This program is required by the State of Texas to detect and prevent possible sources of non‐drinking water from entering a public drinking water system. The program is a combined cooperative effort between plumbers, health officials, water system operators, property owners and certified testers to follow guidelines for controlling cross‐connections and implementing means to ensure their enforcement so that the public drinking water supply will be protected both in the city main and within private facilities. The elements of a program define the type of protection required and responsibility for the administration and enforcement. Other elements ensure continuing education programs.

Backflow is the reverse flow of water in any pipeline, causing non-potable water to flow into the public water supply. Water that is always under pressure can only flow in one direction. If a water main were to break, the pressure in the water main could drop causing water to flow towards the point of lowest pressure. Backflow devices prevent the entry of possible harmful substances into the drinking water supply.

Backflow prevention devices are used to protect our water supply from contamination due to backflow. Without these preventative devices, water could become contaminated and not be safe for consumption.

A backflow prevention assembly will be required if an actual or potential hazard for a cross‐connection exists. A few examples of hazards include:

• Commercial and Residential Irrigation Systems • Fire Sprinkler Systems • Medical Facilities • Processing Plants. The City of Harker Heights will determine which type of protection is required based on the degree of hazard that the property represents to the drinking water supply.

Texas State law requires residential irrigation prevention assemblies to be tested when they are installed. Backflow prevention assemblies in commercial areas will be retested every year. Residential homes with septic systems require backflow prevention assemblies to be tested every year. Residential backflow prevention assemblies in non‐health hazard applications will be tested every three years.

Backflow devices can be found in houses with pools and/or irrigation systems, restaurants and medical facilities. All these plumbing system connections require a backflow device.

Backflow prevention devices degrade over time and therefore must be tested to ensure the device.

The cost of having a device tested varies among testers. The cost is also dependent on several factors, including the size of the device, where the device is located, the type of device, etc. You may want to call several Certified Testers to obtain quotes for your test.

We will be implementing a process change to take advantage of an online backflow management system for entry and storage of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved Backflow Test & Maintenance and CSI reports. The City of Harker Heights has partnered with Envirotrax® to provide this online system.

The City of Harker Heights will start using this system as of March 1, 2026.

Testers will no longer be able to submit paper backflow Test & Maintenance CSI reports to the City of Harker Heights. All paperwork must be submitted through the Envirotrax® online system.

Harker Heights Utility Systems sends notifications via our vendor, Envirotrax®, to businesses 30-60 days before their testing is due.

Once you receive notice you will need to do the following:

Hire a registered backflow tester (access to registered testers can be located here).

1. Have the registered tester submit the paperwork via Envirotrax®.

      The backflow tester will need to:

      Perform the required test.

1. Submit the test through Envirotrax® here.
2. Submit the fee of $11.50 per test report via the Envirotrax® website.

Backflow device testing must be submitted as part of the building final inspection, or as part of an Annual or Tri-Annual testing process. All Backflow Tests must be submitted to https://www.envirotrax.com.