FAQ
What Does a Backflow Test Report Look Like, and Where Does It Get Filed in New Jersey?
After a certified annual backflow test is completed, the technician generates an official test report. For property owners who haven’t been through the process before, this document can seem mysterious — what information is on it, what do the numbers mean, and what happens to it after it’s completed? This guide walks you through every element of a standard New Jersey backflow test report and explains exactly how the filing process works with different water authorities.
The Purpose of a Backflow Test Report
A backflow test report is the legal documentation that your device was tested by a certified professional, that it was tested on a specific date, that specific performance measurements were recorded, and that the device either passed or failed those measurements. This report is the primary evidence of compliance under New Jersey’s N.J.A.C. 7:14B regulations. Without a current test report on file with your water authority, you are considered non-compliant regardless of the device’s actual condition.
Standard Elements of a New Jersey Backflow Test Report
Property and Service Connection Information
The report identifies the property being served: the service address, the account number with the water utility, and sometimes the property owner’s name and contact information. This information links the test results to the specific service connection in the utility’s compliance database.
Device Information
A complete description of the tested device is recorded, including: manufacturer name and model number, device size (pipe diameter in inches), device type (PVB, DCVA, RPZ, etc.), installation location on the property, serial number if visible, and installation date if known.
Test Date and Tester Information
The date of the test, the name of the certified tester, the tester’s state certification number, and the tester’s company name and contact information are all recorded. This information allows the water authority to verify that the test was performed by a currently certified professional.
Initial Test Results
The heart of the report is the differential pressure measurements recorded during the test. For each check valve, the report shows the differential pressure reading (in PSI) measured across that valve under test conditions. For an RPZ, the relief valve opening differential is also recorded. These readings are compared against the minimum required values to determine pass or fail status.
A typical entry might show: Check Valve #1 — 3.8 PSI differential (Pass ≥ 1.0 PSI required); Check Valve #2 — 2.9 PSI (Pass); Relief Valve — opened at 1.2 PSI below Check Valve #1 (Pass). All three passing means the device has passed its annual test.
Repairs Made (If Applicable)
If the device failed its initial test and was repaired during the same service visit, the report documents what repairs were performed (specific components replaced), and a final test result after repair is recorded. The final test result — which must be a passing result — is what the water authority uses for compliance verification.
Tester's Signature and Certification
The certified tester signs and dates the report, certifying the accuracy of the recorded data. Their signature and certification number provide the legal attestation that makes the report valid for regulatory purposes.
Pass vs. Fail: What the Results Mean
A test report with a ‘Pass’ result means every tested component met or exceeded the minimum performance specifications. The device is functioning as designed and providing the intended backflow protection. This result satisfies the annual certification requirement for 12 months from the test date.
A test report with a ‘Fail’ result means one or more components did not meet specifications. The device is not providing adequate backflow protection and must be repaired before a passing certification can be issued. See our guide on repair or replace your backflow preventer for how to handle a failed test.
Where Backflow Test Reports Are Filed in New Jersey
New Jersey American Water
NJ American Water operates its own cross-connection control database. Test reports for NJ American Water customers must be submitted to their cross-connection control department in the format they specify — either through an online portal, by email, or by mail depending on your service district. South Jersey Backflow submits directly to NJ American Water for all of our customers served by this utility.
Local Municipal Utility Authorities (MUAs)
Each MUA has its own submission process. Some accept reports by email; others use specific online platforms; some still require paper forms submitted by mail or fax. South Jersey Backflow maintains current submission procedures for every MUA we serve throughout New Jersey and handles all filings directly.
Municipal Engineering or Public Works Departments
In municipalities where the water system is operated by the town rather than an MUA, test reports are typically submitted to the municipal engineer or public works director. Again, specific forms and submission methods vary by municipality.
What the Property Owner Receives
After the test and filing, the property owner receives their own copy of the completed test report. This is your proof of compliance — keep it in a safe place. If you ever receive a compliance notice claiming no test is on file, this document is your defense. Many property owners keep a dedicated folder with several years of test reports.
Can South Jersey Backflow File My Report For Me?
Yes — in fact, this is a standard part of our service. When you hire South Jersey Backflow for your annual certification test, we complete the test report, submit it to the correct water authority in the correct format, and provide you with a copy. You don’t have to navigate the different submission processes for different utilities. contact South Jersey Backflow to schedule your test.
Schedule Your Backflow Service Anywhere in New Jersey
South Jersey Backflow has proudly served residential and commercial customers across all of New Jersey since 2004. Our certified technicians provide annual backflow testing and certification, expert repairs and rebuilds, and protective backflow enclosures — all with transparent pricing, complete paperwork handling, and 24/7 emergency availability. Call (856) 291-6809 or contact us online to get started today.