Backflow Testing in Powder Springs, GA

Signs you need backflow help

• A Cobb County notice about an annual test
• A device near the meter or irrigation tap that drips
• A sprinkler system added at a home with no assembly on it
• Old test paperwork that shows the City of Powder Springs instead of Cobb
• A business opening downtown or along C. H. James Parkway

Backflow on Cobb water in Powder Springs

Powder Springs used to run its own water distribution and wastewater collection. Cobb County Water System bought both systems in 2019, and former city customers now get Cobb bills. That also moved backflow to Cobb's program. If your last report was filed with the city, the next one goes to the county.

Cobb's Backflow Prevention Program requires a backflow prevention device on any property with a potential cross-connection that could contaminate the public water system, and every non-residential customer needs a testable assembly on each service connection. Assemblies must be tested once a year by a tester registered with Cobb County, and reports go through the SwiftComply portal. Cobb publishes an approved list of testing companies, and the Backflow Supervisor is at 770-528-3343.

Powder Springs grew around a small historic downtown, with subdivisions built mostly from the 1980s on and a median build year of 1996. Irrigation in those neighborhoods is the usual reason a house needs an assembly. Cobb owns the line from the main to the meter, and the owner is responsible from the meter to the building, assembly included.

The City of Powder Springs requires permits for all new plumbing work through Community Development on Pineview Drive.

What affects the cost

• Test only, or a rebuild and retest
• Double check versus reduced pressure assembly
• Freeze damage requiring replacement
• Number of service connections on a commercial property
• Permit steps for new work

What happens when you call

You'll be put in touch with an independent plumber who serves Powder Springs. Say whether Cobb sent a notice and whether the device is leaking. To have the test filed in the same visit, ask whether the plumber is registered with Cobb County. If the device is spraying, close the irrigation valve and leave the house supply on.