Backflow Testing in Douglasville, GA

Who runs backflow in Douglasville?

The Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority, known as WSA. The city's water service page sends residents there, and WSA describes itself as Douglas County's sole water provider. It was created in 1985 after buying both the city's and the county's systems. Its backflow rules apply to every customer, inside the city and out.

What does WSA expect from homeowners?

Customers must install and maintain backflow protection at their own expense, though WSA provides the device itself for residential installations. Every device must be tested once a year by a certified tester chosen from WSA's list, and the results go to WSA. The authority is direct about the stakes: service can be suspended if test reports are not provided. WSA owns the meter and the lines in the road right-of-way, while the homeowner owns the water and sewer lines from the meter to the house, which is where the device sits.

What if my device fails or I'm adding irrigation?

Douglasville grew mostly in the 1990s and 2000s along I-20, and the median home dates to 2001, so many houses off Douglas Boulevard and around Arbor Place have irrigation from the builder. A failed test usually means worn checks or seals, which a plumber can rebuild before the tester runs it again. If you're adding sprinklers or moving a device, that's plumbing work: the City of Douglasville Building Division takes plumbing permit applications through its BS&A Online portal, and homeowners can apply for some permits themselves. For homes outside city limits with a Douglasville mailing address, the permit comes from Douglas County instead.

An assembly that sits above ground near the street is exposed to the coldest nights of the year. Drain the sprinkler side in late fall and wrap the device, because a cracked body cannot be rebuilt and means a full replacement before the next test.

A Douglasville note

Because WSA can suspend service over missing reports, don't let a reminder sit. When you call, say whether you need the test, a repair or both, and ask whether the plumber is on WSA's certified tester list so the report can be filed in the same visit. Have the device's location and tag details handy, and close the irrigation valve if it's leaking.