Backflow Testing Program/ Cross Connection:
The Operations Division maintains the City of Newberg’s Backflow Testing Program. Each year notices are mailed to all properties that have cross connections to the public water supply. Property owners must then have their devices tested by State Certified Testers. These Certified Testers submit a report to the City. City staff visit properties through out the city to inspect backflow devices.
What is Backflow ?
Backflow through plumbing connections place the public drinking water at risk. Contaminants, which could be harmful to health, can flow back into the water supply. Cross connections are part of most plumbing systems. In fact, some cross connections actually have to be created in order for some plumbing systems to function properly. Backflow prevention devices are installed to prevent reversal flow back into the potable water system.
Backflow assemblies keep you, your family and our water safe.
The easiest way to keep you and your family safe from the potential hazards of backflow is to not create cross connections in the first place. However, if you do have a cross connection to a lawn sprinkler system, boiler, pool, water feature, have an approved backflow prevention assembly installed. After installation, have the backflow assembly tested by a State Certified Backflow assembly tester. This test is required each year in order to comply with state health and plumbing codes.
Backflow is preventable.
State laws governing water systems require backflow prevention devices to be installed on water lines. Backflow prevention devices are required on the water service connections to all fire and landscape sprinkler systems. The law also requires backflow assemblies in commercial establishments such as hospitals, mortuaries and industrial facilities.
Yes, a backflow assembly is required anywhere connections are made between the potable water supply and non-potable water. An approved, properly installed and maintained backflow assembly eliminates the threat of backflow from either backpressure or backsiphonage.
For More information on backflow prevention or annual testing contact the Cross Connection Specialist at 503-537-1239
See this link for the list of all Oregon Certified testers.
Remember home owners may choose which tester they hire. oregon.gov/DHS/ph/crossconnection/index.shtml
