Backflow Prevention Device Certification in Spokane, Washington (2026)
Operating a restaurant without a valid Backflow Prevention Device Certification, also called a cross-connection control certificate, risks immediate water service termination and fines from Spokane Water & Hydroelectric Services, which enforces Washington State Department of Health (DOH) regulations and the Spokane Municipal Code. This certification proves your plumbing system prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the public supply. Key details:
- 23 fields — ApronPrep auto-fills 19
- $0–$0 government filing fee to the city for program registration
- Varies processing timeline, contingent on scheduling with a certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT)
Analyzed from Backflow Prevention Device Certification
83% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Backflow Prevention Device Certification
The requirement for a Backflow Prevention Device Certification in Spokane, Washington, stems from the city's responsibility to protect the public water supply from contamination. While Spokane's specific rules are detailed in its Sewer Use and Control Ordinance (Title 13 of the Spokane Municipal Code), the requirement is commonly enforced to comply with Washington State Department of Health regulations (WAC 246-290-490) and local water utility standards. The Spokane Public Works Department (Water & Hydroelectric Services) mandates this certification for any commercial food service establishment to prevent a physical cross-connection where contaminated water from your facility could flow back into the clean municipal water lines, a process known as backflow.
Operating without a current, certified backflow assembly on file with the city carries significant operational and financial consequences. Based on enforcement actions, common penalties include:
- Service Disconnection: The Spokane Water Department can physically shut off your water service until the device is installed, tested, and certified, effectively forcing a closure.
- Fines and Required Remediation: Violations typically incur daily fines until compliance is met, and you will be responsible for all costs to hire a licensed tester, repair the device, and retest.
- Permit and Insurance Implications: Your business license or occupancy permit may be suspended. Furthermore, many commercial property leases and business insurance policies require proof of compliance with all municipal codes; failure to provide this certification can put you in breach of contract or void coverage for water-related incidents.
Legal code: Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
Recent update: In 2024, the Spokane Public Works department revised its internal tracking system for backflow test reports, requiring all submissions from licensed testers to be made digitally through its designated portal to expedite processing.
Who Needs a Backflow Prevention Device Certification?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required under Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 13.06 and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-290-490 for any establishment with permanent connections to the public water supply and any cross-connection hazard, such as dishwashers, prep sinks, and boiler systems. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Required as they have soda guns, glasswashers, ice machines, and other equipment that creates a cross-connection to the potable water system, per SMC Chapter 13.06. |
| Food Truck | Required | Required if the mobile unit has a permanent water connection or a hose bib; certification must be performed at the commissary or service location where the truck connects to the water supply. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required due to espresso machines, steam wands, and commercial ice makers that are directly plumbed, creating a cross-connection hazard as defined by WAC 246-290-490. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (23 Fields)
19 of 23 auto-filledBackflow Assembly Installed
checkboxCheck this box to certify that a new backflow prevention assembly has been installed at your facility's water service connection, as required by Spokane City Code § 13.04.090.
COMMON MISTAKE: Not checking the box, which incorrectly indicates no assembly is installed and triggers an immediate rejection for incomplete application.
Licensed Plumber Hired for Installation
checkboxCheck this box to confirm the installation was performed by a plumber licensed in the State of Washington, as installation by unlicensed personnel violates city plumbing code and voids the certification.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking the box without verifying the contractor's active Washington State plumbing license number, which can lead to verification failure and a rejected application.
Assembly Accessible for Testing
checkboxCheck this box to affirm the installed assembly is not blocked, buried, or locked away, and that a certified tester will have clear physical access to perform the required annual test.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking the box if the assembly is behind locked equipment or in a confined space, which causes the city's inspector or the hired tester to fail the site visit, delaying certification.
Backflow Assembly Location Description
textDescribe the precise physical location of the backflow assembly on your property (e.g., 'In the mechanical room, southeast corner, adjacent to the water heater,' or 'Exterior of building, north wall, near meter box').
COMMON MISTAKE: Using vague descriptions like 'in the basement' or providing an address only, which does not give the tester or inspector sufficient detail to locate the device, causing failed inspections.
Last Test Date
textEnter the date (MM/DD/YYYY) the most recent annual test was performed on the assembly; for a new installation, this is the initial test date performed by the installer or your hired certified tester.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering an incorrect format (e.g., DD-MM-YYYY) or a date that is more than 12 months old, which indicates non-compliance with the annual testing mandate and results in application denial.
Current Test Report on File
checkboxCheck this box to confirm you possess the official test report from a Washington-certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) for the test date entered above; you must submit this report with the application.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking the box without actually having the signed, original test report in hand, leading to an incomplete submission that cannot be processed.
Most Recent Test Result
textEnter the pass/fail result exactly as stated on the official test report; if the test failed, you must also describe the repairs made and provide documentation of a subsequent passing test.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering 'OK' or 'Good' instead of the standardized 'Pass' or 'Fail' terminology used on the BAT's report, which the city reviewer will flag as non-compliant documentation.
BAT List Obtained from City Website
checkboxCheck this box to verify you have downloaded the current list of certified Backflow Assembly Testers from the Spokane Public Works Department website, ensuring your tester is city-approved.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking the box after using an outdated list or a general internet search, which risks hiring a tester whose certification is lapsed or not recognized by Spokane, invalidating the test report.
Multiple BATs Contacted (2-3)
checkboxCheck this box to indicate you contacted at least 2-3 certified testers from the official list to compare availability and service rates before hiring one, as recommended by the city's application guide.
Selected BAT Name/Company
textEnter the full business name or the certified individual's name exactly as it appears on the official Spokane BAT list and on the test report they provide (e.g., 'AAA Backflow Testing, LLC' or 'John Smith, Cert #WA-12345').
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a nickname or a company trading name not on the official registry, which triggers a manual verification delay and can lead to rejection if the tester's status cannot be confirmed.
ApronPrep auto-fills 19 of 23 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Backflow Prevention Device Certification Mistakes
1. Incorrect Device Details and Missing Serial Number
Leaving the device manufacturer or model blank or entering the wrong serial number is a top rejection reason. The Spokane Public Works Department cross-references these details with their permit database. For example, entering 'Model RPZ-2' when your device is 'Febco 850' will cause a correction notice. This mistake typically adds 2–3 weeks to your timeline as you must verify the information and resubmit.
2. Submitting an Outdated or Invalid Tester Credentials
Submitting a certification signed by a tester whose Washington State Department of Health (DOH) backflow assembly tester certification has expired or is not on file with the city. The city verifies the tester's DOH license number and current standing. A report signed by a tester whose certification lapsed 30 days ago will be rejected outright, requiring you to hire a new, certified tester and repeat the test, adding significant cost and 1-2 weeks of delay.
3. Improper Test Report Format or Incomplete Results
Using a non-standard test report form or failing to record all required pressure readings (e.g., relief valve opening point, differential pressure). Spokane requires the specific AWWA/ANSI standard form. Submitting a generic, one-page test sheet without the required tables will not be accepted. This forces a complete retest and report, setting your approval back by 1-2 weeks.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Backflow Prevention Device Certification
ApronPrep auto-fills 19 of 23 fields from one compliance interview.
No credit card required
Backflow Prevention Device Certification by City in Washington
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Contact Seattle Public Utilities and Washington Certification Services for current certification and testing fees. Typically includes BAT service charge plus device installation costs. | Initial certification: 1-2 weeks after BAT inspection and testing. Annual recertification: Must be completed yearly before expiration date. |
| Spokane | Contact certified BATs directly for testing fees; fees vary by provider. Installation and certification exam fees apply to BATs, not restaurant owners. | Testing appointment typically completed within 1-2 hours once scheduled. Annual certification must be maintained continuously. Plan to schedule testing at least 30 days in advance to secure appointment. |
| Tacoma | Contact Tacoma Public Utilities for current certification and testing fees; typical range $150-$300 per device certification | 2-4 weeks from initial contact to final certification (includes device procurement, installation scheduling, and testing appointment) |
Government Filing Fees
- Contact certified BATs directly for testing fees
- fees vary by provider.
- Installation and certification exam fees apply to BATs, not restaurant owners.
Timeline: 2-4 Weeks for Initial Setup, Then Annual Renewal
Step 1: Ensure a backflow prevention assembly is installed on your commercial water connection by a licensed plumber
Schedule a licensed plumbing contractor to install an approved backflow assembly (like a Reduced Pressure Zone or Double Check Valve) on each of your commercial water service lines. You'll need to provide the contractor with your water account number and a copy of your site plan. A common holdup is installing the wrong assembly type for your business's hazard level—confirm the correct model with Spokane Public Works.
Step 2: Hire a Washington State-certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) from the City of Spokane's approved list
Select a tester from the official City of Spokane Public Works & Utilities approved list of BATs. Contact several for quotes, as testing fees range from $75-$150 per assembly, and schedule your first test. Always verify the tester's state certification number is current before hiring; using an uncertified tester will invalidate the report.
Step 3: Schedule annual testing with your certified BAT (required every 12 months)
Coordinate the field test with your BAT, ensuring all assemblies are accessible (clear any obstructions). The test must be completed within 12 months of your last test date; missing this deadline results in a $50 non-compliance fee from the city and potential water service termination.
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 Washington.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Annual Report Filing
state
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsProcessing timelines vary significantly, as noted in official guidance. The duration depends on the availability of a certified tester and the City of Spokane Water Department's review schedule, which can be impacted by seasonal application volume. To avoid delays with opening or other permits like a Certificate of Occupancy, schedule your test and submit paperwork well in advance.
The City of Spokane Water Department does not charge a direct government filing fee for the certification itself, per their published fee schedule. Your primary costs will be for hiring a state-certified backflow assembly tester and for any repairs or upgrades your device may need to pass inspection. These are third-party service fees, not paid to the city.
No, certifications are specific to the device installed at a particular address and are not transferable. If you move your business, you must have the backflow prevention device at the new location tested and certified separately. This requirement is tied to the property's water service, similar to how a Building Permit is issued for a specific site.
In Spokane, most commercial and industrial facilities must have their backflow prevention assembly tested and certified annually, as mandated by the Spokane Municipal Code. Some high-hazard facilities may require more frequent testing. Contact the Spokane Water Department to confirm your specific requirement and avoid lapses that can lead to service interruption.
A state-certified tester will perform a physical and functional test on your device, checking for proper installation, operation, and absence of leaks. They will then complete and submit the official test report to the City of Spokane Water Department for review and filing. If the device fails, you must repair or replace it and schedule a retest before certification can be issued.
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 Washington specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 23 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
- Seattle — Department of Public Works (DPW)
- Spokane — Department of Public Works (DPW)
This Form Is One of 60+ Requirements.
ApronPrep discovers every permit your city requires — including the ones generic checklists miss. Pick your city for the complete package.