Backflow Laws: Tennessee
Tennessee Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Tennessee's backflow prevention requirements are administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) through its Fleming Training Center Cross-Connection Control program. The Fleming Training Center issues certificates of competency to backflow assembly testers — Tennessee's distinctive state-issued credential. Tennessee utilizes the current USC-FCCCHR approved assembly list. Nashville Metro Water Services uniquely inspects and tests assemblies itself, billing $50 per device on the customer's water bill. Tennessee American Water adopted BackflowBMP effective 2024. This guide covers TDEC's framework, Nashville MWS's self-service model, Tennessee American Water, City of Franklin, and other major utilities.
Tennessee State Regulatory Framework
Tennessee’s cross-connection control requirements are established under the Tennessee Safe Drinking Water Act, administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources. TDEC holds EPA primacy under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. TDEC’s guidance and procedures are documented in the TDEC Cross-Connection Control Manual (most recent edition prepared by the Division of Water Supply). Key regulatory contacts: Ben Rodriguez, CCC Program Coordinator, at Benjamin.Rodriquez@tn.gov.
Tennessee utilizes the most current USC-FCCCHR List of Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies as the state standard. Assemblies must appear on this list to be used in Tennessee for the protection of a public water system. The list is also available through the Tennessee Division of Water Supply at 615-532-9199 or the Fleming Training Center at 615-898-8090.
Fleming Training Center — Tennessee Tester Certification
The Tennessee Division of Water Resources’ Fleming Training Center administers cross-connection control training and issues certificates of competency to backflow assembly testers. The certificate of competency in the testing of backflow assemblies, as evaluated and issued by TDEC (or its successor), is the standard credential for Tennessee backflow testers. Multiple approved training providers offer both 3-day basic certification courses and 1-day renewal certification classes throughout Tennessee. Approved providers include: Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD), Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 572 (Nashville), Knoxville Plumbing and Steamfitters LU #102, and others. TDEC maintains a dataviewer at its website listing active and inactive backflow prevention assembly testers.
Nashville Metro Water Services' Unique Self-Testing Model
Nashville Metro Water Services (MWS) operates one of the most unusual utility models in the country: MWS itself — or MWS’s contracted inspector — inspects and tests backflow prevention devices annually on behalf of customers, and charges the $50 per device inspection fee directly to the customer’s water bill. Property owners in Nashville do not hire independent testers for most backflow assemblies; MWS schedules and performs the inspections geographically. The re-test fee is $42 per visit. This utility-administered model is similar to the LVVWD model in Nevada and contrasts sharply with most states where property owners hire their own testers.
Major Water Purveyors in Tennessee
Nashville Metro Water Services (MWS)
Metro Water Services serves the City of Nashville and Davidson County — approximately 700,000 people. MWS’s Cross Connection Control Program inspects all commercial and residential backflow devices annually. MWS classifies commercial locations as high hazard or low hazard. High-hazard locations require backflow prevention and annual inspection and testing. Low-hazard locations (e.g., single-story offices with no hazardous connections) may only be visited by MWS a minimum of once every 5 years to check for new hazards.
All backflow devices must be placed directly behind the meter; any other location requires a variance from MWS’s Variance Committee. MWS does not allow lead-containing devices. Nashville’s building permit process for new backflow installation requires a licensed plumber, a Cross Connect Review from MWS (for residential) or the Fire Department (for commercial), and a Codes Department-issued permit. Test results must be submitted to MWS within 10 days of testing for independently tested assemblies.
Tennessee American Water (TAWC)
Tennessee American Water serves communities across Tennessee including portions of the Memphis area, middle Tennessee, and east Tennessee. Effective 2024, all TAWC backflow testers are required to submit tests through the BackflowBMP portal. Customers who have irrigation systems must have and maintain annually backflow prevention devices — specifically an RPZ assembly. Customers currently using a non-RPZ device on their irrigation system received an Irrigation Notice Letter informing them of the requirement to replace the device with an approved RPZ assembly by 2027. Any non-RPZ that fails standard inspection must be replaced immediately rather than repaired. Testers not currently on the approved TAWC list may contact tawc.crossconnection@amwater.com.
City of Franklin Water Management Department
The City of Franklin operates a distinctive cross-connection control program where city water inspectors — employed by the Franklin Water Management Department — test household and commercial backflow prevention devices once a year. The annual testing fee is added directly to the customer’s water bill, similar to Nashville’s model. This is done pursuant to Tennessee state requirements, and Franklin’s Cross Connection Plan is approved by TDEC.
Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW)
MLGW serves the Memphis metropolitan area as a combined municipal utility. Memphis’s cross-connection control program aligns with TDEC requirements, with Fleming Training Center-certified testers performing annual testing for commercial and industrial connections.
Chattanooga Water and Knoxville Utilities Board
Chattanooga’s water system and Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) serve Tennessee’s other major metro areas. Both operate cross-connection programs aligned with TDEC requirements. Annual testing by Fleming Training Center-certified testers is required.
Tennessee American Water 2027 RPZ Mandate for Irrigation
Tennessee American Water has issued a clear mandate: all irrigation systems that currently use a non-RPZ backflow prevention device must be upgraded to a Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) Assembly by 2027. If a non-RPZ irrigation device fails inspection before 2027, immediate replacement is required — no repair is available. Property managers with irrigation systems in TAWC service areas should begin planning their RPZ upgrades now to avoid compliance emergencies when their existing device fails.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Tennessee
Nashville MWS: MWS inspects and tests annually — $50/device on your water bill. Report test results within 10 days for independent tests.
TAWC (2024): Submit tests through BackflowBMP portal. Irrigation systems require RPZ; non-RPZ devices must be replaced by 2027.
Franklin: City inspectors test annually — fee added to water bill.
Fleming certification: All independent testers must hold Fleming Training Center-issued certificates of competency.
USC-FCCCHR assemblies: All assemblies must be on the current USC-FCCCHR approved list.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Tennessee
Find TDEC Fleming Training Center-certified testers at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/tennessee-backflow-testing — covering Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and all major Tennessee markets.
Tennessee Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
TDEC Fleming Training Center — Cross-Connection Control | |
TDEC — Cross-Connection Control Manual | |
TDEC — Dataviewer: Active and Inactive Backflow Assembly Testers | |
Nashville Metro Water Services — Cross Connections Program | |
Tennessee American Water — Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention | |
Tennessee Backflow Prevention Association (TBPA) |