Carlton's Backflow Testing Program
To ensure backflow prevention devices are working properly, Oregon law (OAR 333-061-0070) requires annual testing. Only a state-certified backflow tester can inspect and certify your device. They will ensure it meets safety regulations and functions correctly. Tests are due December 31st.
Previously, the city had a certified backflow tester under contract to perform this annual service. Our customers would pay a fee that was included on the monthly utility bill.
Property owners are now required to hire their own tester that is certified by the Oregon Health Authority. This service is paid for out of pocket and the tester submits the necessary compliance documents to the city. The city is unable to recommend or endorse any specific testers, but a list of certified backflow assembly testers can be located on the Oregon Health Authority's webpage.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the reversal of water or other potentially harmful contaminants from an uncontrolled system back into the distribution pipes of the city’s water supply.
What Causes Backflow to Happen?
When there is a fluctuation in pressure on the city’s main supply line, the water that is sitting in the consumer’s line will flow back to the source to correct that change in pressure. These changes in pressure can be caused by many things including:
- A break in the main line
- Changes in temperature
- Consumer pressure being higher than the system pressure
- Overuse of water on another consumer line
- Use of a fire suppression system
Why is Backflow Harmful?
The city’s water system contains clean, potable water. When there is an addition of other types of systems (cross-connections) problems in public health can arise. In situations where cross connections are present and backflow occurs, chemicals, fertilizers, or other contaminants can be mixed into the drinking water.
How is Backflow Prevented?
Backflow contamination is preventable by installing a backflow prevention assembly. This device acts as a barrier between the city and consumer water lines by allowing water to flow into a consumer line freely but not to flow in the opposite direction. The State of Oregon requires a backflow prevention assembly to be installed on any public or residential lines where a cross-connection is present.
How Do I Know if I Need a Backflow Device?
The most common items that would require the installation of a device are:
- Sprinkler Systems
- Drip Irrigation Systems
- Hot Tubs
- Swimming Pools
- Greenhouses
- Well Pumps from an Additional Source
- Antifreeze Flush Kits
- Insecticide Sprayers that attach to a Garden Hose
- Water Softener Treatment Systems
- Fill Adapters for Waterbeds and Fish Tanks
- Portable Dialysis Machines
Carlton City Code requires all customers with a cross-connection to install and maintain a backflow device to standards set by the State of Oregon. State Statute further requires all installed devices to be tested annually to insure they are in working order.
For more information or to find out if you have a device contact Civic Center staff at (503) 852-7575 or ub [at] ci.carlton.or.us (ub[at]ci[dot]carlton[dot]or[dot]us)