State Water Resources Control Board of CA

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is California's statewide drinking-water authority; through its Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, it sets the baseline requirement that anyone testing meter protection backflow assemblies be certified by a Board-recognized organization. 

From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, backflow assembly testers and cross-connection control specialists must be certified by a certification organization recognized in California to meet the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook requirements (CCCPH, §3.4.1(a), (c)). Organizations that want to certify testers can apply to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to be recognized.

Beginning July 1, 2027, the bar goes up again: only organizations that are ANSI-accredited to the ISO/IEC 17024 standard for certifying people can be used for compliance (CCCPH §3.4.1(d) and §3.4.2(d)). This accreditation applies to the certification itself, not to training courses.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) has historically run its own tester certification program for the county. Because these requirements are changing — an LADPH certificate alone will no longer qualify a tester for meter protection assemblies as of July 1, 2026

"The Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook now requires that anyone testing meter protection backflow assemblies obtain a certificate issued by a Water Board-recognized organization. After careful consideration, Public Health has determined that it is unable to qualify as a Water Board-recognized organization. Public Health is unable to meet the requirements of the Water Board to become a recognized organization for certifying Testers.

Effective July 1, 2026 (unless further amended by the Water Board), Public Health's certification for a backflow prevention assembly Tester is no longer recognized for testing meter protection backflow assemblies. Public Health is still authorized to maintain a certification program for Testers who limit their activities to internal backflow prevention assemblies, which are intended to protect the potable water system within the building."

Looking for a tester?

Use the  LA County Certified Testers list as a starting point and confirm they hold a current State Water Board–recognized certification.

An LA County certificate alone no longer qualifies a tester for meter protection backflow testing as of July 1, 2026. Confirm that any tester you hire holds a current State Water Board–recognized certification (ABPA, ASSE 5110, or CA-NV AWWA) — which must also be ISO 17024–accredited beginning July 1, 2027.

Make Sure Your Tester Is Registered with KID

Backflow testers must register with Kinneloa Irrigation District (KID) and have their credentials verified before testing any assembly in our service area.  A tester may register with KID and submit their credentials for verification here.