Portland Water Bureau: backflow testing rules

Who must test

• Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested each year by a state-certified backflow assembly tester, and the property owner is responsible for scheduling the test. Source.
• Many commercial properties and some residential properties need backflow prevention, including properties with lawn irrigation, fire sprinklers, water features, pools, hot tubs, solar heating, private wells, and boilers. Source.

Notices and deadlines

• The Water Bureau sends property owners a reminder letter about testing each year, with sticker labels that help process the test report. Residential customers should test each spring when the letter arrives. Source.

How the report is filed

• The tester submits the backflow test report to the Water Bureau within 10 business days. Source.
• Certified testers submit reports by email (PDF to backflow@portlandoregon.gov) or by mail to Portland Water Bureau, Attn: Backflow Assembly Records, 664 N Tillamook Street, Portland, OR 97227. No online portal is named. Source.

Tester registration

• Owners find a certified tester on the Oregon Health Authority's list; the Water Bureau does not perform tests and does not recommend specific companies. No separate utility registration is stated. Source.

Fees

• Installations must be inspected by a Portland Water Bureau Water Quality Inspector, and a backflow inspection fee must be paid. Source.

If a test is missed

• If an owner refuses to install, test, or maintain a required assembly, or to comply with a correction notice, the Portland Water Bureau may shut off water service without further notice. Source.

Program

• The Portland Water Bureau runs a backflow prevention and cross-connection control program; state law and City Code require assemblies on properties with irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, or other cross-connection risks. Source.

Read October 6, 2026. Program page: portland.gov.

Certified backflow testers near Portland

All certified testers near Portland · Oregon roster