Understanding HB25-1077 & Its Implications for Colorado Backflow Compliance
On March 28, 2025, Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 25-1077 into law. This legislation modernizes Colorado’s backflow prevention standards and clarifies who is authorized to inspect, test, repair, and install these devices. It also introduces a new tagging requirement to ensure service transparency and record accuracy.
These updates are designed to simplify compliance for property owners, contractors, and public water systems while reinforcing protections for Colorado’s drinking water.
Read the full bill on the Colorado General Assembly site
Key Provisions of HB25-1077:
Implementation Timeline
- March 28, 2025 – Law signed by the Governor
- July 1, 2025 – Tagging rules and licensure changes take effect
Authorized Professionals:
The bill permits two groups of professionals to inspect, test, and repair backflow prevention assemblies without requiring a full plumbing license:
- Certified Cross-Connection Control Technicians (CCCTs)
- Licensed plumbers with a valid CCCT certification
Note: Installation or removal of backflow devices still requires a licensed plumber—except when the device is part of a stand-alone fire suppression system.
Annual Testing Threshold
Colorado regulation requires that 90% or more of all backflow assemblies be tested each year. Assemblies missed in one calendar year must be tested in the next. No device may go more than two consecutive years without testing.
New Tagging Requirements (Effective July 1, 2025)
Beginning July 1, 2025, every backflow prevention device that is tested or repaired must be tagged with the following:
- Business name and contact info
- Date of service
- Description of work performed
- ASSE or ABPA certification number of the technician
- Plumbing contractor registration or master plumber license number (if applicable)
NOTE: Multiple services may be recorded on a single tag if all required data is clearly included.
Enforcement and Oversight
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is not responsible for enforcing these tagging requirements. Instead, compliance is managed by licensed professionals and public water systems. Sanitary surveys may be used to verify records and enforce compliance indirectly.
How to Stay Compliant
- Hire certified professionals for inspections and testing
- Ensure you meet the 90% annual testing benchmark
- Implement the new tagging protocol by July 1, 2025
- Maintain accurate and accessible service documentation
- Use licensed plumbers for any device installations or removals
What Types of Devices Are Covered?
HB25-1077 applies to backflow prevention devices in the following systems:
- Domestic water systems
- Fire suppression systems
- Irrigation systems
See our full guide on backflow preventer types
Integrity Fire Safety Services Can Help
Our team of certified and licensed professionals is fully prepared to support you with HB25-1077 compliance. We offer:
- Backflow device testing, repairs, and inspections
- Professional tagging and record documentation
- Installation support for both residential and commercial systems
Schedule your free consultation today to stay ahead of these regulatory changes.
