Buckeye uses a cross-connection control program to protect the public water system from contamination. When an approved backflow prevention assembly is required, the property owner is responsible for arranging and paying for testing, maintenance, repair, and replacement.
Received a testing notice? Keep the notice, due date, service address, and assembly information available.
Who is covered?
The City’s current Environmental Compliance page identifies reduced-pressure assemblies for multifamily, commercial, and industrial facilities and facilities with dedicated landscape-irrigation systems. It identifies a double-check assembly as the exception for an engineered fire line. The City determines the protection required for each connection.
Review covered property and connection types.
Annual testing
Required backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least once during each calendar year. Buckeye City Code allows more frequent testing when a connection or assembly is not properly maintained and could pose a hazard.
Who may perform the test?
Arizona requires a current General Backflow Tester certification issued through an ADEQ-approved certifying authority. Buckeye City Code §17-4-3(E)(1) specifically refers to a general tester certified by the American Backflow Prevention Association, while the City’s current program page describes professionals certified by the state.
If an assembly fails
If testing shows that an assembly is defective or in unsatisfactory operating condition, the tester must notify the consumer and the City in writing. For consumers other than a single-family residence, City Code requires necessary repair, overhaul, or replacement within ten days. After repairs, the property owner must have the assembly retested and provide the test and repair results to Water Resources within a reasonable period not exceeding ten days.
Review failed-test next steps.
Permits and inspections
For consumers other than single-family residences, Buckeye City Code requires a Building Safety permit before installing or replacing a required assembly, with a separate permit for each assembly or approved method. Confirm the current permit and inspection instructions with the City before work begins.
Reporting and records
Consumers must maintain City-approved records of tests, service, repairs, overhauls, and replacements and provide a copy to the Water Resources Department. Buckeye also provides a SAMS online tester portal and training manual for recognized electronic reporting.
Official sources
- City of Buckeye Environmental Compliance and Backflow Prevention
- Buckeye City Code, Chapter 17, §17-4-3 Backflow Prevention
- Arizona Department of Environmental Quality: Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control
- City of Buckeye SAMS Online Tester Portal Training Manual
Regulatory information last reviewed October 5, 2026. Requirements and City procedures can change; confirm account-specific instructions directly with the City.