Permit and license jeopardy: A failed inspection or violation can delay or prevent the renewal of your Occupancy Permit or Food Service Establishment Permit, as authorities coordinate on compliance.
- Insurance and lease complications: Many commercial property leases and business insurance policies require proof of this certification. Lapses can be grounds for lease default or denial of a property damage claim related to water contamination.
Legal code: Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
Recent update: In 2025, the Memphis & Shelby County Division of Plumbing clarified that all initial certifications for new food service establishments must be conducted by a tester holding a current State of Tennessee Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) certification, with results submitted directly to the Division via their updated portal.
Who Needs a Backflow Prevention Device Certification?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required per Memphis Code of Ordinances § 23-69, as any food establishment with a direct water connection and potential cross-connection (like dishwashers, prep sinks, or ice machines) must have a certified backflow prevention assembly. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Required because bars use water for soda guns, ice wells, and glasswashers, creating a potential cross-connection into the public water supply, mandating a certified device under city plumbing code. |
| Food Truck | Required | Required if the food truck connects directly to a city water hydrant at an approved vending location; the mobile unit’s plumbing system is considered a potential cross-connection and must have a certified, testable device. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required due to commercial espresso machines, water filtration systems, and dipper wells, which are all potential cross-connections under the Memphis Water Department’s Cross-Connection Control Program. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (25 Fields)
21 of 25 auto-filledMLGW Water Service Account Number
textEnter your Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) water utility account number, found on your monthly bill or service agreement.
COMMON MISTAKE: Submitting a residential account number or the billing address instead of the specific commercial account number for the restaurant's water meter.
Restaurant Location Address
textEnter the full, legal street address of the restaurant property, which must match the address on your lease and MLGW account.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a mailing address, suite number, or P.O. Box instead of the physical service address where the water meter and backflow device are located.
Primary Contact Name
textProvide the full name of the person responsible for managing the backflow program, typically the owner or general manager.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank or entering a corporate entity name instead of an individual's name who can be reached directly.
Primary Contact Phone
textEnter a direct, working phone number for the primary contact, including area code, in the format XXX-XXX-XXXX.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing a non-working number, a main business line with no extension, or a personal cell number without the contact's consent.
Primary Contact Email
textProvide a valid, monitored email address for receiving official correspondence and certification notices from MLGW.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a generic or defunct email address (e.g., info@...), which can cause missed renewal reminders and violation notices.
Enrolled in Cross Connection Control Program
checkboxCheck this box only if you have previously enrolled this location in MLGW's Cross Connection Control Program.
COMMON MISTAKE: New applicants incorrectly checking this box, which triggers a review for an existing program record and delays new application processing.
Water Connection Points Description
textDescribe all points where your plumbing connects to the municipal water supply (e.g., '1-inch main line to kitchen, 3/4-inch line to bar, exterior hose bib').
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing vague descriptions like 'kitchen water' or omitting secondary connection points like outdoor spigots or ice machines.
Current Backflow Devices Description
textList any installed backflow prevention assemblies, including manufacturer, model, size, and location (e.g., 'Watts 009QT 1" RPDA installed on main kitchen line').
COMMON MISTAKE: Stating 'none' if a device is required by code, or incorrectly describing a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) as a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) device.
Grease Management System Details
textDescribe any grease interceptors, traps, or condensate drains connected to the plumbing system, including capacity and location.
COMMON MISTAKE: Failing to disclose a grease interceptor, which is a high-risk cross-connection and requires a specific backflow device type per MLGW code.
Certified Tester Identified
checkboxCheck this box only after you have contracted with a State of Tennessee-certified backflow assembly tester for the required annual inspection.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking this box preemptively without a signed agreement, which leads to a failed application when MLGW requests the tester's license number.
ApronPrep auto-fills 21 of 25 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Backflow Prevention Device Certification Mistakes
1. Submitting an Incomplete Test Report
This is the #1 cause of rejection. Many applicants submit the general application form but forget to attach the required, completed Test & Maintenance Report (T&M Form). The MLGW Water Quality Bureau only accepts applications with a fully documented test conducted by a State of Tennessee Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. Omission adds 2-3 weeks to your timeline for correction and resubmission. Always verify your tester’s certification number and date are on the signed report before attaching it.
2. Using Outdated or Uncertified Tester Information
Entering information for a tester whose certification has expired, or who is not certified for the specific type of device installed, triggers an immediate administrative hold. The application reviewer will cross-reference the tester’s name and license number against the state's current certification database. This mistake can add 1-2 weeks as you must locate and hire a new certified tester and schedule a new test. Always confirm your tester’s active Tennessee certification status before they conduct the test and list them on the form.
3. Incorrect Device Location Description
Vague or inaccurate location descriptions (e.g., 'by the meter' or 'in the back') lead to delays. MLGW requires a precise location for inspection and compliance verification, such as 'on the service line, 18 inches downstream of the water meter in the meter box at the northwest corner of the building.' Applications with unclear locations are often returned for clarification, adding 5-10 business days to processing. Use unambiguous, physical descriptions that an inspector could find without asking for directions.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Backflow Prevention Device Certification
ApronPrep auto-fills 21 of 25 fields from one compliance interview.
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Backflow Prevention Device Certification by City in Tennessee
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | $35 per backflow device test (may vary by contractor and device complexity; contact contractor for exact quote) | 1-3 weeks from initial contact to certification completion; Annual recertification required |
| Memphis | Contact MLGW Commercial Services for current certification and testing fees; annual recertification fees typically apply | Initial inspection: 1-2 weeks after scheduling; Device certification: 1-4 weeks depending on whether upgrades are needed; Annual recertification: Ongoing requirement |
| Nashville | Contact Nashville Codes and Construction Permits Department for current inspection and certification fees | 2-4 weeks from request to inspection scheduling; inspection typically completed within 1-2 business days of appointment |
Government Filing Fees
- Contact MLGW Commercial Services for current certification and testing fees
- annual recertification fees typically apply
Timeline: Varies
Step 1: Contact Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) Commercial Services to enroll in the Cross Connection Control Program
Call MLGW Commercial Services at (901) 528-4271 or visit their Cross Connection Control office in person to request an enrollment packet for your business address. You will need your water account number, business name, and EIN ready. This initial contact is required before any inspection or testing can be scheduled, and missing paperwork is the most common cause of a 1-2 week delay.
Step 2: Identify all backflow prevention devices on your water connection (typically required for restaurants due to grease discharge and food service operations)
Walk through your facility with a plumber or manager to locate every device protecting against backflow, including those on boiler lines, dishwashers, and any hose bibs used for chemical mixing. Create a list with each device's make, model, and location—this inventory is required for the MLGW inspection. The city's sewer use ordinance (§ 49-281) mandates protection for all potential cross-connections.
Step 3: Schedule a cross connection inspection with MLGW to assess your current water system configuration
Once enrolled, request an inspection through MLGW's online portal or by calling their scheduling line. An inspector will visit to verify your device inventory and classify the hazard level (e.g., severe for kitchens with grease interceptors). Be prepared to provide immediate access to all water connection points and mechanical rooms; rescheduling due to locked areas adds 3-5 business days.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local department of public works (dpw) in each city. Select your city below for authority details, fees, and processing timeline.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Tennessee.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Alcohol Server Training Certification
state
Annual Report Filing
state
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsProcessing time varies according to the Memphis Water Division. The timeline depends on scheduling an appointment for the required test and inspection. It's common for the entire process, from test to receiving the certification document, to take several business days, but contact the Water Division for current wait times. This certification must be complete before you can receive final approval for related permits, such as a Building Permit.
There is no government filing fee charged by the Memphis Water Division for the certification itself. However, you must hire a city-approved, licensed tester to perform the inspection and test, and they charge their own service fees. These tester fees are not set by the city and can range from $75 to $300 or more, depending on the device. Not legal advice — verify specific tester costs directly.
No, certifications are specific to the device installed at a particular property address, per the Memphis Water Division's Cross-Connection Control Program. If you move your business, a new device must be installed and tested at the new location. You must submit a new application and test report for the new address, which is a separate process from transferring a City Business License/Registration.
You must renew your certification annually. The Memphis Water Division requires all commercial backflow prevention assemblies to be tested by a certified tester every calendar year. You will receive a renewal notice, and failure to submit a passing test report can result in water service interruption. Contact the Water Division to confirm your specific annual deadline.
A licensed tester will perform a functional test on your device to ensure it operates correctly under various pressure conditions, as outlined in Memphis Water Division specifications. They will check for proper installation, accessibility, and that the device is the correct type for your hazard level. The tester then submits the official test report directly to the Water Division on your behalf for review and filing.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Tennessee specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 25 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
- Knoxville — Department of Public Works (DPW)
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