| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Varies by assembly - confirm in your quote |
| Time | Annual testing required; tester certification renews every 3 years |
| Who's qualified | State certified backflow prevention tester with a current DES certification card |
North Charleston, SC: what's different here
North Charleston sits in Charleston County, about 6 miles and roughly 10 minutes by car from Charleston via the main highway. South Carolina DES has listed tester certification classes locally at the North Charleston Convention Center, including one dated June 9-12, 2026. That local training availability helps keep certified backflow testers active in the area. Property owners there still need annual tests to stay compliant with state rules.
What Is a City Backflow Compliance Report in North Charleston?
A city backflow compliance report documents that a backflow prevention assembly was tested and passed. South Carolina Regulation R.61-58 requires each assembly to be tested after installation and before use by the customer. The report is what your water utility reviews to confirm the assembly protects the drinking water supply.
Who Can Sign a City Backflow Compliance Report in North Charleston?
Only a state certified backflow prevention tester can perform the test. South Carolina DES defines a certified tester as a person holding an up-to-date backflow prevention assembly tester certification card issued by the Department. Ask the pro we refer for proof of licence, insurance and that current certification card.
How Do Testers Get Certified for North Charleston Backflow Work?
The South Carolina tester certification course is a 4-day class, and certification is earned after a proctored practical exam and a written exam. Midlands Technical College lists an estimated tuition of $699.00 for its backflow tester course, not including fees and equipment. The state processing fee is $150.00 per certification.
How Often Is Backflow Testing Required in North Charleston?
Annual testing is required for backflow prevention assemblies in South Carolina, unless a specific exception applies. Tester certification itself must be renewed every 3 years. The recertification fee may not exceed $50.00 under Regulation R.61-58.
What to do next
- Ask the tester to show a current South Carolina backflow prevention assembly tester certification card issued by the Department.
- Schedule the test so each assembly is tested after installation and before use, then annually, per Regulation R.61-58.
- Request a written quote that lists the test itself, the compliance report, and any filing your water utility requires.
- If a tester's card is near expiration, point them to the DES certification list - recertification costs no more than $50.00.
- Call (843) 286-4721 or email [email protected] for a free quote from a licensed, insured local backflow tester.
CHS Backflow is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
