Backflow testing in Eugene and Springfield

Who has to test in Eugene and Springfield

The rule depends on the utility that sends your water bill. Each line below is from that utility's own page.

• Eugene Water & Electric Board: The state of Oregon and EWEB require the installation and annual testing of all backflow prevention assemblies.
• Springfield Utility Board: Homes with irrigation sprinklers, booster pumps, boilers, geothermal heating, or medical equipment need assemblies; commercial, industrial, public, and multifamily (more than 4 units) users must also comply.

Sources: Eugene Water & Electric Board; Springfield Utility Board

How each utility takes the test report

Most utilities here take the report online through a vendor portal; the tester files it. Open a utility for its own deadline, filing steps and fees.

What testing costs in Eugene and Springfield

These are amounts the utility or a company published on its own page, shown as published, never averaged.

• Eugene Water & Electric Board: Commercial customers can sign up for EWEB-facilitated testing; a state-certified contractor is assigned and the testing fee is added to the EWEB bill after results are received. Residential Good as Gold customers pay the tester directly. No dollar amount is stated.
• Springfield Utility Board, Springfield: Springfield Utility Board typical irrigation double check test cost, $35 to $50 (date not shown).

Sources: Eugene Water & Electric Board; Springfield Utility Board, Springfield

If the test is missed

• Eugene Water & Electric Board: A failed assembly must be repaired as soon as possible and not more than 10 days after the failed test.
• Springfield Utility Board: If no action is taken after notice, SUB may shut off water service until a test is scheduled, passed and verified. Failed assemblies must be repaired or replaced and retested within 10 days.

Sources: Eugene Water & Electric Board; Springfield Utility Board

Oregon rules behind the local programs

State rules set the minimum; the utilities above add their own deadlines and tester registration.

• OAR 333-061-0070(6): tests happen at installation, repair or relocation, at least every 12 months, more often for assemblies that keep failing or protect health hazards, and after a backflow incident. Testers must use a currently calibrated gauge.
• OAR 333-061-0072(1) and (2): field tests may be done only by testers certified by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), or by journeyman or apprentice plumbers who have completed an approved backflow tester course.
• OHA: a tester who tests for a fee, or the company the tester works for, must hold a Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or Landscape Contractors Board (LCB) license.

Sources: Oregon rule; Oregon rule; Oregon rule