Water utilities manage backflow programs but rarely perform testing themselves — that's where you come in. Testers who build strong, professional relationships with utility staff get more referrals, encounter fewer submission rejections, and often become the go-to recommendation when property owners call the utility asking for a tester. Here's how to become the tester your local utility trusts and recommends.
Why Utility Partnerships Matter
Water utilities are the gatekeepers of the backflow testing ecosystem. Their perception of you affects your business directly.
Partnership Benefits
- Referrals: Utilities receive calls from property owners who need a tester — your name gets mentioned first
- Fewer rejections: When utility staff know you submit clean, complete reports, they process yours faster
- Program influence: Utilities value input from professional testers when updating their programs
- Market intelligence: Utilities know about new development, enforcement actions, and upcoming requirements
Understanding Utility Priorities
To be a valued partner, understand what utility cross-connection control programs care about most.
Utility Goals
- Public health protection: Their primary mission — safe drinking water for the community
- High compliance rates: They need property owners to test on time to meet regulatory benchmarks
- Accurate data: Clean records for state regulatory reporting and audits
- Minimal complaints: Smooth program administration with as few issues as possible
How Testers Can Help
Position yourself as a utility partner, not just another contractor.
Partnership Actions
- Submit accurate, complete reports promptly — this alone puts you ahead of most testers
- Educate property owners about requirements rather than leaving them confused
- Report program violations you discover during testing (unprotected cross-connections)
- Attend utility training sessions and workshops — shows commitment to the program
- Provide feedback when submission processes could be improved — be constructive, not critical
Getting on Preferred Tester Lists
Many utilities maintain directories of certified testers they recommend to property owners.
How to Get Listed
- Request inclusion in utility tester lists and directories
- Maintain current certification documentation on file with the utility
- Respond professionally and quickly to any complaints routed through the utility
- Participate in utility-sponsored events, training, and outreach programs
- Keep your gauge calibration certificate current and on file
Communication Best Practices
Build relationships through consistent professionalism in every interaction.
Relationship Building
- Learn utility staff names and their specific roles in the program
- Ask about preferred communication methods and follow them
- Provide constructive feedback on program improvements when asked
- Thank staff for their assistance — simple courtesy goes a long way
- Be patient with busy staff during peak compliance seasons
Strong utility relationships complement your marketing efforts. See our marketing guide for more strategies.
Conclusion
Utility partnerships are a long-game strategy that pays dividends year after year. Clean submissions, professional communication, and genuine helpfulness turn utility staff into your biggest advocates. This is marketing you can't buy — and your competitors probably aren't doing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I introduce myself to the local water utility?
Call or email the cross-connection control department and introduce yourself as a new (or existing) certified tester in their jurisdiction. Ask about their submission requirements, preferred formats, and any tester registration process. Request a brief meeting to understand their program better. Most utility staff appreciate engaged testers.
What if I disagree with a utility's requirements?
Approach disagreements professionally and privately. Request a meeting to understand the rationale behind the requirement. If you still disagree, provide data or industry standards that support your position. Never argue publicly or through reports. Utilities respect testers who engage constructively.
Can being on a preferred list guarantee me work?
Being on a preferred list doesn't guarantee work, but it generates warm leads. When property owners call the utility asking "who should I hire to test my backflow?", your name comes up. These referrals convert at much higher rates than cold outreach because they come with implied utility endorsement.