Backflow Laws: Oklahoma
Oklahoma Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Oklahoma's backflow prevention requirements are administered by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) under Oklahoma's drinking water regulations. Oklahoma does not administer a statewide backflow tester certification — instead, local jurisdictions, cities, and water purveyors set their own certification standards, with ASSE or ABPA credentials accepted by most Oklahoma utilities. The Oklahoma Plumbing Code (based on the 2018 IPC) requires annual inspection of all backflow prevention assemblies. This guide covers ODEQ's regulatory framework, Tulsa's local ordinance standards, Oklahoma City Water Utilities, and other major Oklahoma utilities.
Oklahoma State Regulatory Framework
Oklahoma’s backflow prevention requirements are administered by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) under Oklahoma’s Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. ODEQ holds EPA primacy under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. ODEQ provides a Backflow Cross-Connection Policy Template to assist public water systems in developing their cross-connection control programs.
Oklahoma’s Plumbing Code — based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — requires annual inspections of all backflow prevention assemblies. Oklahoma Plumbing Code Chapter 3, General Regulations, specifies that reduced pressure principle, double check, pressure vacuum breaker, reduced pressure detector fire protection, double check detector fire protection, and spill-resistant vacuum breaker assemblies must be tested at the time of installation, immediately after repairs or relocation, and at least annually. Testing procedures must be in accordance with ASSE 5013, 5015, 5020, 5047, 5048, 5052, 5056, CSA B64.10, or CSA B64.10.1.
Oklahoma Tester Certification — Locally Administered
Oklahoma does not have a state-level backflow tester certification program. Backflow preventer assembly testing is not specifically regulated by any state-level agency in Oklahoma — each jurisdiction (city, county, or water purveyor) accepts or denies tester certifications based on its own rules. Most Oklahoma jurisdictions require ASSE or ABPA certification. Tulsa, for example, references a backflow tester standard in its local code (Title 14, 901.6.3) requiring certification from recognized programs. ABPA certification is widely accepted across Oklahoma utilities.
Oklahoma's Locally-Driven Program Structure
Oklahoma is one of the more decentralized states for backflow compliance. With no statewide tester certification and programs driven primarily by local ordinances and utility rules, property owners in Oklahoma must confirm their specific water system’s requirements — including accepted tester credentials, filing procedures, and annual deadlines — by contacting their local utility directly. Do not assume requirements are uniform across Oklahoma water systems.
Major Water Purveyors in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Water Utilities
Oklahoma City Water Utilities serves approximately 600,000 people in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, making it Oklahoma’s largest municipal water system. Oklahoma City’s cross-connection control program aligns with ODEQ requirements and the Oklahoma Plumbing Code. Annual testing is required for commercial and industrial assemblies. Oklahoma City maintains its own approved tester list. Results must be submitted to Oklahoma City Water Utilities.
Tulsa Public Works Water and Sewer Services
Tulsa serves Oklahoma’s second-largest city and surrounding areas. Tulsa’s backflow program references Tulsa City Code Title 14, 901.6.3, which establishes certification requirements for testers working in Tulsa’s service area. Tulsa accepts ASSE and ABPA certifications. Annual testing is required for all covered commercial and industrial assemblies. Test reports must be submitted to Tulsa Public Works Water and Sewer Services.
Broken Arrow — Public Works
Broken Arrow is one of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing cities in Tulsa County. Broken Arrow’s water system and cross-connection control program operate under ODEQ requirements. Annual testing is required for covered assemblies.
Norman Utilities Department
Norman, home to the University of Oklahoma, has a large commercial and institutional water use base requiring active cross-connection control. Norman’s utilities department administers a program aligned with ODEQ standards. The university campus creates significant institutional cross-connection compliance activity.
Edmond Electric and Water
Edmond is a growing Oklahoma City suburb with an active water utility program. Annual testing is required for commercial and industrial connections. ASSE or ABPA certified testers are accepted.
Rural Water Districts and Small Systems
Oklahoma has hundreds of rural water districts and small water systems serving communities across the state. These systems implement cross-connection control programs at varying levels based on their customer base and hazard profiles. ODEQ’s Policy Template provides a starting framework for systems developing their first programs.
Oklahoma's Plumbing Code Annual Inspection Requirement Applies Statewide
Oklahoma’s Plumbing Code requires annual inspections of all backflow prevention assemblies statewide — regardless of whether a specific city or water district has an active formal cross-connection control program. The state plumbing code creates a baseline requirement that applies to all commercial, industrial, and relevant residential properties through local building code enforcement, even in jurisdictions with minimal utility-level backflow programs.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Oklahoma
Tester credential: ASSE or ABPA certification accepted by most Oklahoma utilities. Confirm specific credential requirements with your utility.
Annual testing: Required by Oklahoma Plumbing Code for all covered assemblies statewide.
Testing procedures: Must follow ASSE 5013, 5015, 5020, 5047, 5048, 5052, 5056, CSA B64.10, or B64.10.1.
Filing: Submit results to your specific water utility. Confirm submission method and deadlines with your utility.
Records: Retain test and maintenance records per your utility’s requirements.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Oklahoma
Find ASSE or ABPA-certified testers accepted by Oklahoma utilities at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/oklahoma-backflow-testing — covering Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Edmond, and all major Oklahoma markets.
Oklahoma Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
ODEQ — Backflow Cross-Connection Policy Template | |
ODEQ — Water Division | |
Oklahoma Plumbing Code 2018 (IPC-based) — Chapter 3 Annual Inspection | |
Oklahoma City Water Utilities — Water Quality | |
Tulsa Public Works — Water and Sewer |