Backflow Device Testing

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of water or other potentially harmful liquids and gases from an uncontrolled system back into the distribution pipes of the City's water supply. 

What Causes Backflow to Happen?

When there is an extreme fluctuation in pressure on the City’s main supply line, the water that is sitting in the consumer’s line will move 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 
• Large changes in temperature 
• The consumer pressure being higher than the system pressure
• Overuse of water on another consumer line
• Use of 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 piping systems, called cross-connections, problems in public health can arise. In situations where cross-connections are present, when 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 a a barrier between the city and consumer water lines by allowing water to flow into a consumer line freely but not to flow 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 Might You Be Affected?

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.

Carlton's Backflow Testing Program

Previously, the City had a certified backflow prevention device tester under contract to perform this annual service our customers for a fee included on the monthly water billing. 

The City has now moved to requiring property owners to provide their own proof of compliance. Property owners will be required to hire your own device tester that has been certified by the Oregon Health Authority under state law. You would pay for this service out of pocket, and your tester would submit 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.