Oregon backflow testing rules
OAR 333-061-0070(1) and (4) (Oregon Health Authority drinking water rules) require water suppliers to run cross connection control programs that meet the state minimums. Community systems also need a local ordinance or enabling authority. Rules are floors; each water system sets its own program.
Who sets the rules in Oregon
Source: Every Oregon water supplier must run a cross connection control program
Is an annual test required?
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.
Source: Assemblies are tested at installation and at least once every 12 months
Which properties need a backflow preventer
OAR 333-061-0070(9)(a): premises listed in Table 46 (Premises Requiring Isolation) need an approved backflow prevention assembly or air gap; other premises with cross connections are evaluated one by one and protected according to Table 47. A supplier may exempt a listed premises with no health hazards.
OAR 333-061-0070(9)(d): when a water supplier chooses premises isolation on a one or two family home with no unprotected cross connection, the supplier installs the assembly at the point of delivery and takes responsibility for its testing, maintenance and repair.
OAR 333-061-0071(6). Residential multipurpose fire sprinkler systems built from potable water piping need no backflow assembly (OAR 333-061-0071(4)).
Source: Premises on the state hazard list must have an assembly or air gap at the service
Who may do the test
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: Only OHA certified testers and journeyman or apprentice plumbers may test; Testers who charge for testing need a contractor license
How the test report is filed
OAR 333-061-0070(16): the tester keeps one copy, gives one to the water user or owner and one to the water supplier, within 10 working days and in a form the supplier accepts.
Source: Test reports go to the water supplier within 10 working days
If a test is missed
OAR 333-061-0070(10)(a): community water systems need a local ordinance or enabling authority that allows shutting off water for failing to remove a cross connection, install, maintain or test a required assembly.
Finding a tester
The Oregon Health Authority's Public Tester List shows certified testers who chose to be listed and report a CCB or LCB license, with phone, county and expiration date. Not every certified tester is on it, and OHA does not check the listed licenses.
Source: OHA publishes a voluntary public list of certified testers
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon rule OAR 333-061-0070(6) requires assemblies to be tested at installation, repair or relocation and at least once every 12 months.